Raleigh Costa Rica and Nicaragua: The X-rays get moving...

Friday, 19 August 2011

The X-rays get moving...

It's only been a day since our X-ray teams left us here at fieldbase and already we can't wait to hear what they're up to. This is the latest so far...

X-ray 1 didn’t waste any time and began trekking yesterday afternoon. Today they are heading to Barbilla where they will meet their guide for the next couple of days.
Our Nicaragua teams, X-ray 2, 5 and 6, spent last night at Jinotepe school and today will be splitting up and going their separate ways to begin their phase three ventures.
X-ray 3 are settling in well at the top of Volcan Turrialba and soaking up the magnificent views before the hard work begins.
X-ray 4 are already getting stuck in, busy building bridges and painting the nursery.

So this is just a taster of things to come, but we're happy to say that all groups are safe, well and by the sounds of things feeling tip-top and full of gusto for the phase ahead - just what we like to hear!

It's that time again - the big 'R' (road trip...), when our fieldbase team leave the comfort of Raleigh fb and head on out for some life on the road, visiting our groups. The two Bravo vehicles will be off early doors on Sunday so if you have any messages that you want to get to our venturers soon, best get them in by Saturday night.
More updates soon. Pura vida.

Blog written by Dawn Tennant and photo's by Kat Mammone, unless otherwise stated.

26 comments:

Anonymous20 August 2011 at 02:04
Chris/Alfie Carapiet X ray 3

Well done Chris for the exam results, do you realise you have more UCAS points than both Alex or John, so pat yourself on the back, you can relax if you haven't already done so. UCAS has changed your listing from conditional to "unconditional offer" but we haven't had any paperwork through as yet. So you could be sleeping in the grounds of the University; but you would be used to that by now!

Looking forward to the next blog to see what you are up to so keep well and keep busy.

Love Dad

Have a really good time
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Anonymous20 August 2011 at 04:48
X-Ray 5 - Reggie Lang
Well done Reggie on your news. Noticed a lot of comments on facebook from your friends. We're going to bbq today at May's - you will be sorely missed. Next week bbq at Rachael's so will see all the family. Marie says congrats - she's keeping up with the blog messages. It's brilliant to see photos of what you're all getting up to. Chatted with Liam on fb the other day - he's well and busy working. Hope you managed to get some new boots and that they're not too hard to wear in. Look after yourself and keep safe. Kathleen says hello. Missing you. Lots of love Mum, Dad and Kathleen xxxxx
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Susan Black20 August 2011 at 07:14
Emma Black xray3
just a short note to let you know that Claire has still got her job at sanderson and we are all delighted for her. love Mum
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Sue Jones20 August 2011 at 07:25
Alfie Carapiet, X-Ray 3,

Hi there!!! Just got confirmation in writing from Greenwich - Yeay!!!!! All is good here. Weather miserable. Looking forward to seeing you shortly!!

Much love
SueXX
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Joanna White20 August 2011 at 09:24
X RAY 5 Jonathan White
Hi Boj! looks like your having a great time...extremely tanned! and are those new shoes i see?! or are they just a different colour because they are so dirty hahaha. Can you please save some of that lovely burnt bbq'ed chicken for us ;) We all send our love and lookin forward to you coming back! xxx
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Anonymous20 August 2011 at 10:55
Joanna Bartlett- x-ray 1. Great that you got on the trek that you wanted. Sounds like it will be a challenging but wonderful experience. There's not much info about the trek on this site but it sounds like there will a great variety of terrain to cope with. Im sure this will be a great way to finish off the whole expedition. Enjoy Love mum xx
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Anonymous20 August 2011 at 11:40
Jasmine Furbert X-Ray 2

Hello Jasmine. Have fun on your trek! I am so proud of you and I love you very much. I am enjoying the break but miss you a lot. Going to buy Jaden some school shoes today. Will wash the car first. Nana, Jaden, and Ro are fine. Jaden has cleaned out his fishing box and reel, so we will go fishing and swimming later. Had to call a repair man for the fridge, the freezer was fine but the fridge wasn’t getting very cold. It’s fine now. Had to tell crazy Uncle Patrick off again. He unplugged the fridge while it was full of food, He tries. Take care honey.

Love Dad

And here is a letter from Jaden:

I hope you are doing good out there Hi Jasmine I miss you. I want a humming bird. How many friends have you made. I have a feeling you don’t have that much :). I am taking care of your blackberry. I have a SIM card. I go camp at white’s island now. I have a great time. I have a lot of friends out there.

