WEDNESDAY 5TH AUGUST 2009
OK guys, this is it. This is the day I leave the comforts of homelife for the excitement and chaos of Africa.
I've given up on the packing dilemma and what will be, will be!
ZAMBIA HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!
XxXxXx
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Solar Battery Charger
TUESDAY 4TH AUGUST
As I was packing last night (which is another story) I opened up the box with my little solar powered battery charger only to find a note from the Ebay seller NIKI ROBERTS. When she heard about my travels she put an extra one in the box.
THANKYOU Niki - I shall be leaving them behind for the zambian teachers to use.
Next time you are on ebay, check out nikiroberts to see if she has anything you need!
Anyway, back to packing. OMG! I am sooo well over the 15kg allowance. I have really kept things to a minimum (honest) , but there are so many essentials. Mossie net, sleeping bag, towel, first aid kit, mossie sprays, water carrier, torches, binoculars.. My clothes only actually weigh 4 kg!!
I have packed all the craft stuff in a separate holdall and that weighs 8kg alone!!!!!!!
hmmmm, what is a girl to do?!
As I was packing last night (which is another story) I opened up the box with my little solar powered battery charger only to find a note from the Ebay seller NIKI ROBERTS. When she heard about my travels she put an extra one in the box.
THANKYOU Niki - I shall be leaving them behind for the zambian teachers to use.
Next time you are on ebay, check out nikiroberts to see if she has anything you need!
Anyway, back to packing. OMG! I am sooo well over the 15kg allowance. I have really kept things to a minimum (honest) , but there are so many essentials. Mossie net, sleeping bag, towel, first aid kit, mossie sprays, water carrier, torches, binoculars.. My clothes only actually weigh 4 kg!!
I have packed all the craft stuff in a separate holdall and that weighs 8kg alone!!!!!!!
hmmmm, what is a girl to do?!
Monday, 3 August 2009
Update from Meheba
Here is part of the blog from Kelly, the VentureCo BookBus Leader...
...." life at camp has taken a bit of getting used to. We have built a wash block out of bamboo matting, string and sticks, but before you have a wash you to pump your own water, and going to the toilet in the night is an epic adventure! The most difficult thing to adjust to is the fact that it's dark by 18.30 and there is nowhere to go so we have to make our own entertainment..., but everyone is in bed by 21.00hrs!.."
You can read more about their experiences if you go to the VentureCo website(clink link below) and follow their journal/news link.
...." life at camp has taken a bit of getting used to. We have built a wash block out of bamboo matting, string and sticks, but before you have a wash you to pump your own water, and going to the toilet in the night is an epic adventure! The most difficult thing to adjust to is the fact that it's dark by 18.30 and there is nowhere to go so we have to make our own entertainment..., but everyone is in bed by 21.00hrs!.."
You can read more about their experiences if you go to the VentureCo website(clink link below) and follow their journal/news link.
Stuff!
MONDAY 3RD JULY
I am sat here surrounded by so much stuff to pack! I've been collecting arts and craft stuff and camping kit all over the place and now its all in one place it's looking more like a mini mountain. I am going to be well over 15kg.
What a dilemma... what do i leave behind? argh!
I've been following the BBC weather forecast over the past few weeks and the temperture in Solwezi has crept up a couple of degrees from ave 23-25 to 25-27, which will be bearable. the night temps are also getting warmer .. 15-17 not 10 - 13!! I shall still take my beanie hat though, just to keep me extra snug in my sleeping bag!
You too can see what weather i will be experiencing if you visit the BBC weather site and type in Solwezi!
I am sat here surrounded by so much stuff to pack! I've been collecting arts and craft stuff and camping kit all over the place and now its all in one place it's looking more like a mini mountain. I am going to be well over 15kg.
What a dilemma... what do i leave behind? argh!
I've been following the BBC weather forecast over the past few weeks and the temperture in Solwezi has crept up a couple of degrees from ave 23-25 to 25-27, which will be bearable. the night temps are also getting warmer .. 15-17 not 10 - 13!! I shall still take my beanie hat though, just to keep me extra snug in my sleeping bag!
You too can see what weather i will be experiencing if you visit the BBC weather site and type in Solwezi!
Saturday, 1 August 2009
5 Days to go...
Time is marching on.
Had my hair cut yesterday - it's now very short ( well very short for me) .
