After an hour or two checking that we had all of the things that we've been telling the girls to get we discovered that we needed to shop! We did have most of the things we needed but a lot of the first aid provisions were out of date, I'm not sure what happens to Immodium when it's past it's sell by but I thought it best to buy some more.
So we headed into Darlington to visit Millets the mostuseful and reasonableof shops, and Duke of Edinburgh students get 10% off. Once upon a time holiday shopping was for bikini's, flip flop and good books, now it's for sterile dressing, travel wallets and waterproof bags, not very glamorous. We got a little keyring thermometer and compass, I think the compass will be of little use but as Brits we always like to know what the temperature is!
Rymans the stationers was our next stop for sealable plastic wallets to keep documents and money in, though we use resealable sandwhich/freezer bags a lot too.
Then tourist information for maps and brochures. Map are useful as everyone knows where London is but rarely anywhere else! The problem is that half the pages are ususally adverts for hotels and guesthouses which makes them heavy and bulky. So we got a selection and shall have to tear pages out. Found a few pics of local celebrities, Alan Shearer and Tony Blair are the North East persons that are most likely to be well known, football is an international language!!
Saturday, 30 June 2007
Security Alert
A blazing van drove into Glasgow Airport today and yesterday a failed car bomb drove into London. This probably means heightened alert at the airports and more security checks. Will have to keep a close eye on the news and airport websites as there's bound to be a knock on effect. Mostly I hope there will be no more of these terrorist attcks, at least at the moment no one's been hurt.
The London bombings in 2005 happened whilst we were away on a school trip to China. It was strange seeing headlines in Chinese and peacing together the story from pictures. So many people came up to us when they realised that we were British and said how sorry they were.
The London bombings in 2005 happened whilst we were away on a school trip to China. It was strange seeing headlines in Chinese and peacing together the story from pictures. So many people came up to us when they realised that we were British and said how sorry they were.
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Sports Awards
Got the final insurance details today, and arranged some currency. That's the last of the "things to do" list, hurrah! Oh other than the risk assesment which is tweaked on a daily basis!!
Katherine also brought in her first aid kit, one of the little red ones from Millets, perfect compact and full of goodies, but we'll add a few more wipes and plasters. We now have a first aid kit each, we can practise sling tying and splinting in the evenings!
Tonight was the school's sports award evening. It was fab, describing all the girls from all the teams and their successes, we've really done quite well this season. Dame Tanni Grey Tompson came to award the prizes and gave a witty and inspirational speech about following your dreams, but she also warned the girls that in the end we all turn into our mothers, how very true! The two PE staff are coming on the trip so now they can relax and look forward to Thailand. A fair few of the long lost year 11s were there too, so it was a chance for us all to get together and get excited. Hazel has been doing a daily count down for the last 6 months and took great joy in telling us that it's now only 7 days! She also one the senior sports personality of the year award so she was buzzing anyway.
Katherine also brought in her first aid kit, one of the little red ones from Millets, perfect compact and full of goodies, but we'll add a few more wipes and plasters. We now have a first aid kit each, we can practise sling tying and splinting in the evenings!
Tonight was the school's sports award evening. It was fab, describing all the girls from all the teams and their successes, we've really done quite well this season. Dame Tanni Grey Tompson came to award the prizes and gave a witty and inspirational speech about following your dreams, but she also warned the girls that in the end we all turn into our mothers, how very true! The two PE staff are coming on the trip so now they can relax and look forward to Thailand. A fair few of the long lost year 11s were there too, so it was a chance for us all to get together and get excited. Hazel has been doing a daily count down for the last 6 months and took great joy in telling us that it's now only 7 days! She also one the senior sports personality of the year award so she was buzzing anyway.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Last Letter
Managed to post the final letter today. With yet another copy of the itinerary, flight details and luggage labels.
8 days to go and the house is a bomb site, clothes, bags, suntan lotion and insect repellent and bloomin' paperwork seem to be everywhere.
8 days to go and the house is a bomb site, clothes, bags, suntan lotion and insect repellent and bloomin' paperwork seem to be everywhere.
