We have now finished our second week of volunteering at Batu Kapal Conservation in the Sumatran jungle. It was sad to leave, both the project and the people who have become like a family to us.
The activities this week were similar to last week in that we went out monitoring twice daily, collecting and cleaning plastic (this week collecting down by the river). In addition this week we spent a morning helping a local farmer on Monday to clear his land making ready for planting; his land is on a steep slope and was hard sweaty work (see photo of Paul and Matthieu carrying a banana tree ready to plant; there's also a photo of us with the farmer who is the guy in the orange shirt and who brought out a pot of sweet tapioca with cassava by way of thanks). Paul took part in a cave walk (more scramble than walk!) - again there's a photo. Sue stayed behind and did some data entry - who doesn't love a spreadsheet!
On Friday evenings it's the turn of the volunteers to take turns cooking a meal from their country. So we opted to make that typical English dish of curry, along with the help of a few volunteers who came with us to the market to buy the ingredients and assisted in the chopping and cooking. Again there's a photo in the kitchen.
On Wednesday it was Sue's birthday and she was taken aback and delighted to receive a card and bar of chocolate from the volunteers, and after dinner that evening was presented with a chocolate birthday cake which someone had managed to bring back from Bukit Lawang on the twenty minute motorbike ride to Batu Kapal. A mean feat considering how bumpy, muddy and hilly the track is.
One of our fellow volunteers, Wojciech (pronounced Voycheck) asked if we'd mind him sending a photo of us to his parents who consider themselves too old to go travelling and yet they're a few years younger than us. Another volunteer, Sammi, has lived in Australia for eight years but grew up in Great Baddow - what a small world!
Paul was encouraged to teach a couple of yoga sessions for some of the volunteers and staff - see photos.
By the end of our stay we were beginning to recognise some of the orangutans in the area and saw a total of 11 different individuals over the course of the two weeks.
Again we'd just like to say what an inspirational experience it has been, enhanced by the dedication and commitment of all the wonderful staff who made us feel fully involved and worthwhile in this important work.
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Looks like you’ve had a wonderful time at the Conservation. Pleased you had a lovely birthday Sue. Memories made that you’ll always cherish no doubt xxx
Happy belated birthday dear Sue - I wondered how long it would be before you found a spreadsheet🤣amazing photos - you are inspirational, miss you lots xxx
Stunning! Well done chaps for sticking it to the youngsters and belated Happy Birthday to Sue - we didn't send a card this year!
Oh my goodness, what an amazing experience and report, Sue and Paul. You really are an inspirational couple! What a lovely gesture for your birthday Sue. I hope it tasted as good as it looked. Happy belated Birthday wishes too.
Love and hugs to both of you. xxxx
It was such a pleasure to have you both and loved reading your Batu kapal story!! So good to meet you both and safe travels! xx
What an amazing read so far and experience for yourselves. Paul you did get some great photos of the orangutans and Sue I love that you have put 'some' data entry I'm sure it would have been behind a few more months without you.
Thank you for the mention too :)
I hope you've enjoyed Lombok xxx
This is just awe inspiring you guys. You must be blown away by what you are seeing and who you are meeting.
Lots of love to you both xx x
Hi Sue and Paul,
So wonderful to share your travels with you! How amazing to visit such beautiful places and see so much wildlife! Love the volunteering you have done and sounds like you are sharing your journey with some wonderful people! And sharing a yoga class or two! Safe travels and look forward to hearing what you will be doing next!
Lots of love Karen x