Today I have lots of errands to run and things to get,
I also have a cold :0(
Had my hair cut yesterday - it's now very short ( well very short for me) .
Today I have lots of errands to run and things to get,
I also have a cold :0(
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Malaria Tablets at Last!
THURSDAY 30TH JULY
After a long day at Bristol Zoo, I remembered to pick up the Malarone tablets from a local pharmacy in Clevedon.
The Pharmasist was nice and let me haggle the price down to £65 for 26 tablets!! (trust me, that's a bargin compared to the majority of quotes i've had recently!)
After a long day at Bristol Zoo, I remembered to pick up the Malarone tablets from a local pharmacy in Clevedon.
The Pharmasist was nice and let me haggle the price down to £65 for 26 tablets!! (trust me, that's a bargin compared to the majority of quotes i've had recently!)
I met Linda!
WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY
This afternoon I met up with my fellow traveller Linda, who was driving back up the M5 from Devon.
We shared a pot of Earl Grey and our lists and ideas.
Now things seem really real!
Better get my act together and start sorting/packing!
Thankfully thismorning Mum looked after the girls whilst Idashed into Bristol to get a sleeping bag and some decent footwear. (I washed my trainers and they shrank!) . I also managed to get a large collapsable water carrier. Boots the Chemist was also a must and i spent a small fortune there too! All essentials though.
This afternoon I met up with my fellow traveller Linda, who was driving back up the M5 from Devon.
We shared a pot of Earl Grey and our lists and ideas.
Now things seem really real!
Better get my act together and start sorting/packing!
Thankfully thismorning Mum looked after the girls whilst Idashed into Bristol to get a sleeping bag and some decent footwear. (I washed my trainers and they shrank!) . I also managed to get a large collapsable water carrier. Boots the Chemist was also a must and i spent a small fortune there too! All essentials though.
Monday, 27 July 2009
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Fellow Travellers
SATURDAY 25TH JULY.
Well today's the day that my book bus friends (who I don't know yet) travel to Zambia. It's 21.50, and the gang should be flying somewhere over Europe on the first leg of their journey to Jo'burg. They will then get a connection to Ndola, S.Zambia where they will be collected for their journey north to the settlement at Meheba. It is because they will all ready be in Meheba that Linda and I have to make our own way up north.
My collegues are Rachel, Steph, Alison, Judith, Sue, Anna, Natasha, Esther and Andrew.
Linda is the lady who will be travelling with me on the 5th.
Thankfully, I've had no side affects from the YF injection so I am well pleased! Not pleased about the price of malaria tablets though. What a con. For 26 tablets it's around £74!!!!
Well today's the day that my book bus friends (who I don't know yet) travel to Zambia. It's 21.50, and the gang should be flying somewhere over Europe on the first leg of their journey to Jo'burg. They will then get a connection to Ndola, S.Zambia where they will be collected for their journey north to the settlement at Meheba. It is because they will all ready be in Meheba that Linda and I have to make our own way up north.
My collegues are Rachel, Steph, Alison, Judith, Sue, Anna, Natasha, Esther and Andrew.
Linda is the lady who will be travelling with me on the 5th.
Thankfully, I've had no side affects from the YF injection so I am well pleased! Not pleased about the price of malaria tablets though. What a con. For 26 tablets it's around £74!!!!
Friday, 24 July 2009
OUCH!
WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY.
I returned to the jab clinic for my final HepB & the dreaded Yellow Fever.
Yellow Fever is a live vaccine, so it is very likely that I shall develop symptoms in the next 2-3 days! Great! The symptoms are very similar to swine flu!
It'll be just my luck that I pick up that virus just before i go... I think I shall go and read the small print on my insurance policy...
I returned to the jab clinic for my final HepB & the dreaded Yellow Fever.
Yellow Fever is a live vaccine, so it is very likely that I shall develop symptoms in the next 2-3 days! Great! The symptoms are very similar to swine flu!
It'll be just my luck that I pick up that virus just before i go... I think I shall go and read the small print on my insurance policy...
MY BROTHER GOT MARRIED!
SATURDAY 18TH JULY.
Congratulations Stephen and Samantha!
(what has this got to do with Zambia?) Well, thank you to the newly weds who donated the left over pencils, colouring books and mini games that were on the tables to keep the children occupied during the day!
