Ok, well, maybe it won't quite be this luxurious but I can dream! Just to put this is context, its 4 am on Sunday 21st July 2002 and we'll be shortly heading off to *Peru* However, seeing as I've had no sleep, it still feels like Saturday, and I gotta write about that too! Build -up Day was very strange-it kinda felt like another training day and no one seems to believe that we're really going. It was a rather emotional morning - a few tears and lots of hugs - without really quite realising that we're gonna be away for a month. We had lots of discussions about roles, kit, 'rules', medical stuff etc., and sat in little circles on the terrace having chats about how scared/excited/apprehensive etc. etc. etc. we are! A photographer came from the Ilford Recorder and took lots of pics of us walking down (or stumbling down!') the hill - much to everyone's disgust! Oh, and we did a little team building exercise where we put up a tent on the field all rather surreal but quite fun! Then there was the horror of group kit -huge piles and boxes were spread out all over the floor of the block, needing to be added to already full & heavy piles of personal kit stuffed under the tables. It was a pretty amazing sight - all the stuff that 14 people needed for a month, waterproofed in shiny plastic bags, and little heaps (or actually 2 black sacks full!!!!) of supposedly 'unnecessary' kit! Packing was the next big nightmare - al our packs are stuffed full and VERY VERY HEAVY! Argh - I need a suitcase! Thankfully though, it did EVENTUALLY all fit - including the oh-so yummy 'McDougals' powdered sauce that makes our whole kit smell of curry - great! (not as yummy as the great Harvester meal). Well after a mad rush to organise and research our first few days, pack etc. etc. (and a kinda random walk around Woodford Green) we did manage to leave on time at 2.30 a.m., and we're sitting ate Heathrow T2 amongst never-ending luggage, waiting for the check-in desk to open! It's all very surreal! Right, I shall stop rambling random thoughts now� Here's to a wonderful trip!!! Zara x
