Raleigh Costa Rica and Nicaragua: They've arrived!

Wednesday, 9 February 2011

They've arrived!

We have our second batch of 11C venturers! Everyone who flew out on 8th February has arrived safely, even if their feet have hardly touched the ground. A tired but happy group disembarked from buses early this morning to an amazing reception from our host country volunteers and volunteer managers:

It's been a busy day of getting to know each other over admin, swim tests, radio training, project slideshows, singing and dancing.

The atmosphere is electric and everyone is in high spirits preparing for an early start when the Alpha projects venturers will find out what they'll be working on followed by, gulp, a night of jungle camp. Come back tomorrow for news on our final arrivals, the venturers assigned to the Delta projects. Pura Vida!

21 comments:

Anonymous10 February 2011 at 01:25
to TIM NIEHE

He liefste apenzoon,
Coca Cola mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,
What do you know about the Apad?
Love you, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx K&I&A&A&B&B
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Sarah Bedford10 February 2011 at 01:45
To: Maria Bedford
Just watched the blog video of the arrival welcome - Singing? Clapping? Dancing? Conga? Mexican wave? How very jolly! Can't see you in the video - hope you got there okay and are coping with everything. All good here - thinking of you - lots of love from Mum xxx
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Dave Bridge10 February 2011 at 03:12
Hi Sabina Kaspa Bridge, I've scrutinised the blogs photo's and video : group ice breakers inc conga eel dancing and mexican wave inside a long tropical tin hut. Searching for that familiar mannerism, the wrinkles, the Cutty Sark tattoo and the soft eyes that light up our world in a second ... yet I've not found ANY !!! Annoy a camera person and reveal yourself!! Love eggy xx
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Marwa10 February 2011 at 03:53
Please put more pictures of them! I couldn't spot my loved one! the reception looks amazing! keep up the good work.
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CEM10 February 2011 at 11:45
Nicola Milner 11Ca

Heeeeeeellllllllooooooooo Nicola
It's char, dad has just told me to write to you..
M&D are just in Jsy harbour about to go to France skiing. They hope you have arrived safely and are having a good time! They send there love x x

My turn.. I'm so incredibly jealous of you, i wish i could have come in your bag!! love you lots and hope your having an amazing time. xxxxx <3
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Anonymous10 February 2011 at 12:48
for caroline murray from mum and dad

Hi Caro Just seen the first photo of you arriving in your shorts! It must be hot! Sounds like its fun already. Will comment again soon. Lots of love Mum dad Oscar Millie and Mont xxxx
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Phil and Cath10 February 2011 at 14:48
Hola, Jennifer McGowan, ahora el trabajo realmente comienza. Esperemos que haya aprendido algo de español básico, por ejemplo, una cerveza por favor.

Disfrute de los volcanes.

Phil y Catherine
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pink havenga10 February 2011 at 16:03
Lieve Anne,
Heerlijk vanmiddag je vrolijke smsje. Ben blij dat je het goed naar je zin hebt. Blijf vooral wel de deet gebruiken..
Net gegeten met de Vasaloppet dames in Rust Wat. Was erg gezellig.
Heb je nog niet op de foto"s gezien, was jij ook bij dat dansontvangst?
Nou ja, blijf je blog volgen! xm
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Xinia Loría11 February 2011 at 00:39
yendry 11C.
De su papá, besos y abrasos, desde aqui la seguimos!!
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Herma van der Wal11 February 2011 at 01:10
to Harm van der Wal

zouden deze berichten in het Nederlands ook over komen? Stel me voor als ze moeten worden voorgelezen dat er een probleem ontstaat. Zat je bij die vrolijke dans bij ontvangst? De sfeer ziet er echt heel prima uit.Kijk nu al uit naar je verhalen bij terugkeer. Wat een avontuur!
Liefs, Mama
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Anonymous11 February 2011 at 14:39
For Camilla,
Hope you arrived safely and looking forward to this fantastic experience. Ana and Alice say hi and Katy sends her love. Will post more comments on the blog!
Lots of love
Uncle Brian
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Shereen12 February 2011 at 06:19
For Duaa,

Yay! I can finally see you! Though it looks very cloudy are you sure you're not in London?
We all miss you, and can't wait to hear from you!!
So proud of you Dora!

Love you lots xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Anonymous13 February 2011 at 02:46
Hey to Jakhya!

OMG You've arrived, thank goodness for this blog, saw a glimpse of you in the picture above! Missing you like crazy my BFF :p Cambodia is amazing so far but incredibly hot! You need to visit this place, it's gorgeous and the people are great too.

