Project Malaysia 2009

Last Monday we hosted a dinner for the local people who have helped us – from the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the Rainforest Discovery Centre and, of course, the local Scouts. The Scouts ran a Scottish night with piping, dancing and traditional Scottish food – haggis and stovies. One of our guests, Ian from the BSBCC, addressed the haggis and Cammy gave a short speech. The locals seemed to enjoy themselves and managed to cope with Auld Lang Syne too!

We’ve had Scout two birthdays while we away (one 18th and one 17th) and one leader one (age undisclosed:-))

Hi All

At last we are connected again. Despite the wonders of technology we have been subject to the forces of nature – a fire hit the main telecom office in Sandakan last weekend and the whole town has been without internet since then, hence the lack of updates.

We are all safely in Kuala Lumpur now, relaxing after the hard work of the last few weeks. You may have seen the riots on the news – they seem to have been very localised and while we have heard about them, the only evidence of them we have seen is a police helicopter flying around. The Scouts enthusiasm for a comfortable bed is only matched for their desire to shop. I can see us struggling with weight on the way home!

More updates to come in the next day or so

Brian

So they saved the best group until last. Good choice.

After five hard days of base camp, working 5am until 10pm, our good luck finially paid off. It seems like every PR stunt (the jobs that require good looking people-we must be the good looking group) that crops up, comes straight our way.

So far, we have tea and scones with the Sandakan President, were involved in a “ground breaking ceremony”…or should we say cluck cluck. We also had the strenuous task of “planting trees”. i.e placing a seedling into a predug hole then scoffing banana fritters at the reception As you can see its a hard life for group two. On a more serious note, we have finished off adding chicken wire to the wall at the Sunbear centre and emmmmmmmm *struggles to think what else we have done* oh yes, we have…ermmm…cooked and cleaned up for seven thousands guests and forty-three ants.

As you can see our group is the most talented. We would know like to share some of our intelligent quotes…

Kara: “It’s not my eyes, it’s my onions”.
Calum: “I’m not the dirtiest person at this camp…”
Katy: Also known as veggie woman.
Liam: “I want to call my first born Euphogenia”
Gordan: “According to the statistics…”
“I think what she was trying to say was…”
“I’ll try and explain this in lame mans terms, you wont understand…”
Alex: “I love my daddy Martin”

Good bye love team two. AKA THE SEX BOMBS XXXXXXXXXXX

Thanks to everyone who have been looking at the blog – it was down because so many people had looked at it that we’d used our allowance. We’ve trebled it now so hopefully you’ll have no more problems.

Last few days have gone well. We had a big welcoming dinner hosted by the local Scouts last Thursday. We marched in led by our three pipers and made a huge impact. The karaoke wasn’t quite so hot, but a good time was had by all.

This weekend all the Scouts went on homestay. Despite being a little apprehension beforehand, most of them had a fanastitic weekend and we are now being asked why it couldn’t be longer!

Back to work today and regular updates from the teams will resume shortly.

Brian

Well…we arrived safely having fought our way through the airplane chilli’s, jet lag, cramp and airport swineflu queues.

Managed to scale the heights of Petronas Towers and get stunning views of KL despite it being pretty toastie.

After a further three hour flight to Sandakan (and another check for swineflu!!) we finally got down to the hard work of ensuring all is well for the main party.  Our Malaysian friends are, as ever extremely hospitable (feeding us 3 week old fermented duck eggs) and accommodating.

The camping field appears to have a small puddle in the middle after a huge thunder and lighting storm over the last 12 hours, but not too much of a concern as there is ample other opportunities for tent pitching.  Our kitchen is nearly stocked and transport for all our activities has been finialised along with all the homestay arrangements and formal gatherings.

Off to purchase the project equipment and countless tools tomorrow, along with a few other large items.  Looking forward to the arrival of the main party on Thursday with everything sorted!

Love,

Alex & Mark

Welcome to the Project Malaysia blog. There will contributions from both participants and leaders with regular updates while we are away. Read and enjoy!