Tuesday, 8 February 2011

Our venturers are almost here!

Our venturers are en route as I type. Many will be excited, many will be petrified, many will be nervous. For some this is their first time away from home so this is a huge trip to the other side of the world. But it will be an adventure they'll never forget.

So, if you know someone who is coming out to us on 11C expedition, leave a message at the bottom in the comments box (include their full name) and we'll make sure it's passed on when they get here. 

And after weeks of preparation we're ready! Here we are all together before the venturers arrive:

The 11C expedition is the biggest we've ever had in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and one of the largest in Raleigh's history. It's a huge challenge to run so many projects at the same time, with 38 volunteer managers and around 160 venturers, but we're up for it.

Pura Vida 11C!

71 comments:

  1. Andy brown.... hi son hope the journey wasnt to tiring 4 u been thinking of u all day ,been tracking your flights WELL DONE THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!! loves ya lots MUM & NAN XXXXXXXXXX

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  2. Could this be passed on to Mae Chester-Jones please!

    Hope you had a safe journey there my love and managed to watch some good things on the plane. Got my net back so will be following all your work on here!! we're all so jealous and excited for you!! hope you have an amazing time, remember to keep oiled up at all times ;) LAD it up in costa rica BABESSS love you! xxx

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  3. To Jennifer McGowan, Hope the trip was Ok and you have managed to carry that back pack! Have a fabulous time and we will be looking for you on the blog, Mum and Dad

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  4. Post for Catherine Ewins
    Hi again Minxy
    Hopefully the journey getting there was fun and not too stressful. We'll both be checking in on the site and hope to catch a few pics of you out there with your new friends. Never mind if your hair goes curly - no straightners HA. Post you again soon. Love Mum and Peter

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  5. Angela and Kelvin Gwilt
    Message for Alan Gwilt
    Hope the journey was ok and you are looking forward to all the challenges and fun in Costa Rica. Will keep you up to date with Utd!

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  6. For: Martha Gray

    Well done, getting yourself to the other side of the world on your own. By now you will have met up with everyone and be at the start of an amazing adventure. I know you will have a fantastic time.....make the most of every minute!
    Lots of love Mum & Dad xxx

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  7. Martha Gray
    Hope nothing escaped from that blooming bag! Have a fabulous time and don't bring any snakes home! LOL&lol Joonnifer x

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  8. Message for Holly Edwards:
    Hello Darling, really hope you had a good flight and met up with lots of new fellow expeditionists!! Hope this message comes through you know i'm not the most I.T. literate. We are both really excited for you but still worry at the same time. I know you will have great fun and work hard too. Everyone is okay here, missing you already but will feel better if i hear you've arrived safely. Have a FABULOUS time and look after each other. love M&D.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  9. Message For Holly:

    Hi HOLPOL, tried to leave a blog but this one probably won't work either!! Nevermind these computer things will never catch on, i'll scratch ink on paper soon. Really miss you but glad you are on your way to a trip of a lifetime. Look after yourself, i'll keep this short as i don't seem to be able to make tehm save!!! love you darling, lookafter each other and have a fabulous time. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  10. Anne Havenga

    Hi Anne. Ik hoop dat je een beetje bent bijgekomen van de reis na deze korte nacht. Nu is het dan echt begonnen. Geniet! Het wordt vast en zeker fantastisch. XP+M

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  11. To Sabina Bagpuss Bridge, I woke to find the sink full of washing up, the larder empty and only clean jimjam (top) to wear.... Is it something I said? Eggy xx PS Letter in post excusing you from PE Cross country running and getting up in the mornings osx

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  12. A message for Hugh MacDonald ...... Grace, Lydia and Eleanor want to let you know they hope you have a great time, and Grace would still like you to bring back her Puma please. Have fun Uncle Hugh, love Grace, Lydia and Nelly x

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  13. Val & John Haworth9 February 2011 at 04:32

    Louise Simpson Project 11C
    Hi Lou! Bet you're just a bit tired after the long flight - we tracked u all day & are exhausted!! What an experience - & the best is yet to come! Be happy, keep safe AND ENJOY!!XXu
    G n G, Norfolk