Saturday, 23 June 2007
Packing continues
Sunday so a productive peaceful day.
One of the parents phoned asking about the size of the day sack, a question to which I don't have a definitive answer, it's the balance of being able to take enough stuff to last 5 days in a rainy jungle and the hassle of having to carry it all for 5 days!
I'll let you know later what worked best!
We spent time rifling through clothes to see what needs washing, mending and replacing. And then a trip to the shops to buy a few bits and bobs, I avoided the temptation to by a hotpant-boob tube jump suit combo in shocking pink very 80s and very scary!
Didn't get to the first aid kits, torches, insect repellent, gaffa tape supplies etc. We take so many extra things pen knives and tape for fixing stuff, spare medical things for those that run out, we could do with an extra bag!
That's next week's shopping expedition.
The problem with running a trip that leaves at the end of term is that you have to prepare in weekends and evenings. We've occasionally thought about taking trips a little later, but the flight prices usually dictate the decision for us, so for now its early July.
One of the parents phoned asking about the size of the day sack, a question to which I don't have a definitive answer, it's the balance of being able to take enough stuff to last 5 days in a rainy jungle and the hassle of having to carry it all for 5 days!
I'll let you know later what worked best!
We spent time rifling through clothes to see what needs washing, mending and replacing. And then a trip to the shops to buy a few bits and bobs, I avoided the temptation to by a hotpant-boob tube jump suit combo in shocking pink very 80s and very scary!
Didn't get to the first aid kits, torches, insect repellent, gaffa tape supplies etc. We take so many extra things pen knives and tape for fixing stuff, spare medical things for those that run out, we could do with an extra bag!
That's next week's shopping expedition.
The problem with running a trip that leaves at the end of term is that you have to prepare in weekends and evenings. We've occasionally thought about taking trips a little later, but the flight prices usually dictate the decision for us, so for now its early July.
Washing and Packing
Attempting to get organised on my packing. All of my "holiday clothes" from last year have been stacked on a shelf and are a little dusty, so I need to do a washing blitz.
I have now found and washed about 30 vest tops and 10 pairs of trousers. I guess I'll have to cull the pile before I pack.
Had Vicky and Katherine round to look at some paperwork and talk about thet trip. Katherine had managed to find postcards of Hartlepool, where she lives, to take with us. We have some I bought in London a few weeks back with the classic images of the sights, red phone boxes, London buses etc but we wanted some from the North East. Vicky had tried to get to the Tourist Information in Darlington to get some brochures to take, but due to a huge downpour most of the roads were flooded, so she spent 2 hours in traffic and then headed to my house.
One of things that went down best in a tiny remote village in China was a brochure for Newcastle, in it was a restaurant guide with pictures of plates of "haute cuisine" food, the locals thought this fascinating, it was so far removed from what we were eating in their home.
I have now found and washed about 30 vest tops and 10 pairs of trousers. I guess I'll have to cull the pile before I pack.
Had Vicky and Katherine round to look at some paperwork and talk about thet trip. Katherine had managed to find postcards of Hartlepool, where she lives, to take with us. We have some I bought in London a few weeks back with the classic images of the sights, red phone boxes, London buses etc but we wanted some from the North East. Vicky had tried to get to the Tourist Information in Darlington to get some brochures to take, but due to a huge downpour most of the roads were flooded, so she spent 2 hours in traffic and then headed to my house.
One of things that went down best in a tiny remote village in China was a brochure for Newcastle, in it was a restaurant guide with pictures of plates of "haute cuisine" food, the locals thought this fascinating, it was so far removed from what we were eating in their home.
We also take some school bumpf; prospectus and magazines as they show school at it's leafy, tidy, shiny best. I always worry that this will make us look like we're flaunting our lifestyles but people seem to really enjoy looking at them but we ask the girls to take some rough and ready pictures of home, family, pets friends etc.
All of this makes a good talking point when talking to local families or children.
All of this makes a good talking point when talking to local families or children.