Ps I REALLY WAN’T A HUMMNG BIRD

Love Jaden
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Helen Canty20 August 2011 at 15:01
For Sarah Canty - X-Ray 6
Hi Sarah , hope you're settled into life in Nicaragua are enjoying living with your host family. What an amazing experience. Dad , Nanny and I are at auntie Liz's for the weekend and every one has said how proud they are of you. Nanny was thrilled to get the phone call from you.
You're uni place is all sorted so don't worry. Dad said to tell you that Wales beat Argentina today and looked very strong in the second half.
Make the most of your last few weeks and see you all too soon.
Love you lots
Mum and Dad xxx
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Anonymous20 August 2011 at 21:13
Francis Lanuza, Ray-X3.
Hola cariño mio, lamento muchísimo que tu anhelo no se haya hecho realidad, pero estoy con usted, siga adelante, Dios la Bendiga y la Guarde, pronto estará de vuelta a casa. Cuidese mucho.Todo mi AMOR MAMI
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Anonymous21 August 2011 at 12:45
To Catherine White x ray3 from Mum
hi Catherine. Thanks for the emails and postcards. hope the last lap is as fun as the others. seems like you've made some great friends. the slog of the last year has really paid off. Everyone is really jealous of your experiences!
We all send our love and are looking forward to seeing you.
love Mum and Neil.
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Anonymous21 August 2011 at 14:21
Francis Lanuza, RAY-X3
Hija te he enviado varios mensajes y no aparecen publicados, no se que problema esta pasando, espero recibas este. Te deseo Buena Suerte y Muchas Bendiciones Adelante.MAMI
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Anonymous22 August 2011 at 03:09
For Charlie Page X-Ray 3
Hi Darling - just wanted to say huge congrats on your results! we have had letter through to confirm so just waiting for paperwork for your accommodation now. Georgie and Abbie left last night for Greece and have just had txt that they are now on Paros and i am jealous! Hope your next phase as good as the first 2, like the photos esp the one of you as a geek! Nicholds, Clays and R-Rs send their congrats and love. LOVE YOU Mum xxxxx
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Anonymous22 August 2011 at 14:28
para eveling, werner y jisbell x-ray 1
holaaaaa chicos, espero esten muy bien, que esten disfrutando al maximo raleigh. se que estan juntos en este trek y me alegro por eso por q se van a poder dar fuersas mutuamente cuando ya no quieran seguir. estoy segura de q algunos dias son dificiles pero al final es muy bueno y gratificante por q se dan cuenta de q lograron sobrevivir un dia mas con lugares facinantes q pudieron ver... los quiero a todos y espero q c cuiden y se den animos entre ustedes siempre esten contentos y bromeando es la mejor forma de pasar el tiempo. besitos nos vemos aca y que viva nicaragua
♥♥♥ josseling zeledon
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Anonymous22 August 2011 at 14:33
x-ray 3 para francis zeledon y fernando
hola muchacos espero la esten pasando deacachimba en su proyecto, aui los extrañamos mucho a todos pero estamos felices d q vivan esta experiencia tan maravillosa juntos. los quiero a todos y que viva NICARAGUA
JOSSELING
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Liz Tulloch23 August 2011 at 11:18
Mitch Tulloch X-Ray4
Hi Mitch I can't believe you are in the last phase. I have seen the latest pictures, what an inpressive beard, you look very well. I have just seen a picture of the view from the rangers station, it looks fantastic.
I hope you are well, I look forward to the next bit of news from your team. Enjoy yourself, take care. Love Mum&Dad
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Anonymous23 August 2011 at 14:44
X ray 4 Claire Symes
Helloo missing you all lots from spain though i'm loving the hot water and real beds ammazzing! will message again soon when i have more battery and time on my laptop hope you're keeping the turtles safe love you and love to all
katie xxx
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Anonymous24 August 2011 at 05:29
Justin Shenolikar Xray 4 Hey Just - quick catch up. SASS has sent all your papers so your fees are sorted for uni.We are off to Liverpool to see Aunty Jo and give her a break from Harry and Paul. She says HI! Had afternoon tea with Catriona yesterday and guess what - she is expecting! Baby due in Feb'12. She is looking for names.....Also in the news - Richard Branson's house on his private island got hit by lightning and burnt down - all 200million worth! Apparently his Mum was rescued by Kate Winslet who was staying there as well.Jord has cleaned all his stuff out of your room but Chris is coming home soon so he might move in.He is loving Brussels - mainly the luxury flat that they put him up in. A world apart from the jungle!When are you getting to the turtles? I want to see pics of you with turtles! In the meantime I am sure you are having a wonderful time and we are all proud of you. Keep well and safe and Deeted. Hugs. Love Mum x
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Anonymous24 August 2011 at 07:03
Charlie page X Ray 3
Hi darling. just wanted to say a very big congratulations again - have had paperwork to confirm your place so just waiting for paperwork re accommodation now! All well here though very quiet as Georgie and Abbie are sitting on a beach somewhere in the Med! Hope environmental is as good as other two phases, can't wait to see all your photos. Everyone is sending love and congratulations. Mum xxx
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Anonymous24 August 2011 at 11:20
Carla Dunphy X-Ray 1
Hi Carla, Mum here just to let you know I love you and I can't wait to see you...Keep doing what your doing babe xxx
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Anonymous24 August 2011 at 11:32
Carla Dunphy X-Ray 1
HEY SISTER BLISTER HOPE YOUR OK!!! HEY GUESS WHAT I WAS THINKING TODAY??...REMEMBER WHEN WE WAS LITTLE AND I'D BRING YOU MY MINI COOKIES HOME FROM SCHOOL EVERY DAY!!! EVEN THOUGH I REALLY WANTED TO EAT THEM!! NOW HEY IF THATS NOT LOVE I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS HAHA!!! LOVE YOU SISTER ONLY 17 DAYS TIL YOUR BACK IN MY LIFE WOOOOOOOO <3 XXXXX
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Maria Fernanda Naranjo27 August 2011 at 13:58
X RAY 2
Maricruz Esquivel L.
Mi amoreeeeee me hace mucha faltaaa, ya es mucho vengase jajajaja no cariñito espero que este todo bien y que no me la haya picado nada mas.....muchos exitos y suerte, animo ya falta poco creo =S y ademas aqui la estamos esperando =D
Bueno mi vida la quiero montones se me cuida que me le vaya muy bien, cuando pueda me avisa como esta =)
<3 Macha <3
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Anonymous30 August 2011 at 22:48
To: Chava (PM) - porque si la pulpa se pudre, la cascara se cae! y apenas bueno! porq de cosas contare, muchas faltas me haces, en aquellas mañanas de sisas-yunos. y yo fotos vistes y tristes pones-me. porque de cuando caminas conquistas montañas "que rico trabonearlo!". mae, quiero que sepa que me hace falta, lo quiero un pichazo hermanito, fuerte, contagie alegria!! :) -su hermanito nacho
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Anonymous30 August 2011 at 22:50
To: Fieldbase (all)

