Welcome to the Sri Lanka Challenge chat forum in the lead up to the departure in September. It would be fantastic if we can all use this to introduce ourselves, talk about fund raising ideas, pose questions on Sri Lanka, Habitat for Humanity, share fundraising events, meet for drinks or train together. In fact you can ask or talk about anything

I will be one of the leaders along with Bruno who is based in Sri Lanka (and is included in this forum.)

I am about to send a group e-mail with flight times out of Sydney and Melbourne. I will also attach an extension form. We need to know if you want to stay longer by the 14th June (which is earlier than in my original letter).

I already have requests from Cherene, Michael, Jonathan, kathy, Gabrielle & Samuel - so for you guys there is no need to reconfirm with me.

Thats all for now - but will keep you posted.

Thanks

Mike

Hi all,
Looking forward to the trip already. I'm interested in hearing from anyone planning to extend their trip. Myself and my mate Michael are looking at going to Anuradhapura and/or Polunnaruwa after the end of the trip (we will be extending the trip by 6 days) so I'd be interested in hearing from anyone else with similar plans. This forum should be a good way to exchange ideas and help in planning. I'm also interested to hear about what people are doing for fundraising...
Cheers Jonathan

Hello everyone! I thought I would introduce myself.

Im Melissa from Sydney. Im 27, never ventured to Sri Lanka before, this is my first time fundraising or doing anything like this. Im really looking forward to meeting everyone and participating in this Challenge.

Cheers!
Melissa

Hi,

I'm Cherene. Sri Lankan born (in Kandy!); Sydney based. Haven't been back for 10 years so really looking forward to seeing some of the places I've seen before as well as some new ones.

Wasn't planning on extending my stay due to work demands but think that I could be changing my mind on that one as would love to spend a few extra days here and there - like the ones Jonathan and Michael may hit.

I'm trying to get my mum to give me some decent Singhala lessons but they're failing dismally and all I've managed to learn is "pass me the hammer". (I'm tailoring it towards building activities you see ;)

Hope to improve before I get there.

C.

Hi all,
I'm Paul from Melbourne. I've never participated in something like this but I'm very much looking forward to this challenge. I'm organising a bbq as my first fundraiser at a Sunday market which will be in a couple of weeks time. I'll post the up details when I finalise the arrangements.

I look forward to hearing what others are doing for fundraising and training. I've been thinking about extending my time at the end of the trip so I'll be interested to see what others are planning on doing.

Cheers - Paul

Edited by author 05-24-2005 07:15 AM
Hi
Its great to be participating in this M.A.D adventure with everyone.
I live at Tweed Heads on the NSW /Qld border and am coming to Sydney for the weekend of 3rd June [visiting elderly relative] so perhaps some of us could meet up ?????
My fundraising is happening this Saturday night as we are hosting a curry night so if anyone happens to be on the Gold Coast this weekend you are most welcome.

Hello
This is a great idea.
I'm from Sydney, and (like a few others it seems) this'll be my first time doing this kind of thing.
I'm travelling with Jonathan, but am looking forwward to having a great time with everyone. Definitely be keen for a beer beforehand if anyone else is.
I haven't quite mastered how to ask for a hammer yet, but I'll be consulting my phrase book before too long. :-)
Michael

Hi All

I'm really excited about this trip because I've always wanted to build a house and this will give me a chance to do it and give something back to the community. I'm based in Sydney, so happy to catch up with anyone for a beer...

Ciao
SHAR

Hi All

Sue and I have never been to Sri Lanka before, really looking forward to the trip. We are from Perth so we are unlikely to be able to meet up for a beer but we will raise a glass to you all from over here in the west. Our fund raising got off to an interesting start yesterday. I was getting onto my motorcycle outside Bunnings when a bloke approached me and observed that my rear tyre was virtually bald. He then offered me almost new tyres he had in his shed that were no longer any use to him as he had upgraded his bike to a newer model. The outcome was that I got the tyres for nothing and the money that I would have had to spend on new tyres goes straight in as funds raised.
Cheers

Clarke & Sue

Hi Fellow MAD Sri Lanka Travellers

Had a wonderful fundraising night on Saturday - over$1000 made and a fun time too. Don't wish to look at another curry for ages!!!!!!!!

I am going to be in Sydney this weekend with my husband Rick and it would be great to meet up with any of you who can make it to the Oaks Pub beergarden, Neutral Bay at 4.00pm Saturday. If this location is not suitable to most, we can change it to wherever - I don't know your geographies. Do let me know. Recognise us by the rolled up newspaper on the table - that's what spies do in the movies.

Clarke and Sue, Perth is only a hop and skip away! I expect to see you there, or maybe Singapore en route???

Paul, good luck with your BBQ.

Cheers

Kathy

Well done Kathy on raising over $1000 in one hit. Very impressive. If I can make it over to the Oaks on Saturday I will look out for you and the rolled up newspaper.
I'm chipping away at the fundraising - I am taking a group of friends to the football this Friday night. I am getting some free tickets so am making the friends pay for them - hopefully I will make a few hundred from this. I will also be doing a morning tea at work, and hitting up other people for donations.
Jonathan

Plus Jonathan and I will hopefully organise a fundraising BBQ with our touch football team and their friends and associates.


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< replied-to message removed by QT >

Sorry about the disclaimer. From now on I'll post from the website!!!

Edited by author 05-31-2005 04:43 AM
Sounds like the fundraising is going well so far which is great to hear.

I'm doing a BBQ as my first fundraiser, which is going to be this Sunday (5th June) at the Camberwell Market. I will be setup in front of the Safeway supermarket from about 9am onwards to mid afternoon. I've roped a few friends and family to help me out for the day as well.

If your from Melbourne (or happen to be in town) come down, have a snag, and say hi.

Cheers - Paul

Hi Everyone, I hope the fundraising is going well!

I just have a quick question for Paul:

I was wondering how you're BBQ went on the weekend? Im in the process of organising one at my local market and they have requested Public Liability insurance.. did you have to pay insurance for your stall?

Melissa

Hi everyone. My name is Frances. I'm 33 and I live in Melbourne(Hi Paul, sorry I missed your bbq!). I've never been to Sri Lanka or built a house before, although I've done a fair amount of renovating.
I managed to raise quite a bit of money by asking a my employer's 'sister' company for sponsorship. I'm amazed what can be achieved just by asking!
Is anyone else doing the Singapore stopover on the way home?

Hi Everyone,

My fundraiser BBQ on the weekend went really well, I managed to raise $410 from it which is great. I've also raised a further $250 through donations from friends and work colleagues, so I'm not too far off the target.

Hi Melissa, I had the same issue in regards to public liability. I spoke to Habitat for Humanity (who were really helpful to me) and from what they mentioned to me volunteers fundraising for them are covered through them. They (Habitat) faxed through a copy of their public liability insurance to the council who were satisfied with it. So if you give them call they should be able to help you out.

I also had to organise a food permit and a temporary trading permit which was a bit of a hastle to start with. I got different answers from different people but it was all easily sorted in the end. Best of luck with it.

Cheers - Paul

Hi Paul, Im glad to hear your BBQ & fundraising went well and thank you so much for the information regarding the insurance.

Cheers, Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Folks

First, congratulations Kathy on your curry supper - I would love to know how you managed to raise so much in one hit?

Second - it's rarely mentioned in the health check info, but it is a really good idea to have a dental check before you go off to foreign parts, specially if you have any tooth twinges, as toothache on holiday is no fun. I am sure they have perfectly good dentists there, but finding one at the right time can be a problem!

Looking forward to meeting you all in Singapore!

Hi Everyone

Thanks Sue for your message. My curry night was great fun for all.Planning started 2weeks before when we made 1/2 the curries and froze them and the rest on the day.10 in total. Meat/ vegan/hot/mild. Recipes mainly from the Womans Weekly Easy Curry Cookbook. Invites went out and a charge of $20 per head was requested BYOG + raffles. We catered for 43 in the end in the garden warmed by borrowed braziers.YES it does get chilly on the Gold Coast. I have been really touched by peoples generosity those that were not able to make it contributed as well.
It's interesting to hear what all you are doing for your fundraising.Good luck with it all.
Next challenge is to get fitter!What are you all doing for that????
Cheers Kathy

Hi,

Everyones fundraising seems to be going brilliantly. I still haven't worked out what I can do. I was going to take the easy out and just pay the money but I've just bought my first property (hurrah!) and now am rethinking the need to be smarter about the fundraising option. I have however started on the fitness side of things to get up Adam's Peak. My dad told me he walked for two hours and was then told they'd reached the base of the ascent!! I've started doing a circuit class at the work gym and have been doing the Bay Walk in Drummoyne on the weekends so if anyone else schleps around that neck of the woods let me know.
Also, was thinking if anyone wanted more exposure to the food before we get there then I can introduce you to Homebush (or Tamil capital of the world as I like to call it). There are loads of "kades" (food bars) and spice shops that you can sample the wares at.

C.

Hi all - I have been pleasantly surprised about people's reactions to fundraising for this trip. I managed to raise $230 on a night at the footy a week or so ago, by getting some free tickets through a contact and then charging my friends $20 to come. Some people actually gave me $30 or $40 when I explained what I was fundraising for. I am hosting a morning tea at work on the 24th as well - requesting that people bring a plate and charge $5 per head. Luckily I'm in quite a big office, and some people have already said they will donate more. Along with several other pledges, I will make the $800 easily and hopefully will top the $1000 mark.
The moral of the story is that everyone I have spoken to about the trip and the fundraising has been really positive and interested, so dont be afraid to ask anyone you know for a donation - and dont forget its tax-deductible...
Jonathan

Hello fellow Challengers!
After thinking I too would have to donate the funds myself things have finally come together and my Sausage Sizzle planning is in full swing. It will be held in Armidale at the local monthly markets on June 26. Armidale is in regional Northern NSW - 5-6hrs north of Sydney, west of Coffs Harbour. I grew up there and local businesses have been very generous in donating everything I need for the event.
Fitness wise.. Ive been in training before I even took on the challenge. I go to the gym regularly and 1-2 times a week I do martial arts, plus I enjoy running on the beach most weekends and dont mind a hike or two every now and then.
I am quite excited to meet everyone and was hoping we could meet up soon. If anyone is free this weekend let me know if you'd like to meet.
Also, Ive decided I want to extend my stay (yep I left that decision right til the last minute) but was wondering who else is extending and for how long.
Melissa

Hi All

Sounds like everyone is doing so well with fundraising! Congrats on your efforts...I myself had all intentions to get stuck into it, but will have to make the building part my challenge! Just started training this long weekend at a gym (as friend gave me a 7 day guest pass) and all indications say I need to get serious about my fitness!

Cherene...I'd be very keen to catch up and do some pre-exploring and taste testing of Sri Lankan delights (confessed foodie myself)...and training if I can swing by your way...

Let us know when it might be good for exploring Homebush on the weekend...I have tried once with friends at a place called Janani?

Ciao
SHAR

I'm happy to catch up for some Sri Lankan cuisine. I've been very very slack with the fundraising. I've half resigned to just paying it myself... but may be able to do something if I hurry up.

As for the training - I exercise fairly regularly anyway, but will try and lift it a few notches now that September is approaching at a rapid pace.

Michael

Hi Cherene & Sharlene

I'm in for exploring Homebush too. Ive never been and I'm really in the mood for breaking some taste-bud boundaries.

Can we organise something..? Maybe others in Sydney want to experience it too.

I'm free to explore any time except my fundraiser weekend of the 25-26th June.

Cheers,
Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi again,
Count me in too for the Sri Lankan food experience in Sydney - sounds good. Also Michael and I are extending the trip by about 6 days. We plan to go to Anuradhapura and Polunnaruwa before heading home, to see a bit more of the country. I have found some good hotel websites on the net and some pretty nice looking places. Who else is extending their trip?
Jonathan

Hi Jonathan,
Ive heard that most of us are extending for about a week or taking up the Singapore stay over. I'm extending to 23rd but I don't have any plans yet as to where I will be going. I think I will just 'wing' it and decide where to go when I get there.

So... when should we tantalise our taste buds?

Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi everyone
Your food night sounds good .Wish I was closer.
I am only extending in Singapore for the 2 nights but have heard of 2 hotels that you may not have found which sound quite different and unusual for those that are staying on.The Kandalama Hotel in Sigiriya region is wrapped around a cliff,and www.helgasfolly.com.
Cheers
Kathy

What about a visit to a Sri Lankan restaurant on a Sunday evening?
I don't know any Sri Lankan restaurants, but am easily pleased.
Michael

A Sunday evening Sri Lankan meal would be good for me too, although I am happy to work around everyone else.

Also check out Palm Garden Village in Anuradhapura - Michael and I will be there for a few days after the trip.

Hi Guys,

Would this Sunday 19th be too soon to head to Homebush?

Otherwise just post which Sunday is cool for you and I'll find one and book a table and provide an address.

Sharlene - what did you think of Janani's? We get take away from there sometimes but I've not dined in. There's another place on the Crescent that's quite nice too.

C.

Cherene,

No time like the present, please count me in for this Sunday! Could you let me know the street address so I can find my way there? Thanks heaps!
Melissa

You guys are doing awesome work in your fundraising - fantastic!

Please check out this link which takes you to the home page of Ewen Bell, a professional photographer who will be coming with us on this challenge.

http://www.ewenbell.com/about.php

Click on Sri lanka in the 'galleries' on the left side of the page to view the photos.

Don't forget to let Intrepid know about extensions if you want to stay on after the project as your flights will be booked next week.

cheers

Mike

Hi Cherene and Melissa

Janani's was fun, but honestly my friends and I didn't really know what to order (one friend had been taken there previously by their Sri Lankan friend). The food was tasty though...