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  14. Freddy Soames

    Hi Freddy we all miss you already and hope you had a
    Good flight, I hope you have a wonderful time and
    We will make sure to postcard you or leave comments on
    Here.
    Say hi to the parrots for me!
    Love u, tasha xxxxx

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  15. A message from Pam Lee
    Please pass on to James Lee
    Hope you had a good journey and managed to get some sleep. I could have slept in the office after the early morning, you know what a light weight I am :) I hope you soon settle in. Enjoy your new surroundings and make the most of the sunshine as it is a grey day here!! x x xx x

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  16. to Harm van der Wal,

    Thank you for the SMS on your arrival. Hope you will be soon adjusted to Costa Rica time and place.
    Love you, Mama

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  17. To Duaa Al-Uzairy ... We hope you had a safe journey! we miss you and have been thinking about you since you left! you have all of our support and we are all very excited for you! we will be tracking all your progress from here. Let the big adventure begin! stay safe and we are always here rooting for you! Love you very much. From the two big sisters and mummy

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  18. Dunia González!

    gorda.. que le vaya super bien! mandese a Achuapa y a cualquiera de esos treks que están bien chuzos, guana o corcovado... igual lo que sea que le toque va a ver que es la pura buena vibra aunque sea sin trek... lo importante es el grupo...la voy a seguir en blog obvio...un abrazo... y recuerde RUBISH, LOO ROLL, HEADTOUCH CAN I BORROW... BLEBLE TE AMO GORDA

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  19. Please pass this message to Max Chalong. Thank you!
    Hi Maxi,thanks for the texts. Glad you arrived safely, hope you're not too tired. Hope you have the most amazing time and meet lots of fab people.
    Thinking of you always. Love you loads,
    Mum, Dad, Ally and Gran!
    xxxxxxxx

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  20. Naomi Morrice - Hi Mimi - you did it! You must be so chuffed. Thank you for the lovely card - it made me cry - again! Hope your flights were ok and you are not too shattered. It is very quiet at home but I'm not missing E4!
    Hope you settle in ok and have made friends with people already. The world is your oyster now - enjoy! Loads of love Mum and Dan xxxxxxxx

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  21. Hi Anita Boyd
    How was your journey??
    Happy you arrived safely. We are still in Las Vegas. You have fun!! Lots of it!!
    Ashleys sends her love too.
    Lots of love !! Mum.

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  22. For Sarah Lamming - Hope you had a good flight. Mum informed of your progress. Enjoy your time Nan and Grandad

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  23. Sandra and David9 February 2011 at 12:37

    Please pass this message on to Scott Baxter.
    Hi Honey - Hope the flights went well and that your adrenalin is still high.
    We wish you fun, great discoveries and good memories.
    Love
    Mom and Dad

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  24. ANITA Boyd
    Hello annie! i hope you got my first message. if not, i am happy you arrived safely. Have fun and we are all thinking of you. Ash sends her love.
    love mum.

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  25. To:Louise Simpson project 11C

    Hi Louise, sorry we missed ur party. Wishing you a wonderful adventure. Enjoy every minute, have fun and take care. We will look forward to hearing all about your trip so remember every second of it!

    Love Lynn & Simon Wakefield xxxx

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  26. Please pass on to Caroline Murray From Judith and Alistair Murray

    Hi Caro

    Have tried a few times to blog but not sure if they are getting through so here's another one. Lovely to receive your texts and to know you have arrived. Seeing the blog being updated by the leaders is brilliant and what you will be doing sounds amazing. All well here and Oscar is so far behaving himself! Will speak again v soon. Lots of love Mum and Dad xxxxxx

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  27. For Adam Chalkley
    Hope the trip went OK and you arrived safely. Mark was checking on the flight progress last night. England 1 - 1 at half time but could be losing!
    Have a great time and Mark says don't get Dengue (or something like that) fever.
    Do keep in touch, we are all missing you.
    From Mum and Dad

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  28. Tim Niehe

    lieve apenzoon, cocacola mmmmmmmmmmmmmm, prokovife.........love you! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXK&I&A&A&B&B

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  29. For Hannah Leach.
    Hi Darling. Glad to hear that everyone arrived safely. Missing you heaps and heaps already, but I know you will have a blast. Can't wait to hear all about it. Have fun and keep safe. Love you. Hugs and kisses Mum

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  30. For Megan Illingworth
    Hi Megs
    You've made it !! Well done, We are really proud of you, you are going to have an amazing time make the most of it
    Love you loads
    Mum Dad and Lucy xxxx

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  31. to Tim Niehe:

    Liefst apenzoon, coca cola mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,
    prokovife.....................
    Love you, big hug K&I&A&A&B&B

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  32. Fiona Illingworth9 February 2011 at 15:02

    Message for Meg Illingworth

    Hey Megs!!