(he doesn't actually know yet cos he's on honeymoon, but I know he'll say yes!) ;0)
Thank you Sil and Bro - see you when I get back!
Congratulations Stephen and Samantha!
(what has this got to do with Zambia?) Well, thank you to the newly weds who donated the left over pencils, colouring books and mini games that were on the tables to keep the children occupied during the day!
(he doesn't actually know yet cos he's on honeymoon, but I know he'll say yes!) ;0)
Thank you Sil and Bro - see you when I get back!
Sponsored Spell Update
Money for the sponsored spell was still rolling in on the last day of term and THANK YOU to all who collected donations. I know the end of term can be pretty chaotic!
(A massive Thank you to my class, who collected together and gave me vouchers for a local beauty salon - I am sooo looking forward to a relaxing massage when I return!)
Anyway, back to the point. THE GRAND TOTAL .......( loud fanfare )....... is ......... £884.15.
Absolutely Awesome! That figure is £10 short of my Airline ticket to Zambia! Truely Amazing.
THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE INVOLVED.
(A massive Thank you to my class, who collected together and gave me vouchers for a local beauty salon - I am sooo looking forward to a relaxing massage when I return!)
Anyway, back to the point. THE GRAND TOTAL .......( loud fanfare )....... is ......... £884.15.
Absolutely Awesome! That figure is £10 short of my Airline ticket to Zambia! Truely Amazing.
THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE INVOLVED.
Overwhelmed
FRIDAY 17TH JULY.
Today was the last day of term. A day of mixed emotions.
My colleague, Kath Titlow was leaving and gave me a lovely letter with a check for £25. Thank you so much Kath- I'll see you one Sunday in the Autumn for afternoon tea and I shall tell you all about it!
I was bowled over in assembly when Donna Howells (no relation to Mike), Presented me with a check from the Parents Association for £100. Here is the what the accompanying letter said..
Dear Mrs Price, We are really excited as a P.A. to be able to sow this money into such a worthwhile cause. we are privilaged to be part of your adventurous journey to Zambia & to be able to make a difference in the lives of those precious children. With much love, thougt & prayers, The Parents association.xxx
And it's true, by helping me to get to Zambia, everyone is part of the adventure.
But, there was more to come. Mrs Sweeting, the head teacher, then presented me with a cheque for£240, which came from the sale of sports day programmes and photos. I've heard that the children in Zambia are big into football so I think i may buy some big inflateable balls to play games with the children.
Today was the last day of term. A day of mixed emotions.
My colleague, Kath Titlow was leaving and gave me a lovely letter with a check for £25. Thank you so much Kath- I'll see you one Sunday in the Autumn for afternoon tea and I shall tell you all about it!
I was bowled over in assembly when Donna Howells (no relation to Mike), Presented me with a check from the Parents Association for £100. Here is the what the accompanying letter said..
Dear Mrs Price, We are really excited as a P.A. to be able to sow this money into such a worthwhile cause. we are privilaged to be part of your adventurous journey to Zambia & to be able to make a difference in the lives of those precious children. With much love, thougt & prayers, The Parents association.xxx
And it's true, by helping me to get to Zambia, everyone is part of the adventure.
But, there was more to come. Mrs Sweeting, the head teacher, then presented me with a cheque for£240, which came from the sale of sports day programmes and photos. I've heard that the children in Zambia are big into football so I think i may buy some big inflateable balls to play games with the children.
First Aid Kit
THURSDAY 16TH JULY.
HUGE thanks to Mike Howells, one of the Dad's in school who is a paramedic and just happens to have training in outdoor/jungle medicine. He has given some fantastic advice/guidence on keeping safe and clean in camp. I guess it's pretty common sense stuff, but i hadn't really thought about it- eg unzip the sleeping bag and shake down before you climb into it etc!!
Parents and pupils who know me, will know that i am not particularly bothered by bugs, however I'm not too sure about creepy crawlies that i cant see and potentially have nasty bites and stings! EW! And, I don't think that if I shout "help I'm a teacher- get me outta here!" anyone will come and rescue me!
Mike has kindly lent me a super dooper medical kit complete with sterile syringes and bite extractor. Cheers Mike, I hope to return it fully intact!!!!