Sorry, I can't do this Sunday 19 July. I could do lunch on 25 or 26 June or anytime on Sat 2 July or Sun 3 July? It would also be fun to check out any specialty food stores...

Ciao
SHAR

26 June/3 July is OK for me. Lunch or dinner.

I can do 19th June or 3rd July (25-26th is out for me - it's my fundraising weekend).

Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

I can fit in with whatever date you guys decide, so count me in whenever....

Looks like lunch on 3 July, then, unless someone else has another preference

Awesome! Lunch sounds great to me.

I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Cheers!
Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Does all of this mean Cherene is going to book for 3 July?

Michael,
I think so..

Cherene,
Would you mind booking somewhere for us on 3 July at lunch time?
Melissa.


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi,

Yep will book some place for lunch on 3rd July. Say 1pm.

Will send address details closer to the time.

At this stage booking for:

Michael, Sharlene, Melissa, Jonathan and me.

Anyone else who can make it just post a note and I'll change the number.

C.

Thanks Cherene.
I'll definitely be there.

Hi Everyone. I haven't introduced myself yet! I'll be travelling to Sri Lanka with my boyfriend Sam, and we will also be extending our trip for about a week.. still haven't decided exactly where we will go, might leave it open to see how we are feeling once we are there!

I've been a bit slow in organising my fundraising, but am finally confirming details tonight for a charity dinner at a Sri Lankan restaurant in Crows Nest. So... not sure if this is a convenient location for the Sydneysiders, but will post the confirmed date asap in case anyone would like to join us :-)

Unfortunately I can't make lunch on the 3rd (dad's b'day), so hopefully can meet up with you all another time!

Hi Gab& Sam,

Its great that you've joined us.

Look forward to hearing about your charity dinner plans.

Good luck!

Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

We confirmed our fundraising dinner tonight - it will be at the Blue Elephant Restaurant in Crows nest on 14th July if anyone would like to come along :-)

The owner of the restaurant has been really enthusiastic and helpful and he has a second restaurant in the Homebush area called Sunil’s Cuisine. Just an idea, but I'm sure if you had your lunch there on the 3rd he would really look after you and give you a true Sri Lankan experience! It's at 28 Joseph Street Lidcombe - tel 9649 1637. Ask for Siva!

I've finally decided on a fund raising activity.
I'm going to do a swim-a-thon. People can sponsor me a certain amount for each lap I can swim at Bondi Icebergs in July (no more than 20 laps).

So I get to train and raise money at the same time.

M

Way to go Michael,

Hey, is it called "Icebergs" for a reason?

When will you be doing your swim-a-thon?

Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

It looks like the swim/freeze-a-thon will be on 9 July.

It's called Ice Bergs because lots of (mad) people swim there during winter.

Edited by author 06-21-2005 12:11 AM
Hi everyone.
I've never been to Sri Lanka (or Asia!) and thought this trip sounded fantastic.
Good luck with your fundraising and I'm really looking forward to meeting you all over there.
Cheers, Jenny.

Hi all - I have just hosted a morning tea in the office this morning, and funds raised from this has just topped $500 and counting. I am lucky that I work in a large office and had in excess of 50 people attend, and many people were very generous and genuinely interested in the cause. So if you havent done something similar yet, go and do it! And dont be shy about it - I had plenty of people attend who I dont even know, and all were happy to contribute. The moral of the story is - just ask, and you will be pleasantly surprised by people's generosity.
Jonathan

Hey way to go Jonathan! Did you put on an apron and bakes some cakes & cookies for the event? You know, you are so right, people are very very generous. I have my sausage sizzle this Sunday and everything for it has been donated by local businesses. I am a little concerned however that I might be snowed in - it was snowing in Armidale yesterday.. brrrr!
Good luck to everyone else fundraising at the moment. I'm looking forward to catching up for lunch in a week.

Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

No I didnt subject anyone to my baking, but I managed to sweet talk a few people in the office to supply treats, to go along with what was funded by work.
Good luck with the weather in Armidale - see you at lunch next week. Jonathan

Hi Guys,

That's great news Jonathan, and you're right....now that I've put my head to trying to organise some fundraising event I have so many people clamouring to help. To this end I'll be having a Curry Night on Saturday July 30 at a church hall in Strathfield. It's being fully catered for next to nothing and I'm trying to organise some donated items to raffle off. Once I have full details I'll let you all know in case anyone wants to come along.

Has anyone had help from Habitat with fundraising collateral, such as posters?

Now onto lunch for the 3rd. How does 1pm sound?

I thought we could try Vasandha Bhavan
19-20 The Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140

For those coming by train it's directly opposite Homebush Station entrace. If you get out and are looking at house and not a shop you've gone the wrong way!

Also, did anyone catch Sydney Weekender last Sat? They reviewed a number of Sri Lankan restaurants in Seven Hills. I've not been to any as it's a bit of a hike from where I am but I wouldn't mind trying out 'The Curry Leaf' one day in anyone wants to try a second lunch or dinner if the first one is palatable.

Have a great weekend. See you next Sunday.

C.

Hi Cherene

All sounds good to me....am always into checking out new restaurants, so would be happy to do another lunch, dinner excursion...

Well done everyone on fundraising!

See you next week.
Cheers
SHAR

Hi Guys
All your fundraising efforts sound terrific.
As for your curry night Cherene-an additional fundraider idea could be to either make up a booklet of recipes or sell individual curry recipes on the night.I did not do this but it was suggested to me as another idea for the future.Sticky rice pudding went down a treat too!
Everyone wants another curry night as its freezing here too on the Gold Coast.
Sausages in snow in Armidale sound good Melissa!!!
Cheers Kathy

Thanks for organising the lunch, Cherene. I will be there!

Michael

Yep I'll be at lunch on Sunday too
Jonathan

Hi Everyone,

My sausage sizzle went well on the weekend and I raised over half of the required amount, which was better than expected considering the elements were working against me (sleet, drizzle, rain etc) and there were 40% less stalls at the markets due to a council requirement that was enforced for the first time at this particular market... All in all though, I had a fantastic time.

I am really looking forward to lunch this weekend and Id also like to try the food at Seven Hills.

Good luck Cherene with organising your Curry night and thanks for organising lunch this weekend.
Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Everyone
I was on the Sri Lanka challenge in April & Mike has asked for a few comments. We were the first trip through after the tsunami. Our visit was overwhelming, confronting and uplifting - all at the same time. My only regret was that I couldn't stay on to help. Although we'll continue to support as we can from Australia.
It was so encouraging to see the work Oxfam is doing to empower people through the use of sustainable farming techniques and Fair Trade businesses. The pride of the local people in their achievements shone through in their sparkling eyes & dazzling smiles.
You'll have a great time AND make a positive impact on the local communities. The feeling this gives is even better than reaching your fundraising target!!!
If you'd like to see my photos visit the following - I've put them into categories so you don't have to plough through them all ;->
Oxfam project: http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeBt2zNy0cPmg
Tsunami: http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeBt2zNy0cMIC
People:http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeBt2zNy0cPuA
Scenes: http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeBt2zNy0cP3g
Temples: http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeBt2zNy0cP_A
Cheers Carol

Extract From Adam Platt-Hepworth who went on the Sri lanka Challange in April:

"I am standing in the afternoon humidity of coastal Sri-Lanka, streaming with sweat and trying not to let it bother me. In front of me stand two carriages from the ill-fated Galle Express. I had seen the horrifying footage from home in the days following December 26, but now I am actually standing in front of it. The locals have retained the two carriages as a memorial to those lost in the Tsunami which ravaged their village along with the rest of the West and South Coasts of Sri-Lanka. My fellow travellers and I are listening to our host tell us the sad story of how one thousand five hundred people lost their lives in this train. Not all were passengers, but had sought refuge in the train because it was higher than ground level.

This is a sobering final day for a trip that has spanned thirteen days and has taken us from the country’s capital to the high country and back. We have been driving for three hours or so along devastated coastline to get to a village called Peraliya. When I say village, I really mean the remnants of the village. Four months after the disaster, people are still living in tents or in temporary housing if they are lucky. The people here are a little bit luckier than many of their neighbouring villages, because they have the help and support of a handful of volunteers. One of these is the charming Juliet Coombe. Juliet is a Photo Journalist based in Melbourne. She is working together with a group of independent volunteers who have been with this community since shortly after the tragedy struck in December. The group is headed up by Alison Thompson and Oscar Gubernati. With the support of the village chief, they are helping to rebuild Peraliya and believe that as a small independent group, they can move a lot quicker than the larger aid groups by concentrating on a localised area and not getting stuck in bureaucratic delays. They rely heavily on the generosity and support of donors and volunteers from all over the world. They are re-furbishing the school in order to get the children out of the school tents, have built a medical centre, are building permanent homes and establishing a boat donation scheme for fishermen.

Juliet has started a photography school for the children. This may sound like a strange thing to bring to people who have lost everything from their possessions to their homes and their families, but as we are witnessing, it is having a wonderful impact. It is enabling the children to express themselves and help them cope with the trauma that they have had to deal with. You can see that these children are emotionally exhausted, but they are smiling and are starting to behave the way children should, which is comforting.

It is difficult for many people to consider holidaying in an area affected by a natural disaster and this was probably a reason for the pull out of some of my intended travel companions. The truth is though, that while the country has obviously been devastated, there are many areas that have not been affected by the Tsunami, but are suffering the secondary problems such as lack of tourism. Our tour guide estimates that there has been a fifty per cent drop in tourism since December and there is slim evidence that this is about to change. This may be the reason that everyone is so happy to see us.

There are more goodbyes during our departure from Peraliya Village, a task made all the more difficult by the little faces smiling at us,. Six of our companions have chosen to stay on in Galle and will come back to the village tomorrow to try and lend a hand. They will buy some thongs for the kids who run the risk of cutting their feet on protruding objects in the ground and they will teach them some games. The visit to Peraliya is a contrast to the rest of our trip, but is, I believe, an essential part of it. It has provided us all with some balance and perspective to the fun that we have had. I think that the sight shook us all and will stick with us for a long time to come. This has been the most intensive trip that I have been on."

Hi everyone!

This is Tera Fediuk from Habitat for Humanity Australia. I coordinate Habitat Australia's volunteer program. Thank you so much for joining the Sri Lanka Challenge team! Your fundraising has amazed me and will benefit the families we will build homes with in Galle.

I'm based in Sydney and met up with Melissa, Jonathon, Charlene, Charene and Michael on the weekend for some yummy Sri Lanka tea. Good thing Charene was there to order; I'm not one for spicy food but it was delicous.

It was great to meet you guys and I look forward to meeting everyone in Sri Lanka. You may have some questions in preparation for the trip about Habitat, what to wear on the build site, etc. Please post your questions and I will answer them for everyone because are propably someone else has the same question.

Have a great day! Tera

It was lovely to meet everyone who came to lunch on Sunday! I think I am still exploding from eating so much. Very tasty! A big thanks to Cherene for organising it for us. Hopefully we can get together again soon and more MAD Challengers can make it.

I have a question for Tera.. do I need a permit to hold a raffle? Or can I just go ahead and ask businesses to sponsor items for the raffle? I was thinking that would be how I would raise the balance of what is required for the challenge.

Cheers!
Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Lunch on Sunday was great - if thats any indication I think we will all eat well in Sri Lanka.

Tera I have one question/idea, which we touched on on Sunday. After all the interest shown in my fundraising, if there is anything specific we can bring with us on the trip that might help the locals, I'm sure it would be easy enough to organise. I'm thinking along the lines of tools etc, or things for kids, or things to help kit out the houses we are to build ie kitchen things etc. Or even just to raise more cash to buy tools/equipment that is needed. I guess this is something we can work out over the next few weeks - I for one would be happy to help a little more.

If anyone has any ideas just let me know, and Tera I guess maybe you can provide some guidance on this?

It was good to meet those who came on Sunday and would be happy to catch up again prior to the trip.

Cheers
Jonathan

Next Tuesday, July 12, Foreign Correspondent on ABC TV has a report on Sri Lanka. From the brief snippet I saw I think it covers the political situation there - it looks like must-see viewing. 9.20pm next Tuesday on ABC....

Message from Paul Dolan on the last Sri lanka event:

"This was my third Oxfam cycling Challenge – each one inspiring me on to do the next. You get the chance to really see and experience another culture while cycling through the country and at same time know that you are helping to make a difference in the world. It is inspiring to see the great work that Oxfam is doing and to experience the warm appreciation from the local communities.

I am proud to have been a part of that. The Sri Lanka experience will stay with me forever from it’s exotic beauty, warm and friendly locals to the devastation left behind by the Tsunami.

I came across a local sitting in the shell of a house with an idyllic ocean and beach backdrop – I asked if this had been his home he answered “yes” then looked me in the eye and said “but my family are okay”. We shook hands and for a moment without any words knew that his family surviving was the most important thing.

Each one of us can make a difference no matter how small."

Just a reminder, following from Jonathan's earlier message that there is what appears to be an interesting story on Foreigh Correspondent tonight. Here is the blurb:

Sri Lanka - President Kumaratunga
Reporter: Michael Maher

With both her parents former Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka, and her brother currently a parliamentarian with leadership ambitions of his own, Chandrika Kumaratunga was born into politics. But President Chandrika claims not to be at all interested in the power that comes with the job.
In a setting that should be a paradise on earth, Sri Lanka has had its share of suffering, with two decades of sectarian violence shattering the peace, and late last year a freak of nature sending giant waves that devastated the island and killed over 40,000 of its people.
Kumaratunga has also suffered personal violence. Her father was assassinated and she later escaped an attempt on her own life.
And in the past few months bitter accusations have been directed at the central government over the recovery operation of the destruction caused by the tsunami, with claims that it has become bogged down in red tape and corruption. Chandrika Kumaratunga dismisses these claims as rubbish.