Friday, 22 June 2007
Money, Money, Money
Got the school banks cards today, but for some reason I have two, but no PIN number.
Called the bank and found out which one was the valid one and ordered a new PIN, they informed me that I have a small limit on the card so had to increase that for the trip.
Have always had problems with accessing money, last year the bank flagged up a transaction in Namibia and temporarily blocked the card, even though we'd told them it would be used there!
Suspect it will be the same again this year despite our and the schools best efforts, but we have lots of backup cards/accounts and options.
Called the bank and found out which one was the valid one and ordered a new PIN, they informed me that I have a small limit on the card so had to increase that for the trip.
Have always had problems with accessing money, last year the bank flagged up a transaction in Namibia and temporarily blocked the card, even though we'd told them it would be used there!
Suspect it will be the same again this year despite our and the schools best efforts, but we have lots of backup cards/accounts and options.
Thursday, 21 June 2007
2 Weeks to Go..
Most of the students coming have gone on exam leave so I'm not getting constant countdowns from excited students but my 3 staff travellers are getting more and more excited and nervous, Vicky still hasn't got herself a day sack, trying to steer her away from the designer stuff!!
Handed a file to each of the staff travelling containing photocopies of the draft risk assessment, and all the HASPEV bumpf, poor things they looked worried at the wad of paper! Always good to ask for a second opinion, felt bad for boring them with paperwork but they need to be informed.
We still need to stock up the first aid kits. We've got plenty of bandages but the thing we always use loads off is plasters and antiseptic wipes!
I think that blisters may be an issue on the trek!
Handed a file to each of the staff travelling containing photocopies of the draft risk assessment, and all the HASPEV bumpf, poor things they looked worried at the wad of paper! Always good to ask for a second opinion, felt bad for boring them with paperwork but they need to be informed.
We still need to stock up the first aid kits. We've got plenty of bandages but the thing we always use loads off is plasters and antiseptic wipes!
I think that blisters may be an issue on the trek!
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Christmas and House Keeping
Finally got some money and forms in, so only 2 lots of money and forms to go.
A huge parcel at school for me today, it was better than Christmas. It was 20 kit bags, how exciting. Now I've just got to work out how to get them to the students!
Then I got a copy of an email that Pete had sent to Explore about the lack of kit bags, as if he'd doubt her efficiency. Sent Explore an email apologising for Pete being an impatient bloke
Finally remembered to email the resort in Koh Samet, I know Explore request adjoining rooms but I like to be sure so emailed them direct to reiterate the request. The HASPEV states that rooms should be adjoining and staff rooms should be at the end of the corridor. We always try but it's always a bit of a nightmare in any hotel in any country.
Spent half an hour trying to email the lady at Emirates who replied to my first letter but after trying every permutation and combination of the email address that she gave me I ended up sending a letter to Emirates, the old fashioned way. Not sure why I'm bothering, Explore always make sure that we're sat together on the flight, maybe I'm secretly hoping they'll upgrade me!!!!
A huge parcel at school for me today, it was better than Christmas. It was 20 kit bags, how exciting. Now I've just got to work out how to get them to the students!
Then I got a copy of an email that Pete had sent to Explore about the lack of kit bags, as if he'd doubt her efficiency. Sent Explore an email apologising for Pete being an impatient bloke
Finally remembered to email the resort in Koh Samet, I know Explore request adjoining rooms but I like to be sure so emailed them direct to reiterate the request. The HASPEV states that rooms should be adjoining and staff rooms should be at the end of the corridor. We always try but it's always a bit of a nightmare in any hotel in any country.
Spent half an hour trying to email the lady at Emirates who replied to my first letter but after trying every permutation and combination of the email address that she gave me I ended up sending a letter to Emirates, the old fashioned way. Not sure why I'm bothering, Explore always make sure that we're sat together on the flight, maybe I'm secretly hoping they'll upgrade me!!!!
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Loose ends and crossing T's
Got home and Pete hassled me about missing money and forms, 3 still not in. Hard to knobble the year 11s when they’ve all disappeared for exams, but called home to chase the loose ends
Sat down with the Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits document (HASPEV) again annotated the bits that I wanted to add to the risk assessment and revised it to suit.
