Sleeping bags - We will be staying in hotel style accommodation. We won't need our own sleeping bags or sheets.

Travel warnings - There is no definite contingency plan, but if the travel warning changed for the worse of if our own info raised concerns we would explore the possibility of going to another place to build or postponing the trip. Each of these results will not suit some people and the closer to departure the harder it is to go elsewhere. I'm checking the warnings at least daily, as are others. Lets hope there is no change.

Paul

Paul

Thanks Paul.

Mike thanks for the tip about the boots. I have the 3 or 4 options for footwear but would obviously like to pack as lightly as possible. Bear with me while I ask a couple more questions. How much hiking are we likely to be doing each day on the second half of the trek. I gather sturdy sneakers wouldn't suffice?

If you'd recommend more specialised hiking footwear, is the terrain such that we'd need high ankle boots or would lighter weight hikin shoes do the trick?


Thanks Mike

Cheers
Dave
>>> QT - Mike Howell <qtopic+36-9DaJUSEnDa6@quicktopic.com> 23/06/2006
3:10:14 pm >>>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi everyone,

A quick question for Melissa/Paul/Mike/whoever:

Will we need Headtorches for the hike up Adam's Peak in the early hours?

Cheers & see you all Saturday.

Alex

Alex,

The original itinerary included Adams Peak but it is not on the current one. The advice we had was that it was very likely to be cloud covered at this time of year and thus a disappointing journey.

Our current itinerary includes the trip to Arugam Bay but the security situation makes it a doubtful proposition also.

Paul

Hi folks, hope everyone is gearing up for the weekend. Listen, I was wondering whether anyone could help me track down a Sri Lankan Phrase Book. I've tried some of the bigger bookstores around but have had no luck.

Does anyone know where I could get my hands on one?

Additionally, have we designated a meeting time or place for the
airport on Saturday or are we just going to play it by ear?


Cheers
Dave Gooley

>>> QT - Paul Mulroney <qtopic+36-9DaJUSEnDa6@quicktopic.com>
28/06/2006 7:13:37 am >>>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi guys! How are you all doing? Getting excited! A few little questions:
Are bikinis ok to wear on the beach/pool[supposing we get to a beach or pool]
Is it ok to bring bags of chocolate freddos to give to kids?
What hand tools should would it be helpful to bring?
Good luck with your plans and I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

Annie,

Bikinis are OK in tourist areas, the4 Orientation Manual says "women should wear a sarong to cover themselves with, women may wear a bathing suit at resort areas". Hopefully you'll distract attention from me in my Speedos.

Chocolate might melt along the way. Also unfamiliar food stuff is a bit dicey. This is also stuff you may be able to get there if you're keen.

You can bring hand tools although the February team leader says that they are readily available to buy and it is better for the Sri Lankans if we buy stuff there.

Dave,

The plan was to meet at 12.30 at the Singapore Airlines check in.

Looking forward to seeing you all,
Paul

Thanks Paul.

>>> QT - Paul Mulroney <qtopic+36-9DaJUSEnDa6@quicktopic.com>
29/06/2006 8:07:18 am >>>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Just a quick query for Mel. U nfortunately, I've been as sick as a dog over the last couple of weeks. I've tried antibiotics and the whole bag to try and get fit before the trip, but am still not in great shape.
Mel, I'm just a bit concerned about being a passenger on the work-site. Are there some lower maintenance jobs I can undertake while I hopefully kick the dreaded lergy?

Hope to see you fit and well on Saturday.

Cheers
Dave

>>> QT - Melissa Tearle <qtopic+36-9DaJUSEnDa6@quicktopic.com>
14/06/2006 6:02:13 pm >>>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi guys,

Back at work today after the birth of my second son Theo last week - all very exciting

Have a great adventure.

Can I ask you to be sensitive to giving out presents such as chocolate freddos, pens etc to children. During the build and while working with the local community this is fine but when out travelling around please bear the following in mind: If there is a school nearby it is often better to give things to the headmaster to distribute.

Whilst out on the road:

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 assertive children. This often creates fights and arguments long after you have left.

If you want to give something it is better to speak to Sisira or local guides for advice. We can then give things out to the local headmaster.

If you have a head torch then it is worth taking with you as they are very useful on any trip - if not a hand held torch. We will not be doing Adams Peak - the trip to the beach will be decided at the time amongst the group given the travel warning to the east coast. (This travel warning has always been given for the east coast and not because of recent events). Sisira will advise.

Enjoy

Mike

Thanks for the advice Mike and congratulations on the birth of your son. Kind regards, Anne-Lee and Sam

Vanakkam David, maaghe nama Peter and although I don't have a phrase book I'll make a few copies of the language pages in the back of the Lonely Planet. At least there are a few useful words, greetings etc there, in both Tamil and Sinhala. See you soon.

Peter

Hi everyone,

Is it a group check-in tomorrow? Or do we check in individually at the Singapore Airlines counter?

Cheers,
Alex

Thanks Peter. much appreciated.

Cheers
Dave

>>> QT - Peter Chapman <qtopic+36-9DaJUSEnDa6@quicktopic.com>
29/06/2006 8:48:40 pm >>>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

You check in individually but will be seated all near each other.

have a great adventure

Mike