Hello all. My name is Claire and I'm 28 and from Rural SA. 7 hours from Adelaide. So almost as far away as Perth!! I hate computers and I think they hate me, so this is very courageous of me...!!! You all sound very interesting and motivated. I think I am a tad slack. I live in the area burnt out by bush fires in SA in January, so I think the fundraising dollar is in short supply, but alas I may get my act together eventually. I haven't been to Sri Lanka before, but have ventured to India. I'm hoping the food is just as delicious. I've also tried my hands at putting rooves (??roofs? - who knows what the plural of roof is!!) on a school in Vanuatu. It was very fun, except for trying not to slip off the roof because of the humidity and sweat! Can't wait to meet you all in September. I'm sure we will have a great time.

Hi, here are the details of my fundraising event if anyone's interested in coming along.
"Curries for Communities", Saturday, July 30th 7:00pm
$20 per head. Uniting Church Hall, Carrington Ave, Strathfield. We've sold about 50 tickets already and are aiming for 100. Hope you're all well. Cherene.
P.S. Let me know if you guys want to try out the 'Curry Leaf' in Seven Hills. Maybe in August?

Hi Cherene and All

Good luck with fundraising....

It was great to meet everybody in Homebush for lunch....good
food....happy to check out the other place in Seven Hills....

Ciao
SHAR



This email is intended for the addressee(s) named and may contain confidential and/or privileged information.

If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and then delete it immediately. Any views expressed in this email are those of the individual sender except where the sender expressly and with authority states them to be the views of the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW). < replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi

Hi,it's been a while since we posted a message but our fundraising continued at the weekend with a sausage sizzle. It was a bit slow to start with but finished strongly. We have another one planned for 14 August. My training is going ok, I'm running about 20km per week had hoping to peak for the Perth City to Surf on 28 August. I've also been getting my new footwear worn in for Adams Peak and will probably spend some time on the Bibblemun Track just before we leave. We look forward to seing you all in September.

Hi,

Had my fundraiser on Sat night and raised about $2300 with a few donations still trickling in on top of that. There were about 90 people there and I had a few things to raffle off that people kindly donated - like an HP digital camera and Charmaine Solomon's cookbooks, etc - so that helped supplement the amount.

Not long to go now, so with this out of the way I'd better focus on the fitness aspect which is sadly lagging.

If anyone wants to try the Curry Leaf in Seven Hills now that August has arrived let me know and I'll see about organising it. I suggest we try 'hoppers' this time as we've done the 'dosai' already.

C.

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Great fundraising effort Cherene!

Id love to try the Curry Leaf. Unfortunately though, I have a pretty busy schedule for the next couple of weeks. Is anyone interested in going this Saturday for lunch or dinner? Or, are there any other suggestions for a preferred date?

Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Cherene

That is fantastic! I'm keen for trying the Curry Leaf, but also quite busy....I can do Sun 21 Aug for lunch or dinner?

Ciao
SHAR

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

I can do the 21st August. Dinner would be my preference.

Melissa



< replied-to message removed by QT >

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Hi all,
Well done on a fantastic effort Cherene. Obviously a very successful night.
I can't make it on the weekend of the 20/21st August as I will be up at the Gold Coast visiting family. Too bad as I would have liked some more Sri Lankan food prior to experiencing it first hand!
Another thing - everyone should be thinking of getting their needles and malaria medication etc now as you should take care of all the medical things well in advance of departure...
Cheers Jonathan

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Sam & I would love to try out the Curry Leaf and meet you all prior to our trip! August 21 works for us.

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Greetings Mad Challengers!

You have no doubt gathered that one of your fellow travellers is to be Kathy Jobson. Well, she's convinced me that I should come along too. (Originally I thought I couldn't get the time away from our business, but have worked out that it will be ok).

We haven't been to Sri Lanka before and are really looking forward to the experience. And to meeting all of you people. It promises to be a top two weeks.

Cheers

Rick

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Thank you for your email! I’ll be in Canada from 21st July – 13th August visiting my family and will be able to reply to your email when I am back in the office. If any urgent matters please call Lolly at the Habitat Australia office, she may be able to help you.
 Kind regards

Tera

Hi everyone
Not too long now
It looks like we will meet everyone in Singapore as we are flying out from Brisbane.
Jonathon if you have any spare time this weekend whilst you are on the Gold Coast perhaps we can meet up.Let us know if you are able.
Cheers Kathy & Rick

Hi Kathy and Rick,
If you drop me a line on my work email I can give you my contact details whilst I am up the Coast. My email is jonathan.crump@cba.com.au - anyone else is free to drop me a line too! I'll be out of the office on Thursday and Friday though.

What sort of clothing is everyone planning on taking on the trip for when we are building? Maybe Tera can give us some guidance on this - whether we need boots or whether sneakers are ok, and in general what else we might need...
Cheers
Jonathan

Hi everyone (especially fellow Melbournians)
Can't wait to be somewhere warm, after these last few weeks of freezing weather!

I'm planning a visit to Sigiri (Sri Lankan restaurant) in Northcote in the next week or two. Would Paul, Mike, or anyone else be interested in joining me??

Also, I gather we are all on the same flight from Singapore to Sri Lanka. Is there a plan to meet up along the way, at least to share taxis to the hotel?

Regards
Frances

Hi Frances - hopefully we can all meet at Singapore Airport prior to the flight to Colombo. We'll organise that closer to the date I guess. I believe our transfer from the airport at Colombo is included with the tour, so nothing to worry about there...
Jonathan

Hi Everyone,

Who is interested in going to the Curry Leaf in Seven Hills on Sunday? It would be great to get together again and hopefully see some new faces.
Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Frances, Trying out some Sri Lankan cuisine sounds great. When were you thinking of going to Sigiri?
Cheers, Jenny.

Hi Melissa and All

I now have to work on Sunday, so I cannot go this weekend. As next weekend is our last weekend before the trip,I think it might be difficult to do then as well for me.

Cheers
SHAR

That's ok, how about we all just catch up for the real thing in Colombo!!
Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi,

Yeah, sorry guys, have been meaning to get on for a while now and sort this but I'm fast running out of time too.

Happy to wait for the real thing - hope we get to go to the Beach Waadiya in Mt Lavinia!

See you all soon.

Cherene

Hi All

Just wondering if anyone is doing anything about malaria prevention? as I've never done this before and wonder if it is really required to take pills?

SHAR

Hi Shar,

I went to the doctor today and got Doxycycline for malaria prevention and a Typhoid/Hep A injection. I figured prevention is better than cure.
My doctor advised me that the Doxycycline capsules WONT make me hallucinate or have nightmares like some of the other types which can really mess with your head. Which is good, not really something I want in a foreign place..
If you haven't had Typhoid/Hep A injection yet apparently it is important that if you're going to have one to have it soon. The chemist advised me today that it shouldn't be left any closer than 2 week prior to departure.
I'm sure, like everything else, there's different advice given but this is what I got today.

Cheers,
Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi team!

This is Tera from Habitat Australia. I hope you are all looking forward to the MAD Sri Lanka Challenge coming up in just a few weeks. Some of you have been asking for an additional packing list for the build days. There is a packing list on the intrepid travel website that has good information already, however, I can add some suggestions that I received from Habitat's coordinator in Sri Lanka.

-Packing List -
Pack lightly! The Sri Lankan homeowners you work with will not be expecting you to have a different outfit for every working day. In fact, this would just reinforce their views of the extravagance of foreigners. Only bring items that wouldn’t break your heart if they got dirty, destroyed, lost or stolen. Laundry services may be made available for the team’s work clothes but it's just as easy is to bring your own laundry soap. Any items you do not wish to take home with you can be left with affiliate staff for donation to those in need.
To avoid complications or misinterpretations of what is culturally appropriate, women are required to wear long pants at the work site. Men may wear shorts, but they must be long shorts. T-shirts would be most appropriate, but for those who wish to shade themselves from the sun, long-sleeved cotton shirts are also a good substitute.
Sandals are not to be worn at the construction site. A comfortable outdoor/athletic shoe or lightweight hiking shoe/boot will be appropriate footwear. Just make sure they are well fitted, broken in, and comfortable.
Church Clothes
Typically the community will invite the team to their local community church. Out of respect, and as a team and relationship building opportunity, attendance is kindly required. This is part of the cross-cultural adventure so be prepared with something appropriate to wear. Women should wear a long skirt and blouse or a long dress, think nice and clean, rather than fancy. Short sleeves are fine, but sleeveless is inappropriate. Men should wear long pants and a dress shirt. Again, short sleeves would be fine.
Personal Items
• GLOVES!!! gardening gloves do fine for building
• Toiletries kit (biodegradable soaps would be appreciated)
• Insect repellant
• After-bite lotion
• Personal medications with copies of prescriptions
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Travel alarm clock
• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses (if you wear them)
• Plastic bags (ziplock bags can be used for an infinite number of purposes)
• Camera, extra batteries and film
• Notebook/journal and pens
• Travel games
• First-aid kit for personal use
• Sun block
• Towel
• Sewing kit
• Toilet paper
• Laundry soap
• Flashlight and a candle (electricity can fail frequently)
• Bandana
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Bumbag to weare on construction site for personal items and camera
• Snacks (for yourself and local children)
• Gatorade or other powdered drink mix
• Bed sheets, liner or sleeping bag (this will depend on your location)
• Self-supporting mosquito netting (optional)
• Waterless hand sanitizer
• Bathing suit – men may wear shorts for rural swimming, women should wear a sarong to cover themselves with, women may wear a bathing suit at resort areas
• Sandals (something easy to put on and off – it is polite to remove shoes when entering a home)
• Water shoes for shower, lake, or beach

For those of you who would like to bring a something extra in the the way of buildings materials steel shaft hammers (6-12) and good quality hand saws (6-12) are needed at the build sites. Any basic good quality tools would be very much appreciated by the community and may be a donation for on going building. Remember not to pack the tools in your carry-on plane - sorry just talking to Mike here - hehehe - and mind your luggage allowance. The most important thing to remember to bring is an open mind to experience the culture, the community in Galle is expecting you!

If you have any questions I'll be in the office catching up on emails so please send them through.

Have a good one!


Cheers

tera

Hi Tera, how cool does it get in at night? should we bring something warmer for evenings? Thanks.

Hi Jenny
I was thinking of dinner at Sigiri this Friday (26 Sept), or I could do Saturday/Sunday night. Let me know if this suits you.
Regards
Frances

Hi Tera

You mentioned the need for a sleeping bag will depend on location

Is it needed for this location?

Michael

Hi Michael

We'll be staying in hotels for the entire trip so no need for a sleeping bag.

Tera Fediuk
National Global Village Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Australia
PO Box 1154
Parramatta NSW 2124
Phone: (61) 02 9635 0199
Fax: (61) 02 9635 0299



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Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.12/75 - Release Date: 17/08/2005 < replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Frances,
Friday would be good! We could meet there after work? What time would suit you? And are there any other Melbourne people who'd like to join us?
Cheers.

Hi Jenny
Friday it is! How about 7.30 pm? If anyone else is interested, let me know and I'll book a table.

Frances

Hi Jenny

It doesn't cool down in the evening. Expect hot and humid weather.

Tera Fediuk
National Global Village Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Australia
PO Box 1154
Parramatta NSW 2124
Phone: (61) 02 9635 0199
Fax: (61) 02 9635 0299


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Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.13/78 - Release Date: 19/08/2005 < replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi all,
In light of Tera's message regarding bringing extra tools, I think we should each post on here what we plan to take with us, so we dont end up all taking the same thing. I am happy to purchase some saws to take with me - I will try to purchase 6 to 12 depending on if I can fit them in my backpack - I will let everyone know how many I end up getting. I also plan on taking tennis balls for the kids to play cricket etc with. I hope this is a good idea...

If anyone is going to bring tools/toys etc I would suggest we post it on here so we dont do too much doubling up.

Also I might suggest a meeting place at Singapore Airport - I will drop another line about that closer to the time.

Jonathan

Hey Jonathan (& the rest of the crew),

That's a great idea!

I was going to get some safety packs so I will see if I can fit 10 packs in with my things. The pack includes gloves, goggles, ear muffs and dust masks. I can get a stack of ear plugs too.

Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi all and especially Tera,
My department at work are keen to donate tools - is there anything in particular I should ask them to contribute? Or will I bring lots of hammers. :)

Hi,

I've got two hammers so far. And was going to look out for a cricket bat to bring along. Also, whenever my mum or aunties go they take loads of Cadbury family blocks of chocolate so I was going to take about 10 of those.

Cherene

Hi Everyone
We are in the process of getting our stuff together, we have a hammer, but I have also got pencils, crayons and stickers and need to get a couple more pencil sharpeners, and probably a couple of colouring books as well?

Look forward to meeting you all in Singapore

Sue & Clarke

Hi Again,
I've put together a little spreadsheet to keep track of who is bringing what in the way of tools, toys and anything else. Keep posting on here what you plan to bring - if you want to contact me directly my work email is jonathan.crump@cba.com.au
Jonathan

Hi everyone

It good to see everyone is so organised (except me)!!

I hadn't thought about what to bring - I'll need to see how heavy my luggage is beore I decide, but I guess I'll bring a saw and a hammer.

I've had my innoculations and have got my malaria tablets. Is there any need for the cholera vaccine? My doctor suggested it, but apparently the travel centre in Sydney says it it not necessary where we are going. What has everyone else done?

Michael

Hi Frances,
7.30 Friday sounds good. Meet out front of Sigiri?
Cheers.