    Hope you're getting over the jet lag and caught up on some sleep!! Hope you have an amazing time and we will keep checking on here to see how you are getting on!!

    Lots of love Mum, Dad and Lucy xxx

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  33. For Abi Tyer-
    Hi Abi hope the flights went ok and you got some sleep. just checked arrivals looks like you are behind schedule a bit. Try and let us know when you have arrived. Thinking of you Lots of Love Mum and Immy xxx

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  34. Abigail Tyer

    Hi Abi, Hope you have arrived safely! Been thinking about your journey all day.... just been out to dinner in but tempted to go back into town for a Time piece night! Hope you liked the book of messages, collect more as you travel from people you meet!
    Let us know how you get on, post on the way!
    lots of love your best sister Emily! (Imogen will be jealous!) xxxxx

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  35. herre van der Wal9 February 2011 at 15:35

    hay Harm van der Wal,

    Nice to be sure you've arrived safely.
    Have a super cool time in the costa.

    your dad

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  36. TIM NIEHE
    joehoe liefste apenzoon, coca cola mmmmmmmmmmmmm,
    what do you know about the apad............
    love you,big hug, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxK&I&A&A&B&B

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  37. Rebecca Eno, Project 11Ca
    Much love munchkin, be good. I'll keep you updated with my exciting life and the saga of the chicken tagine...
    Emily xxx

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  38. Mags Chilaev:

    HELLO!! I've made Raleigh my home page so... let's just say you're in league with the jin, Medik. Needless to say I miss you insanely already, this morning was quite surreal - Donaldina was absolutely devastated to discover that her tickets to the gun show aren't valid until 18th May. But she will keep in touch. Anyway, please let me know how you are and if phone card option fails, do resort to the usual methods of telepathy, I have released the doves in case of emergency. BIG LOVE xxxxxxxxx

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  39. For Holly Edwards
    Hi Hol, really glad to hear you arrived safely!! Hope you are having a fabulous time already. Not much happening here, Dad and I are trying not to mope! I came back today and the kitchen was how i left it and last night i got to wear my own boots, which was weird as i almost called up the stairs to ask you if i could: )
    Hope you can blog soon and hope you've already met some like minded lunatics and not a bus full of peeps thinking it was a coach to a surf shack venture or something? ha ha. Miss you darling, enjoyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  40. Mags chilaev

    hey man, gutted about your short board being confiscated, what a bummer dude. same happened to Andy last year in Indo, looks like they're tightening up with the rules already.
    swell is awesome here in NZ, really picked up last night, so stoked, 9.5ft at westport!! heard the nicoya peninsula down your ends isn't looking too bad either, try to hold out for those first few weeks haha! see you soon man

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  41. For Chris Reynolds.
    Hope the flights were OK. Went to the show tonight which was great thanks. Have a great time, & make the most of it. Will follow things on the blog. Love Mum, Dad, & Alan xx

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  42. Tim Niehe

    Liefste jongste zoon, zoals je ziet houden wij het blog heel goed in de gaten, zo leuk om te zien!
    De berichtjes werden de hele tijd 'geweigerd', maar uiteindelijk stonden ze er wel op. Vandaar een paar keer dezelfde, haha..
    We volgen je een paar keer per dag! Geniet!Ook van Janny, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  43. for Emily vd Bunt
    He schatje heerlijk dat je goed aangekomen bent en lekker in de bush zit. Hoop je snel op een foto tegen te komen....geniet en super veel plezier! kussssssssssssssssssssss

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  44. for Robbie Coates
    glad to see from blog that you've all arrived safely. Hope you are enjoying all the singing and dancing! Kitty loving your duvet, every day so far and is there now. Thinking of you and look forward to seeing what project you will be on. Off for lunch with the girls now. Take care and enjoy the experience. Love mum xx

