Farm work. The big: Should I, shouldn’t I of 2016/17. As you may or may not know, the Australia working holiday visa works as follows: in order to get a second year (before the age of 31 where most countries deem you too old and senile to get a working visa), you must have completed … More Rumination Station: The Back and Forth of an Anxious Mind
You don’t pack up and leave your home and everything you’ve ever known behind you without learning a few things along the way. The ever-challenging and eye opening daily adventure that is “the road” is constantly equipping me with further life skills and shaping the person I am. I am a more confident and less … More Things Travel Has Taught Me
So, as I’m sure you are aware, 2016 was a bad year with regards to many things: celebrity death on a level that seems like the year was cursed, controversial political debacles, violence, war, poverty and natural disasters…. but for me, on a personal level, this year has probably been one of the best in … More 2016, You Beauty!
After nearly eleven months, my time in Asia has come to a close. The visa I arranged for Australia a year in advance needs to be activated before October 10. I made this application so long ago for logistical reasons; if they need extra documentation, health checks, evidence of anything… this would be easier to … More The Absolute Dream
The second rotation of Husbandry. That means the FINAL rotation with my troublesome teens! Chiquita, Beryl, Kolapis, Kala, Gellison… time to say goodbye. The week was carnage! In the 2 weeks since we had last worked with them Kala had gone from gentle and cute to the devil incarnate! He was so naughty; stealing food, … More Rotation 4: Husbandry #2
Rotation two! This means I am in with the babies!!!! Beautiful little balls of fur, cuddles, playtime and their little eyes looking up at me from those milk bottle feeds…. yeah right. In reality it was no cuddles (apart from carrying them to and from the play zone) for the same reason as the outdoor … More Rotation 2: Clinic
Week one; hands on with the orangutans, was a very exciting time. We had been cooped up in our guesthouse under “quarantine” for seven days and we’re starting to go stir crazy. Although we had gone into Sandakan to buy some groceries and wellies that we will need for work, as well as tour the … More Rotation 1: Husbandry
And suddenly it’s real. Lush greenery everywhere (Including the palm oil forestation surrounding me whilst landing which was not such a welcome sight). I had landed in Borneo. After 18 months of waiting, I was here. This bucket list item was about to be ticked off. And I was petrified. I hadn’t given it much … More First Day Jitters
I’ve been so careful whilst in South East Asia to be aware of animal rights; not to give money to a cause I disagree with, to spread the word about the mistreatment of elephants, monkeys, snakes*, tigers**. Animals caught from the wild and kept in captivity for humans amusement and gain. “Don’t ride on elephants. … More The Elephant’s Plight
I have always known that during my time away, I plan to volunteer with animals. Upon researching what I wanted to do and where, I stumbled across this beauty: volunteering for 8 weeks in the Bornean jungle rehabilitating injured and orphaned orang-utans and releasing them back into the wild. Incredible. Awe-inspiring. Perfect. Spending time in South-East … More Orang-utan Rehabilitation Mission
Jet-setter Jones 