Hi Jenny
Excellent. I'll see you out the front of Sigiri 7.30 pm Friday.
Any other Melbourne people are still welcome to join us.
Regards
Frances

Greetings Challengers,

I will be joining you all for the MAD challenge on Sept 3 and am looking forward to it very much. I have known Mike Howell for over a year and consider it a privelge to travel with him. We will be well taken care of.

My role on the trip is to photographically document the house building project for Mike and Intrepid. I have a little background with Habitat as well and am looking forward to being on the ground to understand better what they do.

I was in Sri Lanka last christmas and left Galle a few days before the Tsunami. My photos from that trip have been used in three fund raising events so far. I will do my best to get to know all of you during our short travels and hopefully provide you all with images to cherish forever.

It's a very special thing you are part of, all the more special for you each being part of it.

- ewen

ps, you can see samples of my Sri Lanka photos online...
http://ewenbell.com/photos.php?coll_id=42

Hi everyone - I have just returned from my holiday back to Jersey, the Channel Islands to show off my 1 yr old (Owen) to family and friends - now back and all excited about the house build.

Tera has arranged everything for the house build project and we (Intrepid) have all the ground and travel logistics in hand.

As this is the first time we have taken on this type of venture we are open to all sorts of ideas for free time at the end of each day. We have a number of options in place which may change by consensus once we are over there. All will be revealed at our briefing after arrival.

Marcus is the Habitat coordinator who has been looking after all the Sri Lanka teams since the tsunami. He will meet us at Colombo airport and has heaps of ideas for post site activities from boat trips to school visits.

Re hotels & mossie nets: Hotels with a/c have no nets as they do not need them but can be provided on request. Hotels without a/c provide mesh nets.

There is no need to bring sleeping sheets as hotels are of a good standard.

Here is an approx. day schedule when we are on the build:

7:00 - 7:30 Breakfast

7:30 – 7:40 Team Meeting

7:40 - 8:00 Travel to worksite

8:00 - 12:00 Work on site (several breaks included)

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch

1:00 - 4:00 Work on site (breaks included)

4:00 - 4:30 Travel back to hotel

4:30 - 7:00 Free time

7:00 – 7:30 Team Meeting

7:30 Dinner


In answer to questions:
Michael - there is no need for a cholera jab.

I will send out a group e-mail next week with final reminders.

See you all soon

Mike

Hi,

Thanks for the info Mike, I was wondering how the days would pan out.

Another question I have is if we can bring an extra suitcase that can be left somewhere for the SL portion of the trip as I only want it for on the way back via Singapore and don't want to lug it around the whole time?

Thanks,

Cherene

That should not be a problem - it could be left at the offices of LSR , our operator or maybe if there is room on the bus which will be with us all the time.

Still try and travel as light as possible as there is no need to bring loads of gear with you.

see you next week

Hi Everyone,

As a quick intro, I am the host coordinator for your stay in SL. What that means is that I will try and ensure your experience here is a good one. If everything goes well, you can thank Tera and Mike et al. If not, blame me. :)

I am looking forward to working with everyone and given that this is primarily an Aussie group, having some laughs as well. I need to brush up on my cricket and rugby, a formidable task for an American - but don't hold it against me.
 
I will be traveling this next week but hope to discover some internet points along the way to keep in touch. Just know that I may be out of range for a bit. I arrive in Colombo 30 minutes before the team arrives, so I should be able to meet everyone at the airport.

My only words of advice are these - bring an open mind, be flexible and patient, know that anything you do will be appreciated and drink lots of water. I can bore you with more information when I give you an orientation. Until then, travel safely and see you all soon.
Cheers,
Marcus

Hi,

Is everyone going to take malaria tablets? I've got them but I've never taken them before and I'm more worried about them knocking me out. Has anyone ever taken them? How advised is it going to be given we'll be in hotels with A/C?

Cherene

There is a malarial risk in Sri lanka so it is adviseable to take the tablets. You should start taking then now. Larium is the tablet that can cause side effects - the others are OK. By taking them now (once a week for larium) you will see if there are any side effects - they should be fine. It is better to take them than contract malaria (which has happened to me) as it is not a pleasurable experience!

Don't forget to check the health paragraph in the trip notes and special safety notes on dehydration: (see below)

"There are no specific health requirements for entry into Sri Lanka. However, you should consult your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements. We would suggest that you are up to date with immunisation protection against typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis. These countries are also a low risk malarial area and we recommend that you take a course of suitable malarial prophylactics. As some vaccinations require a course over weeks or months, contact your doctor as early as possible prior to departure. Generally, six to eight weeks notice is adequate.

We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (such as a spare pair of prescription glasses). Please be aware that for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets/antibiotics etc. Your first aid kit should include headache tablets, diarrhoea treatment both a blocker to bring relief from the symptoms and an antibiotic, band-aids, an antiseptic for cuts & scrapes, lip balm, insect repellent and high factor sunscreen.

Given the physical nature of this challenge we strongly advise bringing some sachets of an oral rehydration solution (available at chemists) as this aids recovery following activity and dehydration and also helps replace lost body salts should you suffer from 'gastro'. Just add a sachet to your water bottle each day.

Please scroll down to the Special Safety Notes below for information on dehydration. (in trip notes)"

Hi Cherene
I've taken malaria prevention tablets before with no side affects. My dad has had malaria and I definitely don't want to!
Frances

Hi Cherene - I too have seen first hand someone suffering from malaria and it was enough to make me want to avoid it so I will be taking the tablets.
Jonathan

What sort of adaptor will we need for the power points?

Melissa

3 round prong plug variety. This plug has three large round pins in a triangular pattern. Used exclusively In India , Sri lanka & Nepal.

Hi Cherene

T've never taken malaria tabs before and have decided against taking based ond most areas we are going seem to be low risk....so hoping deet will suffice.

SHAR

Hi everyone! Have just ploughed through all your messages for the first time - a bit slack I know! I'm coming on the trip with James (boyfriend) and we're both really looking forward to it. I've done some aid work before in Ethiopia but James hasn't done anything like this before. We can't wait! We weren't intending to bring any tools as such but have a cricket set to contribute and loads of old clothes we'd like to leave with the community. For fundraising, we've been selling chocolates but that's been a little counterproductive at times because I've tended to eat most of them anyway! It has been fun though. Hope to check this again before we go but if not, we look forward to meeting you all and to building some great houses! See you soon, Jac xoxo

Hi Everyone,

I've been slack and haven't posted anything for a little while now. Frances and Jenny, sorry that I was unable to meet up with you the other night for a meal. I look forward to meeting you both and everyone else in 6 days. It sounds like everyone is really well prepared, I've pretty much got everything sorted out. The only thing I have left is to get a few basic tools together in the next few days, Jonathan I'll let you know what I've got so you can add it to your list.

I'm really Looking forward to this experience, and also meeting you all. Catch you soon.

Cheers - Paul

G'day!

I have Habitat t-shirts for the team and would like to know your t-shirt size. There's M, L and XL. Please email me at tera@habitat.org.au

cheers,

Tera

In the final days before we go don't forget to have another peak at the Intrepid trip notes under SCC

The link is: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/tripnote.php...C&validity=1/3/2004

The Sydney group arrive a few hours before the Melbourne & Perth group at Singapore - so we will all meet up there.

Gillian is making her way from Ireland and we will see her for breakfast on our first morning.

We will be met by Bruno and Marcus in the arrival hall of Colombo airport and will transfer by bus straight to the hotel in Negombo.

Do not forget to bring a copy of your travel insurance for Bruno to check at our first briefing

Spending money
This obviously depends on how big a souvenir shopper you are on those free days. As a rough guide work on A$15 a day for drinks, snacks, postcards, phone calls etc. (more if you are weak willed when it comes to bargains!) Also at the end of the challenge Bruno will ask you for tips for the local team. This is at your discretion but we are always asked what this should be and would recommend approx US$25 as a guideline. By taking a mix of credit card, traveller's cheques (US dollars) and cash you are prepared for all eventualities and are covered for theft or loss of one or the other. It is possible to change Aussie dollars in nearly all the hotels we stay in but also take some US dollars cash (Small denominations and ensure they are crisp new notes). Remember not to have lots of rupees left when leaving as you can only spend US dollars at the airport!

On a more sensitive issue
While in Sri Lanka you will be approached by many children asking for money. It can be quite distressing at times. It is so hard to resist giving money, sweets or pens to the outstretched hands and smiling faces. However we strongly urge you NOT to do this and to think about the consequences. It is our experience that this creates a culture of begging. Parents see how generous tourists can be and send their kids out to beg as opposed to sending them to school. It also creates jealousies as the more assertive children get the pens or sweets over the less aggressive children. This often creates fights and arguments long after you have left. If you want to give something it is better to speak to the Intrepid leader or local guides for advice. We can then give things out to the local headmaster. (we hope to have a school visit while we are there)

Some interesting facts & etiquette:
The local currency is Sri Lanka rupee (approx 76 Rupees = A$1).
Sri Lanka's population is approximately 19.8 million. Seventy-four percent are Sinhalese and eighteen percent Tamil.
Seventy percent of the population is Buddhist, fifteen percent is Hindu, eight percent is Christian and seven percent is Muslim. Buddhism is all around you. Take time to learn a little about Buddhism and you will find it fascinating. If entering a temple, please show respect by removing your shoes, having most of your body well covered and by being quiet. It is also very important not to point your feet at Buddhist statues or monks. If you sit on the floor in a temple, it is appropriate for women to sit with feet underneath pointing out, while men should sit cross-legged.
In Sri Lanka, the head is seen as the most important part of the body. It is home to the soul and a symbol of purity whilst the feet are seen as the dirtiest and lowliest part of the human anatomy. To this end you should never point to anything using your feet, nor put your feet on furniture. Both will be seen as signs of bad behaviour. Similarly you should refrain from patting children on the head.
Don't touch the Buddha. Don't turn your back on the Buddha.
When handing something to a local, use 2 hands, this is especially customary with money.
Be prepared for lots of personal questions like "How old are you?" or "Are you married?" You will have many spontaneous experiences with people. The Sri Lankan people have a great sense of humour. Don't be surprised if women tweak at your arm or leg hair (as a bloke) as they are curious as to our body hair!

What will the food be like?
A gastronomic extravaganza! Sri Lankan's like their food to be spicy. Rice is eaten at least once a day, usually with very hot curry. It was the Portuguese who introduced red chilli to Sri Lanka. Until then most preparation had been sweet or used only pepper. Modern day Sri Lankan food has Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and even a touch of British flavour mixed in. In the countryside, people will all eat on a communal basis, sitting on the floor and sharing the dishes. Sri Lankan cuisine makes good use of its home grown spices and vegetables. (Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, tumeric, black pepper, chillies, garlic, onions, peppers and tomatoes). Coconut milk is also an important ingredient in the preparation of dishes such as rice and curry. A variety of curries are available using meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. Curries are often eaten with a flat bread called roti. Rice is also prepared as a sweet dish and desserts make use of tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, passion fruit and pineapple. Hoppers are a unique Sri Lanka snack, similar to a pancake, served with egg or honey and yoghurt. After a day in the saddle your stomach will turn somersaults in anticipation of the evening meal! The other reward is a cold beer at the end of the day (King's lager or Bintang beer). Locally grown tea is the national drink.

Some history
The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced beginning in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa 1000 A.D.) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty seized power in the north and established a Tamil kingdom. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972.

 

Find out more about Sri Lanka by going to the pre departure information from our homepage. Click on Sri Lanka for a fact sheet. Also look at the recommended reading for some good background information. In particular we would recommend:

Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje. A Canadian exploring Sri Lanka in the 70's.
Lonely Planet Sri Lanka
Monkfish Moon by Roman Gunesekera. Nine stories paint a compelling picture of Sri Lanka
Reef by Roman Gunesekera. A story of love in Sri Lanka through the eyes of a young boy.
A History of Sri Lanka by KM De Silva
Only Man is Vile: Tragedy of Sri Lanka by William McGowan - This is an account of a society consumed by the hatreds of race and class, the brutalities of political violence and the quest for identity.
Turtle Nest by Chandani Lokuge. The book is set in Sri Lanka and is about a young woman who goes back there to find her birth mother. The author lives in Melbourne.
Introducing Buddha by Jane Hope and Borin Van Loon - a fantastic easy read to gain a basic understanding of Buddhism.
 
We will give out language sheets on the trip to help you but it may be useful to bring a Sinhalese phrase book, a guide book (Lonely Planet) and possibly a map of Sri Lanka as a reference.

Have a look at some of the websites below for more information on this fascinating country.
Daily News out of Sri Lanka (http://loudmouth.intrepidtravel.com/lm/docpreview.php?did=410)
Official Site of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (http://loudmouth.intrepidtravel.com/lm/docpreview.php?did=410)
Read up a little on Buddhism. This is an excellent resource (http://loudmouth.intrepidtravel.com/lm/docpreview.php?did=410)

Also check out the special safety notes on dehydration in our trip notes. We will talk about this a lot more at our briefing.
 
Hope this is useful.

Sorry guys - the link to the websites at the bottom of my message link to an old newsletter - but you can access the suggested websites from here (near the bottom of the newsletter)

Hi All,
Have only just discovered all your postings...makes good reading while you're all alseep. As Mike's noted, I'llbe arriving from Ireland, though I'm a Kiwi. Fundraising has gone really well over here because I'm collecting in Euros. And Irish people are incredibly generous.

Just had one question about tools etc...how will we get them on to a plane? Security is incredibly tight here with all bags being x-rayed for potential weapons. Have other travellers had any difficulty in the past? Or is it going to be mostly a weight issue?
Looking forward to meeting all of you at breakfast, first day.

