R&R - that's Turri Time and Salsa

After a very early start at jungle camp and a lot of training, there was a little time at the end of the day yesterday for some R & R.  The venturers discovered what local shopping opportunities there are in Turrialba ("Turri Time").  Rodeo Drive it ain't; but then if you're only after mossie spray and wet wipes it's just the job.

Then after supper it was time for Salsa.  K-dawg and Jae, our resident snake-hipped salsa king and queen, were the instructors.

There were some warm-up exercises, including getting the "salsa face" right - basically that's having a huge smile and looking like you're enjoying yourself - which inevitably you are.

After some expert coaching by the end of the evening I'd say everyone had mastered the technique.  The HCVs partnered up with those that were less sure and the dance floor was swinging to those Latin American beats.

The HCVs...pura vida!

Most of the Host Country Venturers (HCVs from now on) arrived at Fieldbase this lunchtime - there will be 2 more venturers who will join us on project in Nicaragua.  They played a trick on us, which we fell for hook, line and sinker.  They wandered down the path looking dejected and miserable, not even wanting to look up at us.  We were seriously worried, what could have gone wrong on the way from San Jose?

.. but then they broke out into singing, dancing and music. Wow.  These guys, from both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, will bring a real vibrancy to each project group, as well as their local knowledge, language skills and sheer musical talent.

Introductions were made, welcomes extended, lunch offered and gratefully received by our new arrivals. The guys will have the afternoon and evening to settle in before the rest of our venturers arrive at Fieldbase tomorrow morning, when expedition 12L will be ready to get out there.

Get to know your 12L Fieldbase team #1

Pedro aka P-rod

Pedro Rodriguez – 5 things that you might not know about Pedro, our Country Programme Manager
1.    If someone was going to play him in a film it would be Ben Kingsley (or Gandhi).
2.    He believes that his jokes stand repetition (we’ve heard the pun about intense/in tents several times already...today)
3.    He has been here in Costa Rica working with Raleigh for 4 years in a variety of guises as a volunteer, freelancer and now permanent employee
4.    He used to have long hair – all the way down to his waist
5.    He used to work in PR for the NHS and in that role he met a member of the royal family

Barney "Barnstormer" Harker

Barney Harker - 5 things that you might not know about Barney, our Deputy Programme Manager
1.    He scored a goal in front of a crowd of three thousand football fans – but unfortunately went on to lose the match
2.    Before Raleigh he has worked in youth and community services back in the UK for 10 years
3.    Previously he was a Trek Leader with Raleigh in India
4.    He loves his music and is a DJ in his spare time - his eclectic tastes run all the way from hip hop to heavy metal
5.    He is an avid supporter of Manchester City – so prefers his t-shirts to be pale blue rather than red

Keiner aka K-dawg

Keiner Jimenez - 5 things that you might not know about Keiner, our HCV Co-ordinator
1.    He’s studying computer science at the University of Costa Rica in San Jose
2.    He started as a volunteer with Raleigh in 2009
3.    Over the years he has slept in every room in Fieldbase
4.    Before volunteering with Raleigh he didn’t speak any English – and now he’s fluent
5.    He loves salsa dancing and is our resident, snake-hipped dance teacher

New kids on the block - 12L

The 12L Costa Rica and Nicaragua advance party has rocked up at Fieldbase to kick things off and get everything spick and span for everyone who’ll be joining us shortly.

A small but happy band, the new arrivals are...
Barney who comes here as Deputy Programme Manager.  The medical team are Sarah, Natalie and David, in charge of pills, potions and paraphernalia.
 

Tracey, Phil and Katie are sorting out the logistics, making sure that all the kit and caboodle is in good working order ready for expedition. Martina is keeping hold of the purse strings and Karen is administrating across an extensive range of spreadsheets.  Joss is getting all David Bailey on us and Ruth is writing the words.

We join our Country Programme Manager Pedro, Keiner (a.k.a. K-dawg) who will be looking after the Host Country Venturers (from Costa Rica and Nicaragua) and all supported by our go-to guy, Don Martin.

The plan is that each of the Project Managers will arrive at the weekend, and then all of our lovely Venturers the week after – and 12L will be up to full complement and raring to go.  We can’t wait to meet everyone and get started.  We’ll get the kettle on...Pura Vida!

We love Raleigh!

Here at fieldbase we have a few permanent members of staff who keep coming back for more- they just can’t get enough of Raleigh! Here they are being interviewed for the blog....

Keiner

Keiner (aka K-Dawg)

1. How long have you worked at Raleigh?

1 year

2. What kind of things do you do here?

Promote Raleigh, recruit potential Host Country Venturers, offer them all the support they need before, during and after expedition and create links with youth organisations in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

3. What is your favourite Raleigh Moment?

The arrival of the HCVs on this expedition was incredible. The energy and songs among people from different countries together as a huge family was amazing (see video in previous blogs).

4. If you could do an expedition what kind would it be and why?

Trek, over and over again. To visit different places every day, to meet new people and to see how people change in positive ways makes an adventure really special for me.

5. What is your funniest Raleigh moment?

Making videos with the team ZERO – Fieldbase staff!

Don Martin

Don Martin

1. How long have you worked at Raleigh?

6 years

2. What kind of things do you do here?

Security, logistics, repairs (vehicles, tools and infrastructure) and I drive the bravos (Raleigh vehicles) (K -" and a lot more").

3. What is your favourite Raleigh moment?

Every moment is special, but during the expedition it is very exciting to meet new staff and I like it when old friends send letters to me.

4. If you could do an expedition what kind would it be and why?

Community, I’m worried about poverty and injustice. I want to help families to have better living conditions.

5. What is your funniest Raleigh moment?

Making the video of "Pork and Beans" on the last expedition (K – "Don Martin rocks!")

Sandra

Sandra

1. How long have worked at Raleigh?

9 years

2. What kind of things do you do here?

Cook and make friends (K – "she’s also the best hugger in the world!")

3. What is your favourite Raleigh moment?

When everybody is at fieldbase, the energy and happiness is lovely.

4. If you could do an expedition what kind would it be and why?

Community, it is an amazing feeling when you help people, for example providing fresh water for families.

5. What is your funniest Raleigh moment?

When people wear fancy dress for parties!