i miss u all, you have no idea! this was (by far) the best experience of my life and i hope every single volunteer can enjoy it & appreacite it as much as i did... it was such a learning experience that í'll never forget. i'll keep working behind the scenes in everything i can... take care, much love!!

para pará pa paaa.... HEY!!! -NACHO 11-C
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Anonymous30 August 2011 at 22:51
To: ticos/nicas 11GH

muchas suerte, un abrazo gigante! :) disfruten, aprendan y compartan alegria! wejepa!

-nacho 11-C
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Anonymous30 August 2011 at 22:52
Para Keiner y Bruce

para pará pa pa... HEY! ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! cuidensen hermanitos :) un abrazo
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Anonymous30 August 2011 at 22:54
To: Dawn -> WEJEPA! Hope everything's apenas bueno! haha! love u & miss u! take care... :)

-nacho
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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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How to send your loved ones a message

It's easy. Scroll down to the bottom of the most recent entry and click the comments link. A box will then appear where you can write your comment - please don't forget to tell us who the message is for including the full name and project group of the recipient. You can select name/URL from the dropdown menu to tell us who it's from (you can leave the URL blank if you wish). Finally, click on 'Post Comment' and you're done.

As you can imagine there are 180 volunteers so hundreds of messages for loved ones, no comments go live immediately and have to be moderated for appropriateness, so please do bare with us.

All comments that are pertinent to the post will be publshed and all personal messages will be delivered (even if they don't appear published). Messages mean a lot to all the volunteers; thank you for your continued support.

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?”