Hi Gillian

If you pack the tools in your checked-in luggage(as opposed to your hand luggage), it should be fine.

Michael

Hi all,
For anyone that will be at Singapore Airport early, Michael and I will be meeting with Kathy and Rick at 8pm. An apparently easy to find meeting place is outside Burger King in the food court on Level 3 of Terminal 2. So hopefully the Sydney people, and anyone else who is around at that time can meet up. Otherwise we will see the rest of you at the gate.
Jonathan

Hi Jonathan,

What time do you leave Sydney? If we're on the same flight then Ill be happy to meet at Burger King too.

Melissa



< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Melissa - I think we all leave Sydney at the same time - 11.30 am - so maybe should meet up prior to boarding the plane? Lets all keep an eye out for each other....

Hi Jonathan,

Sounds like a great idea. See you all some time on Saturday!

Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Looking forward to meeting up with all of you in Singapore.

Looks like a great group to work and travel with!

Hi Everyone

Wow - what an experience!!!!!!!!!

I promised to post the Curry ingredient list from our cooking lesson - Jemima, please can you check this list against yours when you get a chance, in case i copied something down wrong!

Ingredients (these are all for large quantities, you may need to reduce proportionately)

Chicken Curry

2 x 750 g chickens
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp red chilli powder
2 tbsp red curry powder
¾ tsp turmeric
2 tbsp oil
6 chopped onions
1 piece rampa (Cherene – do you know what this is?????????????)
1 curry leaves
½ tsp fenugreek
2 garlic bulbs
3 tbsp tamarind


Brinjal (Aubergine) Curry

Brinjals
1 tsp turmeric
2 tbsp mustard seed powder
3 tbsp vinegar
3 – 4 brown onions
garlic
1 tsp cardamom/clove powder
2 cups coconut milk
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp sugar


Banana flower curry

Banana flowers finely chopped
2 cups coconut
1 tsp mustard seed powder
4 cloves garlic
¼ tsp tamarind
4 red onions


Potato Curry

Potatoes
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp turmeric
salt to taste
4 tsp oil
1 tsp cumin seed


Dahl

3 cups dahl
½ tablespoon turmeric
2 green chillies
1 tbsp curry powder
6 onions
2 in cinnamon
1 sprig curry leaves
1 garlic
2 cup coconut milk


Ridge gourd

2.5 kg ridge gourd
2 cups coconut milk
1 tsp fenugreek
1 tsp curry powder
1 garlic
salt
curry leaves and pandan

To quote Mike 'Fantastic'!!

It is probably one of the best words to sum it up the whole trip.

I've spent the last couple of days going through all the pics I took and have put a whole slab up on my website. To access them go to:

http://www.notbadforyou.com/

and follow the links to the Sri Lanka Trip Pics. Just click on any thumbnail to see the slightly larger pic. If you want any, let me know and I'll give you the high res versions either via email or post.

Cheers - Paul

Paul - your photos and blog are awesome. Nice work. I would love to get a copy of the cd in high res so I can use some of them in a powerpoint or even brochure. Could you just select your favourites - please include the one of me on the elephant! Enjoy the rest of your week off.

Great to share this with you and thanks a million to you and Chris for the ride home to St Kilda! Took a couple of days to recover.

Also thanks for completing the on line feedback form.

cheers
Mike
Mike

Hi Mike,

I'll run off a CD for you, you should get it Monday as I've probably missed todays post.

No worries about the lift home, you're pretty much around the corner from me.

Cheers - Paul

Hi Paul
Amazing photos - well done. I'd love a copy of the group photo (page 8). I'd really appreciate it if you could email it to me (f.howe@moonlightflat.com). Unfortunately mine didn't turn out (camera probably turned itself off). I've processed my 15 rolls of film, plus 100+ digital pictures, which I am now in the process of sorting. Work is getting in the way!!

Regards
Frances

Hi Frances,

I just tried to email you the photo using the address you gave however it bounced back. Do you have another email address that I can use?

Cheers - Paul

Hi Paul
Yes that address has been a bit dodgy lately. Could you please try my work address: frances_howe@coffey.com.au

Thanks Heaps
Frances

Greetings Everyone

I have just attempted to post my top 10 photos. This is my first attempt at this so it may or may not work. I don't think photo 10 has uploaded. Anyway, try the link and if it does not work please leave me a message and I will retry. Sue made some fabulous curries to the Sri Lankan recipes for friends we had for dinner last night. There are still plenty leftovers for my breakfast tomorrow.

Link to photos is http://www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=2120294102

Cheers

Clarke

Hi Guys!

So have we all survived the week? Some in Sri Lanka, others of us back home at work. How did the extensions go? And Frances, we sort of lost you in Changi airport and never got to say Au Revoir.

You know, I thought from the pre-trip emails that our group would be good, but I was not prepared for such an extraordinarily top bunch! Thanks for your company, one and all. But, Mike, that stinky T shirt nearly disqualified you.

Kathy and I want to reiterate our invitation to all that if you find yourselves in our Tweed - Gold Coast region there's always a bed and a warm reception here - we love having visitors.

I zipped through our photos and selected my favourite 10 - then realised they were nearly all portraits. I guess that reflects the person focus of the trip. You can view them at:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/review.html?id=2120248000
(Thanks Clark for the idea).

Have enjoyed looking at your photos, Paul. I like the way every photographer sees the scenes in different ways.

Mike, Kathy has posted you a CD with all our pics for your collection.

Cheers

Rick

Great Photos Clarke & Rick!

Nice photo comment Rick: "Who said Poms never wash"!!!!!!
Should have had my shirt on! Thanks kathy for posting me a CD.

I gave my home video to someone to edit this weekend and will add some of Ewens photos to it as well. I will let you know when the finished product is ready.

Congrats to the Swans - what a grand final.

Have a great week even though it is a cold and wet start down here.

Hi all - Michael and I arrived back in Australia on Friday night, just in time to see the Swans triumph!!!!
We had an excellent time on the extra 6 days - we managed to fit in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla as well as lots of quality time by the pool.

I will get my photos organised soon I hope, and will do a 'top 10' too. Its great to see everyone else's pics so keep them coming! I also look forward to receiving Ewen's wonderful pictures.

The funniest part of our 6 day extension was on the Saturday night in Anuradhapura. As it was Poya night our driver, Ravi, took us into town to see the sacred bodhi tree and some of Anuradhapura's very impressive dagobas. Being such an auspicious occasion there were pilgrims everywhere, and we were lucky enough to get a blessing from a priest under the bodhi tree. I'm not sure what the blessing actually was though, as about 20 minutes later we returned from one of the dagobas to find that my sandals had been nicked! So someone in Sri Lanka is running around in my US$5 Hanoi special fake Nike sandals - maybe karma will get them though.....

Anyway keep the pictures coming and I'd love to hear what others did on their extensions too. Jonathan

Hello to Everyone!

I dont have much time to say too much.. but, did I think the trip was Fantastic..? Absolutely! You were the best bunch of people I have met and my experience on the trip will be one I remember for life.

Unfortunately I had to drive 5hrs up to Armidale yesterday, after arriving home late on Saturday night, so I could see my Gran who is in hospital and not well. She was pretty happy to see me and spoke for the first time since April after I showed her the video of me getting showered by the elephant!
Just quickly - to Jonathan and Michael... do you guys remember us chatting and joking on our last day about the flights and how confusing it is as to what day you leave?

Well............. I was actually meant to fly home with you guys..! Yep, how blonde did I fee after arriving back in Colombo and having a nice loooong shower, then checking my ticket and realising that there was no way on earth I could make it to the airport in time.

Thankfully without too many hassles I managed to catch the same flights on the next day with Sam & Gab. Phew..

I will email you about my extension later and once I have worked out my top 10 (this is going to be hard!) I will post the link here.

Cheers!
Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Habitat Team :)
It's great seeing all your photos online!
I thought I'd have a go too. Hope this works....
http://au.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/fawkes_ta...ok=phXqjrDBSmsHwcQp

Hi Jen,

 

I just tried to open your link and got the following message.

 

  No photos are available

 

  Sorry, fawkes_tail_feather has not enabled any public albums in their account.

 

You might have to enable something in your album so it is available to us.
 

Melissa

 

< replied-to message removed by QT >

now?

Hi Jen,
Yes, its working now. They look good!

Cheers,
Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Somehow my e-mail address escaped the group e-mail and I feel left out! Jenny (who came to my presentation on China last night) sent me Sam's awesome e-mail of their experiences - Sam, you should be a writer - wow you made the place come alive - very powerful images.

I am going to send it to Express to see if some of it will be published.

In fact if anyone would like to send me an extract from their journal or a few paragrapghs to summarise their experiences that would be FANTASTIC as Express want to do a piece on our building experiences.

Early next year we are revcamping our website and I will have personalised stories on the home page to bring it alive and show the passion of this type of experience.

Thanks so much for the feedbacks sent so far - it is so good to show the bosses that this is something very unique.

Those of you who have not sent in a feedback - (I know it is a pain to do) but while it is still fresh in your minds I would be really grateful if you could put pen to paper.

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback-challenges.php

If I can get as many as possible it will really illistrate that it is a programme which should be a major part of our event schedule.

I am meeting with Ewen tomorrow and will be putting some of his photos on the DVD movie. I will find out about when he will post the DVD and how to pay him $10 if you have not already.

Thanks


Mike

Here's my top 10:

http://www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=2120078047

Although it would have been easier to do a top 100! I will post more of my pics at some stage so people can have a look, and if you like any of them I will happily share them.

Jonathan

My email address must of escaped the group email as well, I'd like to read it. Sam, if you don't mind can you send it to me at pmibus@yahoo.com.au ? That would be ace.

I've still got to work out a top 10, I'll get that done soon.
Cheers - Paul

Hi Mike
Sorry I have not given feedback yet - will do. Been flat out since I got back with the new job but will do it over the weekend (we have a long weekend in NSW).
Michael

Hi everyone,

I have just managed to crawl out of bed for the first time in 3 days... I have been really sick and now trying to find the energy to pack up my desk here in Armidale so I can drive home to Sydney tomorrow. I will try to organise my top 10 next week but I still need to get the remainder of my pictures, last count I had over 600! How on earth can I narrow that down to 10? Ive had a look at everyone's pics so far and they look awesome, there's some great photographers amongst us! And Sam, that was a super story you wrote! I really enjoyed reading it.

Cheerio
Mel x



< replied-to message removed by QT >

hey everyone,

Ooo this is my first time. Hey got some goodish news. An editor type character from HQ of News ltd (where I work), got wind of the trip and wants to do a story on it in News ltd's national internal magazine (either AllNews or News Corp Magazine). Pretty cool hey. A bit of exposure for the build to the corporate world and they're really keen to use Ewens pics to accompany it, so I hope it all comes off and I'll let you know when we're all famous.

sam

Good morning,

I have been asked if someone could write a samll article of no more than 1000 words on their Sri lanka experience for the KATHMANDU newsletter (this is not an Intrepid plug - it is a travellers personal experience they are looking for) - so if you want to be in the December issue please get writing and send it to me. If I have several articles I will submit them all to Kathmandu. Those not published will go on our new look website next year.
E-mail me directly.

I also have an edited version of my amateur film footage back. I have had little say in this production and there has been a little ad lib (which was not my input) - so music choice and titles used not to do with me (excuses!)
It is a good momento though of our experiences. There are 2 15 minute films - one for the build and one for the post build.

I have left a message with Ewen and will try and get this out next week with his CD (only sent to those who have completed the feedback (bribery)!!)

cheers

Mike

Ha! and Greetings all.

Looking over the emails I'm amazed at so much activity - But Paul, where's your top 10 - we've been waiting since 28/09/2005. And I bet they're good. You're excused though because of your great website.

And Mel, you've been been crook? Was it the 'flu? Hope you are feeling better now.

Macca, have you recovered from being flat out?

Mike, you want us to write an article in samll???? Is that something like Tamil? Please advise.

Hey, Sam, they say your first time is the best . . . . .

So isn't real life a strange experience after Sri Lanka? I feel a bit schizophrenic at times empathising with the villagers of Unawatuna and then dealing with the apparently lesser problems of Australian everyday life. But I guess it's all relative.

Mike, I might try to knock out a few words for Katmandhu. What are they offering in return???? (I'll settle for either fame or fortune)(so long as both come in large doses).

We're having a heatwave at the moment - 33 deg today and 36 forecast for Saturday. Gasp! I delivered a bus to the Tweed hospital this arvo and the entire headland across the river was ablaze. Severe, considering it's only October.

Keep the emails going

Cheers Rick

I too will try to put something together for the Kathmandu newsletter - I figure I should compose something post trip anyway.

Also, what's the plan re sending our photos back to the village. I'm sure we all have some that our friends back there would like to see. Where should we send them? I have printed a number of my pics from my camera at a Kodak digital booth and they came out really well. Any ideas anyone?

Yes and I'd like to see more top 10's too!

Jonathan

Look forward to the articles (Rick & Jonathan & anyone else who wants to be a scribe) - remember I will use your article on our new website next year. So the more the merrier.

Rick of course 'samll' is Sinhalese (learnt from Bruno!). I am sure you will get a large dose of something and it might not be fame!!

Jonathan - re photos of villagers.

Could everyone send their photos of the house build and villagers to Tera at Habitat - she can then forward them to Marcus who will take them to the village. That would be FANTASTIC.

I will be sending the DVD and Ewen's photos next week in the post.