After my chat with Mike, I went straight to Asda and bought one of their camp beds. Not sure how comfy it'll be, but at least I'll be off the ground away from lots of little creatures! I also promise to keep my hands tucked inside the sleeping bag ( and purchase some ear plugs!)
Thankyou to Sam Evans and Family - your sponsor money bought me the camp bed which I shall give to a family at the settlement when I leave.
HUGE thanks to Mike Howells, one of the Dad's in school who is a paramedic and just happens to have training in outdoor/jungle medicine. He has given some fantastic advice/guidence on keeping safe and clean in camp. I guess it's pretty common sense stuff, but i hadn't really thought about it- eg unzip the sleeping bag and shake down before you climb into it etc!!
Parents and pupils who know me, will know that i am not particularly bothered by bugs, however I'm not too sure about creepy crawlies that i cant see and potentially have nasty bites and stings! EW! And, I don't think that if I shout "help I'm a teacher- get me outta here!" anyone will come and rescue me!
Mike has kindly lent me a super dooper medical kit complete with sterile syringes and bite extractor. Cheers Mike, I hope to return it fully intact!!!!
After my chat with Mike, I went straight to Asda and bought one of their camp beds. Not sure how comfy it'll be, but at least I'll be off the ground away from lots of little creatures! I also promise to keep my hands tucked inside the sleeping bag ( and purchase some ear plugs!)
Thankyou to Sam Evans and Family - your sponsor money bought me the camp bed which I shall give to a family at the settlement when I leave.
News from Seth
WEDNESDAY 15TH JULY.
Great news from Seth, the project coordinator at VentureCo. It looks like i will have someone else to travel with! Yeah! The rest of the group will travel out on the 25th, but I will join them 2 weeks later.
Great news from Seth, the project coordinator at VentureCo. It looks like i will have someone else to travel with! Yeah! The rest of the group will travel out on the 25th, but I will join them 2 weeks later.
Drama Club
TUESDAY 14TH JULY.
June's Drama Club at the Village Hall put on a mini show for mums and dads. The children showcased the songs and activities they had been doing through the year. :0)
June was kind enough to let me hold a raffle and together with the children's 'subs' for the evening I raised anthoer £24.
Thank you soo much June - see you in September!
June's Drama Club at the Village Hall put on a mini show for mums and dads. The children showcased the songs and activities they had been doing through the year. :0)
June was kind enough to let me hold a raffle and together with the children's 'subs' for the evening I raised anthoer £24.
Thank you soo much June - see you in September!
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Weight Loss Challenge!
Today I went shopping and bought 2 special towels, a mozzie net and some water purification tablets.
The bill was over £50! eek!
My dad motivated me to lose weight by offering £50 per stone. I don't think he realised how determined I was!!
Dad's generous sponsorship will pay for my special internal flight and the extra night i have to spend in a hotel as a result! ( that should give you an idea of how much I've lost!)
By the way Dad, do i get £25 if i loose another half stone before i go??!!
The bill was over £50! eek!
My dad motivated me to lose weight by offering £50 per stone. I don't think he realised how determined I was!!
Dad's generous sponsorship will pay for my special internal flight and the extra night i have to spend in a hotel as a result! ( that should give you an idea of how much I've lost!)
By the way Dad, do i get £25 if i loose another half stone before i go??!!
Cearleon Arts Festival
On Friday 10th July, my daughter Ellie and I went to the Celtic Manor to attend a prize giving ceremony. Ellie had entered an art competition and won a prize!
Whilst we were there we met the local award winning author and illustrator Penny Dale. She was really interested to hear about the Book Bus project and will sign some books for me to take to Zambia.
I also bumped into Councillor Gail Giles (Caerleon Ward). She on our schools Fair Trade committee and comes to visit when ever she can! She too was excited to hear about my Book Bus project and kindly sponsored me £10. Thank you Gail. (see you in September for our litter picking!)
Whilst we were there we met the local award winning author and illustrator Penny Dale. She was really interested to hear about the Book Bus project and will sign some books for me to take to Zambia.
I also bumped into Councillor Gail Giles (Caerleon Ward). She on our schools Fair Trade committee and comes to visit when ever she can! She too was excited to hear about my Book Bus project and kindly sponsored me £10. Thank you Gail. (see you in September for our litter picking!)