Take care,

Love Nomsa
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Anonymous14 February 2011 at 09:38
For MICHAEL BUIE
Good to see what you are doing (and Ben's trip). Dad is very jealous of all you will experience, and would love to do something similiar! The grandparents are keeping up with you too via the blog.They are coming to stay for G'dad's B'day this w/e. We think about you often, and trust all is going well. We saw the photos via FB of your last trip- what wonderful places. GB!! BIG HUGS and love. M&D xxxx
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Anonymous14 February 2011 at 14:38
Stevens Family said

Message to Harriett Marsh

Hi Harriett seen your photo and what you have been getting up to the weather looks great, its been raining in the uk for about three days. Will continue to see what you are getting up to and write. Jill Joe Jade
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Anonymous15 February 2011 at 16:10
for clementine boks, Delta 4
Hi Clemmie, we posted 2 previous comments, did not see them , so here again our wishes for you and all of Delta 4 for a wonderfull and happy time on the mountain. how's the working? we are with you, hope you work, eat and sleep well...
love pap en mam
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Anonymous15 February 2011 at 17:40
For Ben Stamp 11C (Alpha 2)
Hi Darling - will try another blog as not sure first successful! Really enjoyed photos. Trek sounds exciting - we wonder how you are getting on.All fine here and we all send lots of love.
Thinking of you - Mum and Dad and I,E,Mxxxx
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Anonymous16 February 2011 at 15:42
For Ben Stamp 11C - just had to let you know - Barcelona 1 Arsenal 2!! Amazing comeback from 1:0 down. England have won both 6 Nations games with Ashton on fire - 3 tries against Italy.Will keep you posted - Big Steve
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Neutrino20 February 2011 at 07:35
Heeeeeeeellllllllloooooooooooooooo Lucyaaaaaabbbbbbuuuuullllllleeeeeeeeee :-)

xxxx
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Anonymous20 February 2011 at 10:22
/To Kitty Drake, 11C
The Phippses are sitting by their fire with Rosa on her blanket and Fred jamming on piano. Gabriel and Stell on sofa by Bin and Iona running around. Bin says hope all well and miss you. Stella sends lots of love and hopes you are having an amazing time ! So sorry about your Grandad from Gabriel and Stella. Gabriel says missing you and when are we going to see your photo on the blog? Iona does not know what she wants to say....Hi kit hope you are having fun is what she has ended up with!! Take care....cant wait to see you in Italy....Love from us all. B, G, S, I and F xx
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Anonymous23 February 2011 at 13:36
To: Clementine Boks
Lieeeeve Cleem, heb via Pieters familie deze website toegestuurd gekregen, en ze hebben perongeluk mijn emailadres ergens ingevoerd, waardoor ik per dag iets van 500 mailtjes krijg, van allemaal berichtjes, op deze blog, in het spaans/engels/nederlands, niemand die ik ken. Dus ik dacht maar eens te gaan kijken en toen zag ik allemaal leuke updates! Ben zo benieuwd naar hoe je hebt, vast geweldige ervaringen. Enjoy it baby! I miss you, loves Jessica
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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!

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Raleigh Lingo

Copy that?

Sometimes our Raleigh technical terms can be a tad confusing so we've put together a glossary for you blog followers. This will appear as a quick-reference section on the right-hand column so you can translate our Tico-terms into something a bit more palatable. And for those keen to brush up their Central American Spanish, we've included some handy translations. Here's a few to get you started...

Alpha, X-Ray and Zulu groups
(Grupos Alfa, X-Ray y Zulu)
The official name for project groups during the phases of CR&N 13A. Alpha will be out on project from 3rd to 23rd February, X-Ray from 24th February to 15th March and Zulu from 17th March to 5th April. Project groups are allocated during induction

Basha
Jungle ‘bed’: consists of a tarpaulin for shelter, a hammock and mosquito net. A basha is hung up between two trees and supported by rope, bamboo and canvas straps

Bodega
A Spanish word meaning store or warehouse

Bravo
A term of endearment for our hard-working Land Rovers. The four vehicles are officially, and imaginatively named Bravo One, Two, Three and Four

C.A.T.I.E.
The agricultural and development research institute on whose campus Fieldbase is situated. Find out more at http://www.catie.ac.cr/

Changeover (Cambio de Fase)
Two day period where all staff and Venturers return from their project sites for some respite before they are all reallocated and sent off to do it all over again...

Chicas, Chicos
Spanish term meaning girls (chicas) or guys (chicos) or both (chicos aswell). As in “Vamonos chicos!” or “Let’s go guys!”