Have a great weekend

Mike

Here are 10 of my favourite photos from Sri Lanka. I hope this works!!!
You're invited to view these photos online at Kodak Easyshare Gallery! Just click on View Photos to get started.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=v6djyb4.woyaels&x=0&y=-9n74ac
If you'd like to save this album, just sign in, or
if you're new to the Gallery, create a free account.
Once you've signed in, you'll be able to view this
album whenever you want and order Kodak prints of
your favorite photos.

Enjoy!

Instructions: Click view photos to begin. If you're
an existing member you'll be asked to sign
in. If not, you can join the Gallery for free.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Register.jsp

Questions? Visit http://help.kodakgallery.com.

------------------------------------------------
EASYSHARE Gallery Customer Service
http://help.kodakgallery.com/support
Phone: (800) 360-9098
Outside the US and Canada: (512) 651-9770
------------------------------------------------

If you cannot see the links above, copy and paste the
following URL directly into your browser:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=v6djyb4.woyaels&x=0&y=-9n74ac

I'm not sure whether my last attempt to post my top 10 worked. If it didn't... try this link:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=v6djyb4.woyaels&x=0&y=-9n74ac

Hi Guys,

Can anyone tell me how they managed to share their Kodak album with everyone without putting in individual addresses?

I can't work it out but they're ready to go at last.

Hope you're all well.

Cherene

Hi Mike

I can't open any of your links...Is anyone else having trouble?

SHAR

Hi Shar

I cant open Michaels links either.

Melissa x



< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Shar & Mel.
I had the same problem as you guys too. If you clicked on the link to the pics from email Quicktopic sent rather than the quicktopic website directly it word wraps the weblink, so it cuts off the last character (the 'c'). The fix / workaround is to cut and paste the address from the email and add the 'c' which should then work. Or else just click on the link from quicktopic.

All the pics I've seen from everyone so far look great! I Look forward to seeing more in the near future.

Rick, I've finally worked out my top 10. I have been slow to do it, just like that palm oil to work its magic on my scalp... I'll hopefully get them up tonight.

Cheers - Paul

Hi guys
Thanks Paul for your techno knowledge tonight so we could view Maccas fantastic photos.It is so lovely to have these lovely flashbacks to our wonderful trip.
We have already posted off a parcel to the village with photos & a few baby things for the new arrivals.
Rick is still to write a piece for the newsletter-and I am still to select my top ten too.
Cheers

It was hard to narrow down, but heres my top 10:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/pmibus/

Cheers - Paul

Edited by author 10-10-2005 08:00 PM
Thanks for the tip Paul, that worked a treat. Macca your photos are awesome. So are everyone elses that I've seen.

I've cut and paste the link from the kodakgallery as not sure how else to share it.

Hope this works.

C.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?...449203&conn_speed=1

Hi Cherene - the link doesn't seem to be working for me :-(. Can anyone else access them? G

Hi,

I've tried a different place that grants public access.

See if this link works. I've had a friend test it and it seems to :)

Cherene

http://spaces.msn.com/members/cherenec/Per...oAlbum&_c02_owner=1

That one's working much better. Great pics!!

The photos make me wish I was in Sri Lanka now.

Hi Team!


Hello from Habitat and Tera!!! How has everyone settled back into life back at home? I am healthy again and training for the Around the Bay in a Day ride next weekend. I hope you are feeling good too and have great memories of Sri Lanka to hold you over until your next holiday- I'd love to catch up with you all soon (more on that in a min).

It was such an amazing build in Sri Lanka that I have been telling everyone about the team and Unawatuna Village. Sri Lanka is my new favourite country and some of you will agree that going back there would be a real treat. Thank you again for being the best team ever and offering so much to the community by building with them.

The photos people have posted have been great! My top ten can be found at:

http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid8492874

Just to update you on things since we left Habitat Galle Affiliate, Unawatuna Village, crazy Sri Lankan driving, too spicy curry (for me), etc, etc.... The Unawatuna village people are progressing with the construction of the 10 houses, that is all I heard from Marcus about building. However there was some good news and sad news that I also learned. Galle Affiliate is thrilled to have 3 new computers for their office to make communications a whole lot easier for them! I hope to help the Habitat affiliates with more resources as other teams as scheduled and can take practical things like tools, mobile phones, etc. what the affiliates'need.

On a sad note, I learned of the passing away of the father of the sweet girl who was my shadow in Unawatuna. He had a heart problems and succumbed about two weeks ago. The children are being looked after by their aunt Sisirimathie and seem to be holding up well.

I kept asking myself what can I do to help now? I think the families in Unawatuna would really appreciate copies of the photos you all took of them while working together, a letter too? If you have photos for the villagers you could either send them to the families directly if you have their names and addresses. Or I suggest sending you photos to me at Habitat Australia and I can forward them in one package to Marcus who will play Santa and hand out all the photos. I'd like to send the photos by mid November but the sooner the better.

Mailing address:
c/o Tera Fediuk, GV Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Australia
PO Box 1154
Parramatta NSW 2124


I think it is time for a reunion in Sydney - Cherene how is that house warm party coming along? I'll be in Melbourne next week and hope to catch up with some of you then.

warm regards :-)

Tera

I've decided to bite the bullet and post these two photos of Frances and I with the blind elephant - although you'd be forgiven for thinking that the elephant wasn't the only blind one. Sorry Frances.

You're invited to view these photos online at Kodak Easyshare Gallery! Just click on View Photos to get started.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=v6djyb4.6gf7wzc&x=0&y=h42edp

If you'd like to save this album, just sign in, or
if you're new to the Gallery, create a free account.
Once you've signed in, you'll be able to view this
album whenever you want and order Kodak prints of
your favorite photos.

Enjoy!

Instructions: Click view photos to begin. If you're
an existing member you'll be asked to sign
in. If not, you can join the Gallery for free.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Register.jsp

Questions? Visit http://help.kodakgallery.com.

------------------------------------------------
EASYSHARE Gallery Customer Service
http://help.kodakgallery.com/support
Phone: (800) 360-9098
Outside the US and Canada: (512) 651-9770
------------------------------------------------

If you cannot see the links above, copy and paste the
following URL directly into your browser:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=v6djyb4.6gf7wzc&x=0&y=h42edp

Thanks Michael
Impressive isn't it!

Michael & Francis..

Too funny guys!

And at what stage did you realise the elephant had err 5 legs..?

Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Not until I got home and it was pointed out to me by someone else!!!

Ha ha, lucky Frances wasn't really blind and kept on feeling her way around the elephant.

I've finally uploaded the rest of my pics that you may or may not want to see. There's 180 of them but if you set the slideshow speed to fast it's pretty quick.

There are loads of you guys so thought you may like to check them out.

http://spaces.msn.com/members/cherenec/Per...fault&_c=photoalbum

C.

P.S. I have a 5 legged elephant of my own but it's more subtle!

P.P.S. Housewarming pending. I've just painted the laundry and decided to pays someone to do the rest of the place and the ceiling is finally going up this week.

Hey Cherene,

I hate to break the news to you sweetie, but you have a few 5 legged elephants in your album.. not just one.

Its almost "Where's Willy" photos! LOL

A good lot of pictures though! Thanks for sharing them.

Melissa x



< replied-to message removed by QT >

Howdy,

Ok I have picked my top 10, only Ive got a small problem. With the amount of photos I have, I was only able to narrow it down to 15 and even that was hard.

Enjoy!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=c9iufg8.e2ae1js&x=0&y=gn8pqt
Cheers!

Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Love all the photos!
 
I sent 2 DVD's (Ewen's photos and short video) in the post yesterday to all the group except the Melbourne crew as we are all meeting up on Wednesday for a meal along with Tera. (give it to you then)

Have a good weekend.

Mike

Awesome, thanks Mike! Looking forward to seeing the video, it should be entertaining.

Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Don't hold your breath - the first film of the house build is better than the second which is post build (but the elephants were left out sadly) - a nice momento though

Who in Sydney would like to catch up for an Arak?

ME!ME!ME!ME!ME!

Oh definitely me..! I have 2 bottles of it sitting in my room collecting dust and just screaming to be opened.

When were you thinking of having an Arrack-attack?

Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

You can't do that - its not fair for us Melbournites!

I am up in Sydney on Tuesday 22 November and up for some drinks but it would be late as am giving a presentation first - I will let you know nearer the time

We can definitely meet up on 22 November... but I'm up for something before then too if others are... maybe not curry!!

I'm free next Saturday and would love to crack open a bottle.. When were you thinking to catch up Michael?

Unfortunately I wont be available for the 22 November - sorry Mike, I have to endure a workers compensation audit in Armidale that week.. yuk!
Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Count me in for a Sydney get together - whenever suits you guys. No Arrak for me please - 2 mega-headaches from that stuff is enough for me. Now where can we get some three coins from?????

Hi All

Would love a drink!!...book me in...if Tera could join us on either of those days....Let me know what suits and where?

SHAR

For the Melboune crew:

I have the day off on Monday to recover from 'Round the Bay' 210km cycle and to baby sit! I will get in contact on Tuesday re restaurant for Wednesday night - everyone is up for it - I just have not got hold of Gemima yet.

Have a great weekend

Hi All,

I'm up for drink, meal, both next Sat. How does Balmain sound? Lots of good pubs - may not have 3 Coins though.

Also, think I'll be around for the 22nd if we do it all again. I'm going to Malaysia for work around then but hope to be back.

Finally, I'll be in Melbourne in Dec for work and am staying the weekend of the 10th/11th if anyone wants to catch up down there. (They're trying to get be to ride a horse on a beach so if I fall off I also get to drown and all I want is a massage!)

I'm off now to play bowls and drink $2 beer. If any of you are interested in that then maybe we can do something like that next week?

Ciao,

C.

Hi Guys

We would certainly be up for an Arrack attack if it was on this side of the Nullarbor as we have finished our supplies as well as the 100 proof whisky I got at Colombo airport. I have added another four pictures to our album that I thought may be of interest. One pair is of St James Church in Diyatalawa with Sue's father in the 1944 picture and Sue in the 2005 version. The other pair is of the Grand Hotel one taken by Sue's father in 1944 and the other in 2005.

The link is http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=2120294102

We had a wonderful Sri Lankan meal two weeks ago courtesy of someone I met through work who is half Sri Lankan and half Swiss. He knew of an Indian restaurant where the owner is Sri Lankan so he did a special Sri Lankan menu for us complete with string hoppers.

Cheers

Clarke & Sue

Hi Everyone, would love to catch up but can't next Saturday. It's my b'day and plans are already made! But definitely count Sam & I in for the 22nd Nov. Gab :-)

Hi all - next weekend might be a bit tricky for me too. I will know a little later in the week I think.

I have posted all my pics on Imagestation. See the link below:

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=2118967441

There are heaps of pics - I thought I'd just thrown them all on. If anyone wants me to email particular pics just let me know and I'll be happy to oblige.

Jonathan

Hey Mike, we received the dvd and photos yesterday. Thanks so much they are great! Makes me want to head straight back there!! Gab :-)

Yeah, thanks for that Mike. Mine didn't work though :( I work in IT and I'm technically challenged. I put the DVD in the home PC as well as my DVD player but I only got sound and no pics. Will try it on my work noteboook and see.

Have a fantastic b'day Gab!!!!

See you all soon.

C.

Hey Cherene, I'm also having trouble with my DVD. I've just been trying to play it and all I get is sound and the opening slide show. When I click on part 1 the whole thing freezes up. Anyone have any ideas on how to fix it?
Guys I'm real sorry too, but I wont be able to make this weekend either.. I thought Id be free for a few shots of arrack, but I now have a date! Yes, yes, I know, don't fall of your chairs - she, who is/was fed up with men has been woo'd by a man :) I better write to Terrence and let him know the engagement is off :0

I will catch up with you all at some stage (I promise).

And Gab, Happy Birthday for Saturday, have an absolutely awesome day!
Mel x




< replied-to message removed by QT >

I too had trouble getting the DVD to work! When you get the page up with the title 'Sri lanka house building challenge': part 1 part 11
make sure you click on the white square and not on the words to get it to work. This may or may not help.

happy birthday Gab
good luck on the date Mel
love the photos Michael
Clarke - Great memories for Sue to have the 1944 photos with the current ones.

No, sorry Mike, I tried clicking on the little squares and my screen just freezes up.



< replied-to message removed by QT >

i didn't get it to work at all... not even the title page

I've seen problems like this before with burnt DVD's. Usually it happens because of the brand of blank DVD used or the format of the DVD disc (-r, +r, nerd talk, etc...) is not recognised by some DVD players. If you have a dvd drive on your PC / laptop put the disc in it and see what happens.

Cheers - Paul

Hi Paul,

Ive been trying to play it from my laptop and the opening screen loads, however when I click on the Part 1 square the drive stops and my computer freezes.

So, will you be charging for help desk support services on this topic..LOL :)



< replied-to message removed by QT >

How frustrating! Sorry about all this hassle - I will speak with the guy who did this for me and try to sort out. I may have to send out a new batch. If anyone gets it to work please let me know - I think Gab has been the only one so far.

Thanks for your comments Paul - I will pass this on.

Thanks for the DVD Mike - mine worked fine. It was great too - FANTASTIC in fact. But too short! It seemed like everytime I turned around you had that camera going so I'm sure you have hours and hours of footage. And Ewen's photo's are brilliant too - what a pro.... Well done to both of you.
Jonathan

Hi All

Everyone's pictures are amazing. Sorry I can't share mine, as I didn't have a digital camera!! must get one now... Mike the DVD worked for me. So great to see everyone again doing the hard slog! Ewan's photos bring back great memories of the trip.

Sydney folks perhaps we should pick another date for get together since quite a few people can't make it this Sat? Drink and meal and bowls in Balmain sounds good. There is also my local Waverley Bowls with barefoot bowling on a Sunday afternoon. Cook your own BBQ at $7 steak which is quite good. I'm sure we could sneak in a bit of Arrack! What about 30 Oct or 13 Nov?