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Meheba Project Update
Our visit to Meheba is approaching fast and we were hoping that the road into Meheba would have been resurfaced by the time of our visit. However the road remains in a poor state of repair, and we can’t be sure that the local authorities can repair it in time for the arrival of The Book Bus. We have therefore decided to use an Expedition Vehicle to access the camp. The Expedition vehicle is a rugged Mercedes Benz truck with high ground clearance that enables us to penetrate into the camp along its rough tracks. Our Project plans will not be affected by this change and the truck will have “Book Bus” signs attached so that everyone knows who we are!
Please be aware that the truck is not equipped with a generator and there is no power in the camp so, for any battery powered gadgets you may have (mainly cameras), we suggest you pack a solar powered charger.
Some of the schools we are visiting are well off the beaten track and the final access may be by bicycle. (EEEK!)
SPONSORED SPELL
WELL DONE to everyone at Caerleon Endowed Infant School who took part in a sponsored spell today. Lots of parents have already sent donations in and I am overwhelmed by peoples generosity.
Thank you x
Thank you x
JABS round 2
Yesterday i had my second lot of jabs. ouch!
I am still undecided as to whether to have a rabies jab. I wasn't going to, but I've had an email from one of my fellow travellers who has had a rabies jab! What do you think?
I am still undecided as to whether to have a rabies jab. I wasn't going to, but I've had an email from one of my fellow travellers who has had a rabies jab! What do you think?
CEJS!
Caerleon Endowed Junior school have been really generous and given a donation of £50. They were going to hold a fundraising event for me, but their diary was so jam packed nothing could be squashed in!
The new Headteacher has given the go ahead for me to take an assembly in the Autumn term to share my experiences with the pupils.
The new Headteacher has given the go ahead for me to take an assembly in the Autumn term to share my experiences with the pupils.
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Chepstow Pink Scrappers
A HUGE thankyou to the ladies of Chepstow Pink Scrappers who bought raffle tickets at their monthly club night and raised £37!!!
I think most of them were secretly quite relieved that my luggage allowance is only 15kgs and I cant raid their lovely stashes of glitter, glue, paper and bling!!!!
Thank you again Ladies ~ see you in September. Enjoy your summer!
I think most of them were secretly quite relieved that my luggage allowance is only 15kgs and I cant raid their lovely stashes of glitter, glue, paper and bling!!!!
Thank you again Ladies ~ see you in September. Enjoy your summer!
Monday, 29 June 2009
Injections
I had 2 lots of jabs this afternoon and have to go back for more next week! Thankfully they were not toooo painful.
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Yesterday, the children at school were given a list of spellings to learn for a sponsored spell in aid of my teaching project. (Thank you to Mrs Sweeting, the Headteacher, for supporting this venture). A letter telling everyone about the Book Bus and what I was going to do accompanied the spelling list letter.
I was overwhelmed today at our school summer fayre when a number of parents came up to me to 'congratulate' me on my planned teaching experience. :0)
I was overwhelmed today at our school summer fayre when a number of parents came up to me to 'congratulate' me on my planned teaching experience. :0)
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Monday, 22 June 2009
I've finally managed to set up a blog spot to journal my Zambian Adventure!
The Story so far..
Having been inspired by the Hardcastle Family back home in Clevedon, I decided to something a little worthwhile with my 2 weeks holiday this year. Teaching on The Book Bus in Zambia!
Its been a bit of a challenge to organise because I can only attend for 2 weeks instead of the normal 4 weeks and as a result I have had to organise extra internal flights to get me there.
But hey, I did it! I fly out on the 5th August 2009..
I have to attend the vaccination clinic next week and will be phoing Jo at Venture Co tomorrow morning to find out some more info about the Meheba Refugee Settlement where I shall be spending my 2 weeks.
The Story so far..
Having been inspired by the Hardcastle Family back home in Clevedon, I decided to something a little worthwhile with my 2 weeks holiday this year. Teaching on The Book Bus in Zambia!
Its been a bit of a challenge to organise because I can only attend for 2 weeks instead of the normal 4 weeks and as a result I have had to organise extra internal flights to get me there.
But hey, I did it! I fly out on the 5th August 2009..
I have to attend the vaccination clinic next week and will be phoing Jo at Venture Co tomorrow morning to find out some more info about the Meheba Refugee Settlement where I shall be spending my 2 weeks.
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