FHS in Bandawe

The photos from the trip are still trickling in and Katherine has just added her album here. They’re really good so do have a look (and then persuade her to reveal the secret behind the room change).

There’s still space available for more piccies, so if you have any to upload, please do so.

That’s both an intimation and a request.

Alison has uploaded her selection of photos for all to see here. Here’s a wee sample:

And you too can have your own photo album. If you’re not sure where to start, read the tutorial.

Update

Rebecca has now added a few photos to her album.

Mrs Easton has also created an album but, as yet, there’s nothing there (the perils of using Vista). Maybe we need a drum roll to build the anticipation.

Another update

The drums have rolled and the EastieBeastie album is available for your viewing pleasure.

And another update

I’ve revised the uploading instructions and I would recommend that you use the Gallery Remote client . It means installing a couple of programs but makes life easier in the long run.

Despite what must have been a rather epic journey, everyone arrived back home last night in great spirits. There were smiles and hugs all round.

There was even a welcoming committee.

Not quite sure what everyone else thought of the cheer that went up when they first appreared through the doors though.

The group should just have touched down at Schipol Airport in Amsterdam about now (15:30 - the flight was slightly late). They now have a 4 hour wait before embarking on the final leg from Schipol to Glasgow.

It must be very frustrating to be so close to home and have to wait. Still, it gives them plenty of time to buy extra pressies for everyone

Looking forward to seeing everyone again this evening.

As the group begins the main leg of its homeward journey, this txt arrived from Rebecca:

Hi! I am rlly missin gd fd so plz cld u get pain au chocolat + other yummy stuff!”

Now there’s a hearfelt plea if ever there was one.

I wonder what everyone else has missed being away from home?

On wednesday 9th July, Christie celebrated her 18th birthday. She had a wonderful day and it was certainly one she will never forget. Thanks to all who made it so special, not forgetting the black mamba that dropped in!!

We had a call from Christie yesterday , just after an emotional farewell had been said to the girls at BAGSS. Hard to believe the group have started their journey home now, bringing with them lots of happy memories and links which will stretch well into the future. Safe journey home guys, looking forward to seeing you and hearing of your amazing trip.

OK, here’s the scenario:

You’re in Africa.

It’s late.

Everyone’s asleep (except you).

You hear a strange noise!

So what would you do?

Well, the obvious answer, surely, would be to txt home, thousands of miles away, with this plea:

“HELP - there’s a ghecko tap-dancing on my door and everyone is asleep. What will I do??”

Now, the real question is, “What would you advise?”

Kathleen has txted to say how cool it was to see a snake up close when it fell out of a nearby tree.

Scary thing is that the snake was a Black Mamba - one of Africa’s most venomous.

Let’s hope that it was a little too dazed from its fall to be bothered with a group trying to see a cool snake.

It seems that nature is reminding them of its presence.

The group has had a busy couple of days, visiting an orphanage and two other schools in the area.

But they’ve also had time to relax, visiting a ‘gorgeous and idyllic’ beach and playing volleyball. But then they had a little reminder that nature can be scary as well a beautiful. The area they are visiting is on a geological faultline and they experienced an earth tremor . ‘Very, very scary’ according to Rebecca.

Here’s a quick roundup of what the group has been up to. Thanks to Zoe and Rebecca for keeping in touch.

Saturday: Teaching the girls Scottish dances and learning some African ones. Disco on Saturday night.

Sunday: Church at 8:30 in the morning

Monday: Visits to Chinteche Hospital and Nkhata Bay

Other things: Msima = minging

Overall it still sounds as though everyone is fine and still having a great time.