Since my last post about the wonders of one week I had a month or so ago in New Zealand, life has been a little tough. I had a series of unfortunate events in the space of one month that included a health scare, two bed bug infestations, visa issues, some matters of the heart … More Rough Riding
I’m finding this Kiwi Experience adventure all a bit stressful and anxiety provoking. Always meeting new people, always having to join an already formed group, always getting onto a fully loaded bus of people who seem to know each other so well. My wrinkles are set deeper than all the others (under 25s are the … More What a Week
Despite it being in the grand plan (phase two of the grand plan in fact), buying my flight to Australia was nothing short of panic inducing. Leaving the near year long adventure of Asia; friends, familiarity and freedom, cheap living, relaxing and the backpacker life for expensive living in a land unknown, getting myself back … More Once More Into The Unknown
Sometimes the best days come in the most unexpected packages. I woke the other day to a barrage of anxiety. I was panic stricken, miserable, scared and I didn’t know why. I didn’t know what to do with myself and how to overcome it. I couldn’t face being locked in that bathroom painting again all … More One of the best
Maybe we have better education about mental health in England, maybe our mental health service isn’t as dire as we believe. Maybe we are unfortunate and have more people suffering or, maybe we are just more vocal about the struggle. Whatever the reason, I have never experienced so many people not understanding before now. Generally … More Anxiety is…
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
Climb Mt.Kinabalu. On my bucket list since I started planning this trip and booked in to volunteer at Sepilok 24 months ago. Climb Mt.Kinabalu. Easier said than done. We booked our climb through Jungle Jack; basic backpacker accommodation in the form of containers, with the friendliest owner who sorts out your permit and a packed … More Climbing Mt.Kinabalu: Conquering a Beast
On my first three day break away from being an orangutan mother, I stole away for a slice of island life and a chance to take a day’s taster course in scuba diving. Discovery Scuba is an opportunity to see how comfortable you feel diving before committing to a full PADI qualification. After a five … More Diving, Disaster and not doing Rotation 3: Jungle Trek
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
Jet-setter Jones 