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  45. To: Emilie Kielstra

    Lieve Emilie, Dank voor je bericht dat je veilig bent aangekomen! Hoop dat de jet-lag meevalt en dat je meteen van alles kan genieten! De foto's en video van de aankomst van de nieuwe groep venturers op dit blog laten een uitbundige ontvangst zien en ik hoop dat jullie in deze vrolijke sfeer de komende weken gaan samenwerken en plezier hebben! Wat zal je veel meemaken! Hier thuis gaan we het Raleigh-blog zeker volgen, maar ik hoop dat je ook je eigen blog af en toe kunt rondsturen! We zijn jaloers op je! Hou je taai, veel liefs van ons 3-en, xxx mam

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  46. For Claudia Mendzil

    Hi Claud. We saw that the flights went pretty much to schedule. Hope you've been able to get some rest and are now looking forward to your first full day. Missing you loads. Have a brilliant time. Love Mum and Dad.

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  47. Hazel Foley,

    Yay you made it safely, even after the delays! How good was your New York bagel?! On behalf of all the Lincoln lot have an awesome adventure! On behalf of just me be careful please :D at least we can see what kind of hi jinks you'll be getting up to on this blog! Miss me? I miss you loads already! Love Jody xxxx

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  48. Hi Alex, sounds like your'e going to have a great time, looking at the web page. Arnie getting better each day. Didn't win at golf today. Dad in London back tomorrow. Vi and Joyce asking about you and also Cosgroves. Lots of love , thinking of you loads. Mum,Dad, Seb and Arnie xxxx

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  49. For Kitty Drake

    Kitty - damn, your birthday/leaving supper was fun! what a great family you all are. thinking of you over there, doubtless having a lot of good times. watched a video thing of people arriving and doing a mexican wave on the website, but couldn't spot you. No exciting Sim stories to recount I'm afraid, it is February after all and jolly things really only start happening in the Spring. London is exceedingly dull without you. lots of love, sim xxx

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  50. message for Esmie Warne
    Glad you are there safe, cant wait to hear all about it, what an adventure! All fine here just quiet! Love you loads.
    Mum, Dad, Beth and Molly

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  51. Harriet Marsh 11Ca arrived 9/2/2011
    Hope flight ok. Enjoy yourself.
    Dad

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  52. Jim and Pili Tennant
    For Dawn Tennant.
    Hi Dawn, hope the flights were ok and is not too humid and hot. Daniel got to Oz ok too. He is already on line. Check your mail if you can. Baby Harry says 'hello'! Have a great time. Lots of love. M&D Besos. xxxxxxxx

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  53. for meg illingworth
    glad to hear u got there safe and sound, hope u get a nice tan while ure out there. will keep looking on here to see how ure getting on and making lots of new friends. keep it up speak to u soon.
    matt xxxx

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  54. For Rose Ashbourn
    Hi, hope your flights were OK. Everything is fine here apart from the wet weather. I have been to Worcester and back today. Looking forwrd to seeing messages on this blog about your grop. Found I cannot look at blogs on my work laptop so will have to follow from home or wherever I am next week when I am away a lot! XX Mum

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  55. For Sophie Abdy
    Hi Munchkin, Glad to hear you arrived safely. Have posted rubber stop on walking pole, I found it in the driveway just before Digby! I hope it gets to you before your trek. Woody & Digby send you sloppy kisses. House strewn with Raleigh cast offs, very bereft. Have loads of fun. Love you loads. Mum and Dad.