SHAR

Hi Shar, that sounds fun. I'm ok with whatever people decide. Can do this Sat in the evening. Or arvo of Oct 30 is fine.

I've tried the DVD on my work notebook but it's not working still. I can see Ewen's pics though. Great photos!

C.

I could maybe do Oct 30th in the afternoon and bowls sounds great.
Melissa



< replied-to message removed by QT >

30 Oct works for me too!

I tried the dvd again at my mums place yesterday and it would only play part II. Very strange! I haven't tried it at home again so will let you know how it goes....

oct 30 is ok with me. bowls good too. how will we know when this is definite?

Hi Folks
Great excitement - We got a thankyou letter from Asha and Kumara (house no 3) (I think) thanking us for the photos we sent! They said that all 10 houses were finished and people were moving in on 10/10!

We haven't got the DVD to work past the intro page, but Ewen's photo's are great. When someone works out how to work it, please let us know!
I've also spent more time than I should at work (isn't broadband wonderful) studying everyone else's photo's
Thankyou all for putting in such a great array.

Regards Sue

Hey All,
I've just got home from the Melbourne group catch up with Tera as well, it was great to see you guys again! Gemima, you had some really amazing pics from your India trip, you definantly need to get some on the web to show everyone. Frances, your very organised with your photo album, it was really well done.

I just tried the DVD in my PC and couldn't get past the main menu, looks like a problem with the disc itself.

Cherene, we'll have to organise another group catch up to happen when your in Melb in Dec.

Cheers - Paul

Hey guys,

I've checked out the dvd on my work pc and I can watch Parts 1 & 2 and the Slideshow, but unfortunately I don't have any sound! The Audio_TS folder on the disk is empty...

Don't know if this makes any difference Paul, but the software I'm using is InterVideo WinDVD v5

It was great catching up with the Melbourne group last night!! Thanks to Mike for doing all the organising and to Ewen too for recommending a great restaurant. :)

Hi everyone, I am Esbjorn the editor ( the one that created all these frustrations for you ;-) I am afraid the worlds format wars is creating havoc for us here..

I sent this to Mike today, hope it helps:

Hey Mike,

DVDs are burnt on DVD-R discs for maxium compatibility with consumer DVD players. However, they are in a MPEG 2 format that needs a plug in on Windows pc's to play. This format is recognized by around 98% of the worlds dvd players ( in fact, I am yet to find a DVD player that won't play the DVDs and I've tried a fair few ) so I find it unlikely that anyone would have any problems playing it on a normal DVD player? Is anyone having problems with it in a DVD player? My guess is that the people having probs are trying to play it on a pc.

If they are playing it on pcs, they either need to buy a plug in for Windows media player, download a free media player for windows that can cope with mpeg 2 ( like this one http://www.cliprex.com/ ) or just put the disc in a normal DVD player - might be worth the purchase ;-)

Cheers,
Esbjorn

Hi guys, sorry but we cannot get anything on the DVD player.

Cheers

Clarke

It didn't work on my DVD player either.

Hi All Sydney Siders

I am waiting on a call back from Waverley Bowling Club to check if we can book on Sun 30 Oct (say 1 pm?) and how much it costs etc. I did find out that on Sundays there is no steak deal that day, only have meat pies and sausage rolls. However, you can bring your own picnic and meat to cook on BBQ.

I am not in the office on Fri 21 Oct, so will email everyone details on the following Mon. So far Gaby, Michael M, Melissa and Cherene are keen. Any other takers?...ring ins fine too!

Cheers
SHAR

:-( thought I had an easy solution there..

Can those of you that can't play the DVD on your DVD players try them on someone elses as well ? This way we can determine if it's a disc problem or player problem. I did have two discs malfunction when burning so there is a slight chance it's a bad batch of discs but normally the software warns if it's not playable. Hope this is ok, I am just on annual leave at the moment so won't check back for a while but please let Mike know.

Cheers,
Esbjorn

Hi there everyone,
just wanted to say a very quick hi from Ireland. It's getting really cold here now. (Was in Stockholm for work the last two days and it was freezing but very pretty).

I got back to find my parcel of photos and DVD. While the guys are working on helping you to view, I just ahve one bit of IT helpdesk advice. GET A MAC. Everything just works on a mac - doesn't matter what you try to use, you just slot it in and it runs. I have never had to load the CD of software that comes with things, they just go. I put this DVD in and it just started running.

You probably don't want to hear this but it's great too. Am running late for work because I couldn't resist looking at the photos and DVD....will check out the rest later. Just wanted to share my helpful PC insight.

Gillian

Calling all Habitat builders - volunteers needed!

We have a Sri Lanka article in the Express going out next week and with 3 Sri Lanka build trips scheduled for next year I have advertised 2 information nights:

Melbourne: Monday 14th November at 6.00pm - Intrepid retail store; 360 Bourke st

Sydney CBD - location to be announced next week. 6.00pm on Monday 21st November.

If you can make it register your details (for the respective event) at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/infosessions

I would love it if you could come along to talk about your experiences - it is always fun doing a presentation like this. And we can have a few drinks after - shame it is a Monday night. I will have the DVD working by then.

RE DVD - Esbjorn is on holiday - I will sort out next week and get a new batch. I am really sorry about this.

Have a great weekend. It will be a wet one down here.

Sri Lanka information night in Sydney - does anyone know of a venue we could use free of charge? The Habitat office wil be the last resort as it is in Parramatta.

Any suggestions would be fantastic.

cheers

Clarke,

That's great news about the homes being finished!

Gillian,

Give us the goss on the Camel? Safari...

Sydney Siders,

Here is the lowdown on Sat 30 Oct 30 Bowls.
Time: 12pm or 3pm (I think we should go for 3pm see below)
Location: Waverley Bowling Club,163-189 Birrell Street, Waverley (Just opposite Waverley Park and Oval)
Parking: There is parking behind the club (off Langlee Av side) and on
Birrell Street...
Cost: $8 per person for bowls

I think to make things simple, perhaps we could do 3pm and each bring nibblies to share? Please let me know asap if you are keen to try the bowls, so I can book the day/time slot. Otherwise happy for other suggestions...

Hi guys!

I'd love to catch up on the weekend to bowl around and have a few drinks. The surprise from my love Chris is that he bought a boat.... and it's in Queensland so we might be driving up there this weekend!

It was GREAT to see the Melbourne people last week while I up there. Thank you for the photos Paul and Jemima, I'll wait for a few more weeks until I send the package to Sri Lanka.

Cheerios

Tera





Tera Fediuk
National Global Village Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Australia
PO Box 1154
Parramatta NSW 2124
Phone: (61) 02 9635 0199
Fax: (61) 02 9635 0299



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Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
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Version: 7.1.361 / Virus Database: 267.12.4/146 - Release Date: 21/10/2005 < replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Shar,

3pm on Saturday 30th sounds great to me.

Melissa x


< replied-to message removed by QT >

I have a slight problem. I went ahead and, absent mindedly, invited some people for a BBQ on Saturday afternoon without realising that it clashed with bowls. So I have a suggestion... I live in Paddington, which is not too far from Waverly, so if you want to drop in for a feed either before or after your game that would be FANTASTIC.
I'm really sorry about this... October 30 seems to have some around far more quickly than I anticipated....

Hey Michael, Oct 30 is the Sunday..

Cheers,
Melissa


< replied-to message removed by QT >

FANTASTIC!!!

So what day is the bowls day? Saturday or Sunday? I'm confused!!!

Also Mike sorry I wont be around on Nov 21 as I will be coming back from Perth - bummer as I would have liked to attend and talk to anyone interested in doing a trip like the one we did....

Bowls is on Sunday 30 Oct

Hi Jonathan,

I thought Shar was organising it for Sunday 30th (initial emails suggested this - no steak deal on Sundays). However, I did just re-read the last email from Shar and it said Sat 30th. So now I am confused too..

Shar - is it on Sat 29th or Sun 30th?

Melissa x

Ps. I'm hoping it is Sunday, I will be in Dubbo on Saturday.


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi people, the low down on the desert safari was that it was a hoot. Very chessy set up for tourists but about the only arabic feeling experience in the whole of Dubai - which is all sky scappers, resorts and shopping malls. We went out in 4WD vehicles, and hooned across the sand dunes. Full on roller-coaster style. i did ride a camel which was quite bizarre considering I had been on a elephant just two days before. The food was yummy and I met an interesting family of women who were from Iran. The oldest cousin lives in Dubai and her younger cousins were on holidays - so great to get their perspective. We got to dress up in traditional clothes, eat proper kebabs and watched amazing belly dancing. too much fun really!
you can see some pics at getjealous.com/gillianreilly

Gilli

Hi Guys,

I'm up for this Sunday 30th @ 3:00pm.

I'm more confused about Mike's dates. Is the 21st and the Intrepid preso the same thing?

Cherene

Hi Cherene,

I will be in Sydney on the 21st November with a presentation at 18.00 at a location I am yet to find!

All Sydney Barefoot Bowlers

The lane is booked! Details again as follows.

Date: Sunday 30 October 2005
Time: 3pm (Remember it is daylight savings that day. Bowling for our session will start at 4pm, though we may start earlier if other lanes are not booked out. We'll also get a quick lesson too. I vote for a drink first to enhance our bowling prowess!
Cost: $8 per person for bowls
Location: Waverley Bowling Club, 163-189 Birrell Street, Waverley (Just opposite Waverley Park and Oval)
Parking: There is parking behind the club (off Langlee Av side) and on Birrell Street...
Bring: Nibblies to share. There is also a BBQ, so bring meat and picnic if you are inclined. Sunscreen, hat, Arrack!
Alcohol: Beer on tap Scooners $3.20 and wine etc
Contact: My mobile if you get lost 0438 007 169.

I think that covers it. I have Mike, Melissa, Cherene confirmed. Can others confirm to if they are coming? Jonathan? Gabby? Sam? Please invite others to join in. See you there!
SHAR

I'll be at bowls although I may have to leave around 5pm. James and Jacqui will also be there. I have played there before - its good fun - and I can teach those who have never played before. Its really easy...

Thanks for organising the bowls Shar, sounds fun! Sam & I will be there :-)

Hi Builders!

Wish we could be in Sydney or Melbourne to get together. Remember you're all perpetually invited to stay here with us (plenty of room for guests).

I've drafted a story for Katmandhu via Mike but would relally appreciate input from all of you who shared the experience. All critiscism and especially suggested improvements would be appreciated. Pronto, though, as Mike wants this finished before Friday.

Story follows.

Cheers

Rick

A Sri Lankan Story

Why?

I want my life to be more meaningful than to be simply a speck of dust blown upon the wind.

That’s why I went to Sri Lanka nine months after Boxing Day 2004.

It was my better half, Kathy, who first came up with the idea. Leaping from the Intrepidtravel newsletter was the “Challenges” program centrepieced by a house building project in Tsunami-ravaged coastal Sri Lanka. She decided on the spot to go and before long I was in there too.

The challenge was multifold – to give vacation time working for others, to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity organization, to enter the lives of Tsunami victims in a positive hands-on way, to work as a close team with 20 strangers, and of course to enjoy the experience and hopefully to come away with a new perspective on life.

The villagers of coastal Sri Lanka don’t have much in the way of material possessions. They lead a mostly subsistence lifestyle based on fishing and agriculture. What little they had was swept away in the cataclysm of 26th December. That onslaught of water reduced dwellings to ruin and rubble, it stole many lives and left countless thousands without home, work and in many cases, family.

Our journey started down the coast through Galle (remember those images of people clinging to buses floating away in the waters? That was Galle.) For kilometre after kilometre we passed through something like bombsite – utter devastation on the hugest scale. Yet amidst this chaos were broad grins, joyful greetings and effusive waves. Sri Lankans must surely be the most positive and good-natured people on this planet.

Unawatuna village lies perhaps 2 km inland. Yet even there the Tsunami waters came metres deep. People who woke as usual in their simple houses had everything swept away before midday. “We found 28 bodies in this part of the river” said Kumara, a local 19 year old. “Thrown like fish into a truck – we had to do this”. His voice cracked with the memory and tears came to his eyes.

With their houses swept away, with no possessions, with few building tools or materials, the people of Unawatuna erected makeshift shelters – “This is my Tsunami house”, Sugart the fisherman proudly exclaimed. Made from simple sliced timber, it provided a few square metres of shelter and somewhere for a small cooking fire to be lit.

Habitat For Humanity provides housing for the needy worldwide. http://www.habitat.org.au/ We were there to help Habitat in the building program in Unawatuna. What we helped provide were nine dwellings, each 4 metres by 5 metres – a family home. Concrete block in construction, with tiled roofs, cement rendered and floored in concrete. Families are not given these houses – they must pay them off, and each one costs around $5000. Money raised for Habitat goes into a revolving fund that provides more housing.

So what’s it like doing something like this Sri Lanka Housebuild? I don’t mind admitting to some heavy duty trepidation beforehand. Will the locals like us coming into their life? Will we be able to communicate? Is it all worthwhile? Hey! Why not just give some money and feel satisfied?

It’s hot and humid in tropical Unawatuna. We sweated, we drank litre after litre of water, we formed a team of folk that I think are the best I’ve ever met. Plastering wet cement onto walls. Sieving sand hour after hour. Painting roof rafters with engine sump oil. Sawing scarf joints into thousands of roofing battens. The human chain passing tiles onto each roof. Concrete delivered by the wokfull.

Satisfaction as each house progressed towards completion.