Its done now for the 10th time !
Sat down with the Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits document (HASPEV) again annotated the bits that I wanted to add to the risk assessment and revised it to suit.
Its done now for the 10th time !
Monday, 18 June 2007
Got the Tickets
Got the tickets in the post today, though they're e-tickets now. So in theory you just turn up with your passport, just doesn't feel right!
Also got the luggage tags. Pete suggested we fill in the details for them, not likely, the girls can do that themselves, it's all part of the pre holiday excitement.
Sunday, 3 June 2007
Thailand Itinerary
With thanks to Explore the trip Itinerary is as follows:
ACTIVE THAILAND 2007
Day 1.Thursday 5 July 2007.
Fly from Manchester to Bangkok via Dubai,
Day 2. Friday 6th July
Arrive Bangkok in the evening and check into our hotel.
Day 3. Saturday 7th July
Sightseeing tour of Bangkok on foot and by boat and includes the Grand Palace with its stunning Emerald Buddha and Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). In the evening we board the overnight train for Den Chai in northern Thailand.
Day 4. Sunday 8th July
Drive to Nan passing rolling hills and fields of cotton, tea and teak. Visit some of the interesting wats and museums around the town. Afternoon we take to bicycles to explore deeper into the surrounding countryside and villages.
Day 5. Monday 9th July
Walk through the forest and along hilltops, admiring the scenic views in this quiet northern area, before heading back to Nan. Then transfer to our homestay villages and are accommodated in local Thai houses with our host families. Conditions are the same as for the family, nothing more, nothing less.
Day 6. Tuesday 10th July
We spend a full day with our host families. The emphasis is to fully integrate into the family's daily routine and to participate in whatever needs doing; whether that be cooking, planting rice, fishing etc.
Day 7. Wednesday 11th July
Saying goodbye to our hosts, we leave the hills and head down to Lampang by local bus. In the afternoon there is time to wander along the Wang River and around the town and markets. We visit the Elephant Conservation Centre not far from the city and we may be to arrange a trip to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the architectural jewels of northern Thailand.
Day 8. Thursday 12th July
Drive to Umphang and meet our local guide and prepare for our 5-day jungle adventure.
Day 9. Friday 13th July
Begin jungle adventure, start rafting then walk through the jungle to our first camping location.
Saying goodbye to our hosts, we leave the hills and head down to Lampang by local bus. In the afternoon there is time to wander along the Wang River and around the town and markets. We visit the Elephant Conservation Centre not far from the city and we may be to arrange a trip to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the architectural jewels of northern Thailand.
Day 8. Thursday 12th July
Drive to Umphang and meet our local guide and prepare for our 5-day jungle adventure.
Day 9. Friday 13th July
Begin jungle adventure, start rafting then walk through the jungle to our first camping location.
Day 10. Saturday 14th July
Today we set on foot to the Thi Lor Su waterfall, the largest and most impressive waterfall in Thailand and possibly South East Asia. We then trek to the minority Karen village at Kotha for our overnight stay.
Day 11. Sunday 15th July
We travel on elephant back to Palatha village, and then take to rafts again for our white water adventure. In the late afternoon we make our wild camp by the river.
Day 12. Monday 16th July
We make an easy return trip along the river to see Thi Lor Lay Waterfall. Then with the elephants crrying the rafts we walk for about 4-5 hours before making a wild camp deep in the
jungle.
Day 13. Tuesday 17th July
Final trek back to Sepala village, then bus to Mae Sot and an overnight hotel.
Day 14. Wednesday 18th July
Time permitting, we may have the chance to visit the Burmese border market just a few kilometres to the west before transferring to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok.
Day 15. Thursday 19th July
Minibus and ferry to Koh Samet for palm fringed beaches and relaxation.
Days 16 & 17.
On Koh Samet various optional excursions such as boat trips around the island, walks and watersports.