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  56. Mags Chilaev

    Mags, mummy and daddy are missing you very much. big soppy kisses and lots of love and more hugs and another wet kiss for you and lots more tender loving

    (I know that's what they would have wanted)
    miss you 1000^infinity quadrupled (haz yiag kor'yay hun haz khant?) xxxxxxxxxx
    p.s. weather here is awful, it's been raining since you left boohooo

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  57. Please pass this message to Kitty Drake 11C
    Hope all goes well. My first message does not seem to have come up yet....was v proud, as thought I had got in fast! Looked for you on the video and photos but no sign of you yet. Sim has tried to send you a message. Look after yourself and have a wonderful time. Love Bxx

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  58. For Rosanna Lorrison
    Hola hija. Hope you are enjoying yourself. Glad you arrived safely. Te quiero mucho. Mxx

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  59. Message for David Ford

    Hope the journey was not too tiring but glad to read that you have all arrived safely. Sarah off to her interview today - fingers crossed. The blog looks great so we will be able to keep up with what you are all doing. Have fun!
    All our love Mum and Sarah x

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  60. JOANNE HUDDIE

    Whilst you're in the jungle, find me a COCONUT!!
    Love you, thinking of you, xxx

    ReplyDelete
  61. Message for Yuri Nishikawa 11C

    Hi Yuri,
    How are you? Daddy came back home today. We are all missing you !!!
    Hope you have a fantastic time!
    Love Mum, Michi and the cats

    ReplyDelete
  62. For Jessy Maya Boon Cowler in 11C. I hope that this one comes through Bee, the last one didn't... I LOVED seeing you dancing in the film, bless whoever took it, you looked so happy. It's going to be wonderful, well done you. Love you Sweeb! Mum XXX

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  63. For Angharad Bevan.
    Glad to hear you arrived safely. Fingers crossed the gi-normous back pack did too! Hope the jet lag has worn off and you are settling into the big adventure. Take care. Love you lots. Mum & Robin XXX

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  64. Para nana, tuti y mau. . . Muchos exitos en la aventura!! Disfruten muchisimo, aqui los estaremos stockeando siempre jajaja para ver q todo salga bien y cuan hechos lena estan!! :)

    Pura vida

    JUANPITA

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  65. MAGS!!!!! So happy that you have arrived safe and sound but miss you sooooooooooo much. this place jus isn't the same without !!! hope you're havin an AMAZING time and never forget the abc's of life ;) lots of love SABZZZZZ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  66. To Rose Ashbourn, Delta 4

    No sign of Heidi - suspect she's missing you. The house looks very tidy. Cycle jumble went off well although parting with well loved bits and pieces is always sorrowful!

    Pleased that you arrived ok. Your project looks exciting. Climb the peak. We are all missing you. Mum away for 10 days. Sunny day today. Going down to Aylesbury for Ryan's birthday on Thursday.

    Love Dad xxxx

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  67. Herma van der Wal15 February 2011 at 01:05

    voor Harm van der Wal

    We hebben je locatie voor je project opgezocht in de Lonely Planet gids: mooie plek! Lukt het werken wat en kan je met je Spaans goed terecht? Vandaag zal ik een brief gaan schrijven voor als je weer in Turialba komt ( denk ik). We denken elke dag aan jou en je prachtig avontuur. Liefs, Mama

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  68. To Lorna - Team Leader Delta 1
    Hola Lorena!
    Pasar un buen rato con su nuevo equipo, los hacen trabajar duro, jugar duro, pero mantenerlos bajo control! Mantenga seco! Mucho amor, Rodney

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  69. Philip Ashbourn5 March 2011 at 08:38

    TO ROSE ASHBOURN

    Thanks for the emails. Delighted all going well. Out with Team MK this morning - first time for 7 months but managed to hang on. The cat is missing you but always purrs for me - she might be missing you.

    Pleased you climbed the peak. Hope you took photos. No T shirt!

    Take care. Love Dad

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  70. Meg illingworth
    Hey meg hope ure well looks like ure have a great time out there in the hot sun. We have the mixed winter league in the bag for sure!!!! Trophy for us. Keep working hard and speak soon.
    Matt xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  71. Philip Ashbourn13 April 2011 at 11:45

    TO ROSE ASHBOURN, DELTA YANKEE 5

    Saw today's blog (13 April). Pleased that your group is having good experiences. Painted Sarah's shed yesterday. Today much colder - always at the start of the cricket season. Claire 4 months pregnant.
    Love Dad and missing you xxx

    Philip Ashbourn

    ReplyDelete

Hi,

Thank you for visiting our blog. Comments are monitored daily and we will ensure messages are promptly delivered to your loved ones. Please ensure you state the name of the person to whom your message is addressed. This is so we don't miss any out. Muchas gracias!

Pura Vida!