AJ was chief mason. He proudly told of his days in “Arabia” where he earned US$15 a day as a concreter. “ Good money, eh?” Pay rates in Sri Lanka are less than half that. We conversed a lot – part spoken, part sign language. Flashing eyes, easy smiles and laughter all round.

Sugart the fisherman lost his parents aged 45 and 54 – close to the ages of Kathy and myself. He possesses a wicked sense of humour. “Mama”, “Papa” Sugart cried as he adopted us as surrogates. Mrs Sugart is expecting a baby next week. “Tsunami Baby” says Sugart. His smile is broad and infectious. It would be great if their toilet was finished before the baby comes home.

I like Sugart. He comes along in the heat of the afternoon and says “Come to my place for coconut” so we sneak off work and drink from green coconuts fresh off the tree. His father-in-law wades into the river to catch some crabs. Sugart fishes each night. “When do you sleep?” we ask. “On my boat”,his reply.

Our group leader from Intrepid Travel is Mike. Mike is one seriously energetic lad. He once rode a pushbike from London to Beijing. He’s tremendous value, a great motivator. But I think people who ride bikes from London to Beijing should be in an asylum.

Road traffic in Sri Lanka obeys few rules. We had the fortune to be in the care of a wonderful driver named Andrew. I’m sure he possessed greater skill than any Formula One racer. Each day he joined with us on the Build, happy to add his labour to ours. Salute to a true gentleman!

So what was gained from the Sri Lanka housebuild?

Those warm and wonderful friends from Unawatuna ended up with places to live. We ended up with friends in the village. We ended up with a feeling of satisfaction in a job well done for the right reasons. And we ended up people who have been altered forever in our perspective on life. We have worked in a team for the betterment of others.

Would I recommend an Intrepid house building challenge to others?

You bet I would!

Love your work Rick! A master writer - not sure about the Mike insert re asylum but you may be right on this!
Thanks - I will submit this to Kathmamdu

Wow.

Rick, that's amazing.

The only input I have is the line "I want my life to be more meaningful than to be simply a speck of dust blown upon the wind" needs to be fine tuned. Having "to be" twice feels a little clunky to me, and being the first line it should have a smooth flow about it.

I didn't know all that about Sugart - it's wonderful having that personal connection in your story.

Wow.

Cheers, Jenny.

Hi everyone
Just wanted to share a lovely letter we've just received in the mail from Sugart today.

Dear Mama & Papa
Thankyou so much for your letter .Here in the village everything is fine .The 13th September we got a son his name is Madushanka.
The photos and the presents was very nice .We are very thankful and we brought the photos to the people in the village .Now all houses is finished and everybody is very happy.
We are very happy that you come to here and worked and that we met you .Our son always talking about you .We hope everything is fine with you
Love from your son & daughter [the fisherman]

Hi Rick,

That was a wonderful article. I wouldn't change and think and would love to plagarise bits for the article I need to write for the church that supported my fundraising if that's ok ;)

(I'll make sure and send any royalties your way.)

See you Sydney Bowlers on Sunday.

C.

Brings tears to my eyes just reading and remembering it all again. Well done. The letter from the Village tops is off nicely...

Hi Guys

Thanks for the comments on my little story - Yes, Jenny, you are right and so I have changed the beginning. Mike has the final copy.

Keep in touch Rick

Rick' article has been submitted to the newsletter of Kathmandu and hopefully wil be in print in the January edition along with photos.

I still would love other articles even if it is just a couple of paragraphs to use on our new website next year and also to put in the Express newsletter from time to time to help promote next years trips. (There is an article in this weeks Express for those who subscribe to it.)

Sue & Clarke - I would love a few lines on the pictures taken by your father in the 40's and seeing the church and hotel unchanged on your visit.
Cherene - your impressions of Sri Lanka returning after so many years.
Macka - I think you or John said they would submit a story
Gab & Sam - I have your fantastic travel journal post the build.
Any contributions from Jen, Paul, Mel, Frances, Shar,Jacq, James, Jemima, Claire and of course our overseas rep Gillian would be very gratefully received.



Sri Lanka DVD I need to sort out the problem.
Please can you e-mail me at: mike @intrepidtravel.com
and let me know if you have had any success in running the DVD either on your computer or on a DVD player. Also if using a PC did you try and download the free software that Esbjorn recommended to make it work.

Could you let me know as soon as possible as I really want you guys to have a copy of this as it is a great momento.

thanks

Mike - did I say I would submit a story? Was I sober? oh well, I'd love to... I'll get it to you by next week.

Actually it was me who was going to write a piece for Mike. I have changed my idea slightly and am now going to put toghether some information for prospective travellers on this type of trip. I want to document what people should expect, what they should take with them, what work they could expect to be doing etc - basically things that would answer a lot of the questions that we had prior to the trip. Anyone who wants me to add anything in particular just let me know - email me at jonathan.crump@cba.com.au .

Rick, what you've written sounds great. Also to let you know that I'll be up in Qld early Jan so hopefully can be able to pop over to say hi to Kath and yourself and have a beer.
Cheers - Paul

What's happening re bowls today now that it's raining in Sydney?

Hi everyone
Hope you all had a lovely time at your Sydney getogether yesterday reminising of a great trip.
Paul we would love to see you in January when you come .Is it holidays or business?
Are you flying or driving?We are only 10 minutes from the airport and most welcome to stay .
Cheers
Kathy

Hi Kathy
Alas our get together was washed out by the only wet Sydney day in a while. Hopefully we'll catch up soon.
I have a selection of my photos printed and have begun the arduous task of transferring them to an albumn.
Michael

Hi Kathy,

I'll be up there on holidays, I'm going to Woodford folk festival from 27th dec - 2nd jan and then will be in Caloundra / Brisbane until the 7th. So somewhere between 2nd - 7th would be great, I'll get in touch with you closer to the date.

Shame about the washout in the Sydney bowls game, did the arrack make an appearance?
Cheers - Paul

Dear Washed Out Sydney Bowlers

I have confirmed with the following people that they are still keen to do bowls this coming Sunday 6 Nov.

Cherene, Gab, Sam, Jac, James...Jonathon, Michael, Melissa and Tera are you able to come this day too? Same place and same time....though I will be late myself as have class until 3:30pm, but should be there by 3:45pm...

Cheers
SHAR

see you then

Hi Guys,

It's a real shame about the rain yesterday! I wont be able to make it this weekend so I hope you'll have a bowl for me.

Great story Rick - did you see that you're famous - master plastering photo in last week's Intrepid newsletter!

And Mike, yours is a great story - I read it in the newsletter last week. Although I didn't see too many (if any at all) FANTASTIC's :)

Melissa x


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Sydney people - Sunday Nov 6 should be fine by me, although I will have to leave a little before 5pm.
Jonathan

Hi everyone (especially Mike and Tera, so your respective organisations can change their records if need be)

I'm moving and my new details are:

Address:
801/12 Ithaca Road
Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011

Telephone:
(02) 9368 0147

Email:
choppers91@hotmail.com

Thanks

Michael

Thanks for that - updated records.
I also moved over the weekend into our new place - fantastic! Owen is going ballistic running around everywhere.

52 Dickens street
Elwood
Melbourne
mob: 0410 290 544

I've just moved house in the last week as well.

My new address:
8 Batman St
North Fitzroy VIC 3068

Cheers - Paul

I haven't moved house, but I've got a new job :)

Well finally I put some photos on the internet. You can see them at my website at http://moonlightflat.com/sl

Most of my photos were on film (you can visit me if you want to see them!), but these are a few of my digital ones.

Hoping to catch up with a few of you at the Melbourne Intrepid info evening thingy.

Frances x

Rahrah to all, finally got my act together & got on board "Quick Topic"!
Jac & I are both doing well & look forward to catching up with you all soon.
Funny how just reading thru everyone's messages below, all the memories instantly return....great trip!
Regards James.

Hey James (& Jac & everyone else!),

I cant wait to catch up with everyone again too. Is anyone going to the Info night on Monday? Ill be there, hope to see a few familiar faces!
Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Yes Mel, I'll be home for a bit so am coming along to the night too. Will be a great way to promote a new style of holidaying to my near and dear....

See you sydney-siders then

Gillian

Hi,

I'm in Malaysia right now but hope to be back and not too wrung out to turn up on Monday.

Bowls was great btw. Thanks for organising Shar. Looking forward to seeing you all.

Cherene

How did Monday night go? Who went? Sorry I couldnt make it - I'll try to be there for the next one...
Jonathan

Hi Crumpie,

It was great. Mike and Tera did an excellent job presenting the trip and everything you get out of it.

I think it was more of a mini reunion for us though which suited me just fine.

Gill and I accidentally met the day before in the customs queue which was spooky.

Cherene

Hey Jonathan,

Are you still interested in coming along to the Team Leader training? It is on this Saturday.

Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi guys!

Habitat Team Leader Training is on Saturday from 10 - 4 at the Habitat Australia office in Parramatta. Check out the HFHA website for details. I wouldn't mind another reunion this weekend at the training :-)

Last call for photos for Unawatuna! Anyone got any photos to add to the Christmas package? I'll be sending on Monday if there are not any more additions.

thx, tt xxx

Hi Mel & Tera & all,
I wont be able to make Habitat training this weekend as I will be camping on the Central Coast. However please keep me posted as to when further training sessions will be on as I am definitely interested.
Cheers Jonathan

Hi Tera (and everyone)
I have some photos that I've been meaning to send you. Promise I'll send them this weekend!

Frances

Same goes for me Tera - promise to send my photos to you tomorrow!! Thanks for passing them on :-)

Hi Tera

Count me in on the next training too please.

SHAR

That's great Shar! I think there are some great team leaders that will come from our team to Sri Lanka. I'd love to go back there myself but you guys will get there before me.

Tomorrow's Team Leader Training has been postponed until 14th January, same time, same place. A few more people will be able to make the new date and I'm still feeling a bit under the weather myself.

Just got an email from Marcus! He went back to Colorado for a week holiday to refresh and see his family. We were trying to get some photos of the completed houses in Unawatuna, maybe soon, still trying.

Have a great weekend everyone! ciao, tt.

Hi Guys
 I trust everyone is well. Does anyone have a Sri Lankan coin that they do not need and could send to us? I put all ours in the charity collection at the airport and now find that I need one for the Christmas pudding. Traditionally we put coins in the pudding and this year I am doing the theme of test playing nations. I found in my box a 1944 Celon 25 cents but I would like to hang on to it. I would like to get the coin before the 10th December if possible.

Cheers

Hi Clarke & Sue,

Yes I think I have a few and I surely could spare one for your pudding.
Ill confirm this tomorrow for you and pop it in the post asap.

Melissa

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Sue,
I definitely have a few SL coins at home. If you'd like to email me your address, and I'll post them over!
Cheers, Jenny.

Good news Sue & Clarke.. I actually have a 5 rupee cricket world cup coin. It should fit right into your pudding theme!

I will send it away this afternoon for you.

Cheers!
Melissa


Melissa Tearle
Systems Manager
National Buildplan Group Pty Limited
16a/22 Hudson Avenue
Castle Hill NSW 2154
Ph: (02) 9899 9630 Ext 3
Fax: (02) 9899 9631
Mobile: 0419 480 488
Web: www.buildplan.com.au
 
"Plan to Build... Build to Last"

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Mel and Jenny

Thankyou, that's great!
Jenny, our address is
16 Lascelles Parade
Gooseberry Hill WA 6076

We only need a couple more coins - there will be 8 or 10 of us, and we should now have enough to go round - and keep the conversation flowing!

Regards
Sue and Clarke

Hello Melbournites!

I'll be heading down there for work later this week and staying for the weekend.

Just wondering if anyone was free and interested in catching up for a drink, meal, goss, any of the above.

If so, please feel free to call my mobile 0423 021 917 as I would love to see any/ all of you.

Cherene

P.S. I thought Gill would be heading down soon too so I'll probably catch you in the airport queue!

Hiya guys,
yep I'll be heading down for that weekend too. Am getting in on Wednesday I think and will be catching up with other buddies there. Let's meet up for drinks and or dinner on the 10th. Hope that suits. I know it's when Cherene had in mind. My mobile is 0412 442 748. Will be great to see you all.

Gillian

Hi Everyone and welcome to 2006!! Ah its going to be another fantastic year. I hope you all had a lovely time over the Christmas and New Year period. I ate and drank way too much (as you do) but had a great time relaxing and not doing too much at all.

So, Sue & Clarke - how were the puds? Gab & Sam - how was Christmas in your new place? Cherene - have you finished renovating? When are the housewarming drinks? And Tera, how are your butterflies? Wedding bells aren't too far away!

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you again at the Team Leader training next week, it should be a great day!

Take care and best wishes to you all for the new year ahead

Mel x

Hi Everyone

Happy New Year to you all!!!

Yes, Mel and Jenny, the Xmas puds (Plural) were a great success, and we managed to get coins from every test playing nation except Bangladesh! We had 10 people for the pre Xmas dinner, from all over the place, and a pleasant evening it was too.

Clarke is now scouring the Intrepid website for his next adventure - I'm hoping it won't be too energetic!

Best wishes

Sue & Clarke

Hi everyone! It's been a while! I've been drumming up support for the Habitat/Intrepid trips and I have convinced a few people to go on the July trip - think Mel will be the Team Leader for that one? One of the girls going is organising a fundraiser on Sunday May 28 from 5-7.30pm and I thought why not make it a bit of a reunion for the Sydney people as well?! If any of you are interested, please get in touch. The cost is $30 and this includes a concert (her friends perform contemporary and classical music) and finger food. Our DVD and some photos may even get a show and if any of you are interested in sharing your experiences with the group, that would also be great. Hope to be able to see some of you there! Until then, take care - Jac xoxo