Day 18. Sunday 22nd July
Today we take the ferry and minibus back to Bangkok. Lots of interesting sights sounds and smells to experience in Bangkok
Day 19. Monday 23rd July
In Bangkok so last chance for shopping. In the evening we transfer to the airport and fly to Manchester.
Day 20. Tuesday 24 July 2007
Arrive Manchester around lunchtime and coach transfer back to THS mid afternoon.
Friday, 1 June 2007
Introduction
My name is Rebecca, I am now on my 4th school trip with Explore. It all started 6 years ago when my husband and I took a trip to Borneo, all the way through I was thinking that it would make a good school trip. On our return we called Explore and we haven't looked back.
We have travelled to Borneo, China and Namibia so far. I take my husband on these trips, he does most of the liaison with Explore and as a team we arrange the entire school end of things. School are happy with this arrangement, he's been CRB checked and the girls and parents accept him fully. It makes the organisation easier that we do it together, though it has become a large part of our married life over the last 5 years!!
This year I'm running a 3 week trip to Thailand. I'm taking 3 members of staff; and 14 girls from years 11-13. So we have 14 children and 5 adults, a high ratio by any standard but school and I like it this way for trips of this nature. It bumps up the cost but school and staff chip in to help.
Explore asked if I'd write "BLOG" type diary for the trip, to see if it would be any use as a testimonial / report of the before during and after of a trip of this type.
I should have started this at the beginning, back in August, when we returned from the school trip to Namibia, and started planning Thailand. There are so many bits we've done since then. Getting permission from the Head and Governors, trying to prove that we weren't going to lose the girls in the jungle. The first promo letter, then providing itineraries and further information to those who expressed an interest, nervously counting replies and deposits to see if we'd have enough to make the trip viable, and then going through the names of those who signed up, getting the booking details and deposit off to Explore. Then you get to sit back and relax a bit.
Then getting the rest of the money in, never on time of course, and asking school to write a check for over £25,000! Getting parental consents and checking passport details.
Then to start planning the finer details. The parents information evening, which we do in May, is always a big fear. Making sure that you know the itinerary inside out and remembering to pass on all the advice you can about what to take. I'm always worried that they'll ask something I can't answer, but it always goes well and we have a lot of help from Explore.
So we (sorry Pete) has started a blog with 2 weeks to go until the trip.
Please feel free to comment or post as required.
We have travelled to Borneo, China and Namibia so far. I take my husband on these trips, he does most of the liaison with Explore and as a team we arrange the entire school end of things. School are happy with this arrangement, he's been CRB checked and the girls and parents accept him fully. It makes the organisation easier that we do it together, though it has become a large part of our married life over the last 5 years!!This year I'm running a 3 week trip to Thailand. I'm taking 3 members of staff; and 14 girls from years 11-13. So we have 14 children and 5 adults, a high ratio by any standard but school and I like it this way for trips of this nature. It bumps up the cost but school and staff chip in to help.
Explore asked if I'd write "BLOG" type diary for the trip, to see if it would be any use as a testimonial / report of the before during and after of a trip of this type.
I should have started this at the beginning, back in August, when we returned from the school trip to Namibia, and started planning Thailand. There are so many bits we've done since then. Getting permission from the Head and Governors, trying to prove that we weren't going to lose the girls in the jungle. The first promo letter, then providing itineraries and further information to those who expressed an interest, nervously counting replies and deposits to see if we'd have enough to make the trip viable, and then going through the names of those who signed up, getting the booking details and deposit off to Explore. Then you get to sit back and relax a bit.
Then getting the rest of the money in, never on time of course, and asking school to write a check for over £25,000! Getting parental consents and checking passport details.
Then to start planning the finer details. The parents information evening, which we do in May, is always a big fear. Making sure that you know the itinerary inside out and remembering to pass on all the advice you can about what to take. I'm always worried that they'll ask something I can't answer, but it always goes well and we have a lot of help from Explore.
So we (sorry Pete) has started a blog with 2 weeks to go until the trip.
Please feel free to comment or post as required.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