Craic
A way to gauge how people are feeling, usually measured from 0 to 90. If your ‘craic’ is high, you’re pretty happy. If you announce a low craic, people will probably fix you up with an energy bomb and a nice big hug

CR&N 13A
Costa Rica and Nicaragua expeditions 13A

Day Leader (DL) (Líder del día)
Every day on project, one of the Team is designated DL – they are in charge of the day, including organising the day’s briefing, keeping group morale up, dealing with any problems, sticking to schedule and de-briefing at the end of the day. The DL role rotates round the whole group so everyone takes a turn

Energizer (Actividad Levanta Muertos)
An activity to gather the group together and raise energy levels. Can be used at the beginning of the day, or whenever a quick pick-me-up is required

Energy bombs (Explosión de azucar)
A trekking treat – mix together oats, raisins, condensed milk and chocolate powder and roll into little balls of gooey goodness to power you through the day

Fieldbase (FB) (Campo Base)
Refers to the Raleigh ‘office residence’ which is where the Fieldbase staff eat, sleep and work, whilst organising the expedition, manning the radios round the clock, supporting the projects, planning transport and logistics, keeping tabs on the finances and much, much more

Field Base Volunteer Managers (Equipo Logístico Voluntario del Campo Base)
Volunteer support staff for the expedition. The team looks after the ‘behind the scenes’ of the expedition and ensures everything runs smoothly. This consists of three permanent staff members - the Country Director, Country Project Manager and Country Expedition Manager - plus a team of volunteer staff including the, Medic, Photographer, Administrator, Finance Officer, three Logistics (logs) team members and the Communications Officer

Gallo Pinto
A traditional Costa Rican dish of rice and beans (yum!)

Icebreaker (Rompe Hielos)
A getting-to-know-you game

Longdrop (Letrina)
The camp loo. Literally a deep hole in the ground, it is one of the first tasks to complete when setting up jungle camp for obvious reasons! Short drops are similar, normally used for overnight stops when a shallower trench will suffice

Longs (Pantalones)
From 6pm onwards, we all don long trousers and sleeves to discourage the bugs that aren’t deterred by DEET

Maxis
Short for Maxi Pali, the stock-everything shop about a kilometer from Fieldbase where you can buy all those things you forgot/ran out of/lost

Nicas
An affectionate term referring to the native population of Nicaragua

Ninja
A popular game/energizer used by venturers and Project managers alike. Everyone stands in a circle and tries to hit the team members either side of them on the hand via a single ninja movements. Sound effects welcome

POPS
Legendary milkshake and ice-cream parlour chain found all over Costa Rica – perfect for a sweet splurge

Pork and beans (Frijoles con cerdo)
Another staple foodstuff for trekkers: tinned beans with a slightly sausage twang, served cold for lunch. Usually accompanied by dry cracker dust, sprinkled liberally on to the top. If you’re in a hurry, this can be consumed without cutlery straight from the can

Project Managers (PMs) (Guías)
Project staff for the expedition. Each of the groups has at least two PMs who work with the Venturers to develop skills, lead projects and challenge themselves

PURA VIDA!
A very special Costa Rican phrase that means hello, goodbye, I’m great, it’s good, pure life, basically any positive, feel-good thing can be Pura vida!

Radio check (Chequeo de Radio)
As well as a daily SITREP, all Alpha projects are required to complete a second radio call-in each day to check in, receive messages and report any developments

Review (Revisión)
A round-up that assesses how everyone feels, what went well and what needs work. This is sometimes an ‘activity’, sometimes a chat around the campfire, or sometimes just a bit of time to reflect. It’s an important part of everyone’s personal development so we make sure it happens every day

Roadtrip (Paseo Volando Rueda)
The logistics team and some of the Field Base team drive the Bravos on a loop round to each of the accessible project sites once per phase. They deliver kit, supplies, site visitors, messages from the blog and of course the all important post

Ropa Americana
Purveyors of the finest second hand American threads. Perfect for fancy dress/obtaining that long coveted college sports jersey

SITREP (Reporte de la Situación)
Literally Situation Report. A special radio message sent from the satellite project sites back to fieldbase once a day. It follows a certain format and includes all sort of handy information like where they are, what they’ve been up to, what they need and what they’re planning to do next

Tang
A fruity powder that is used to make squash. Jolly useful for taking away the chlorine taste of purified water

Ticos
An affectionate term referring to the native population of Costa Rica

Trangia (Mini Cocina)
A portable cooking stove. Used primarily for trekking, a trangia’s compact design makes it perfect for easy transportation. Literal translation in spanish - mini kitchen. Makes sense

Turrialba
The location of Fieldbase

Venturers (Aventureros)
Participants in the Raleigh expedition. Aged 17 to 24, they come in three varieties: Host Country Venturers (from Costa Rica and Nicaragua), Partnership Venturers (positive young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK who participate in Raleigh expeditions as part of a longer term development programme) and UK and International Fundraising Participants (who work hard to raise money to contribute towards the charities work and expenses in order to take part in the expedition)

Wash up (Revisión Final)
The last few days of expedition, spent debriefing, returning equipment, performing skits, and most importantly enjoying the farewell party (tears alert)

Zero (Cero)
A radio term that identifies the radio controller at Fieldbase. Fieldbase monitors the radios 24-7, listening out on three frequencies for calls from our satellite project sites. When the radio alarm sounds, we might answer something like this: “Hello unknown call sign, hello unknown call sign, this is Zero, this is zero, do you copy, OVER?”