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The 999Sqn Discussion Forum

Hello and welcome to the new 999Sqn forum. We hope this new platform sparks some lively debate for we are, as always, very interested to hear your views. As with any forum, we only ask that you ensure your postings are not in any way offensive or libellous and point out that the views expressed in these exchanges are not necessarily those of the 999sqn Staff.

At the moment there are four topics to which we hope you will contribute, but if you have an opinion on something which doesn’t fall under these headings, please contact WO Brooks who will be very happy to open another discussion.

Please read our rules before posting any messages.

Author:	Polly
Date:	13/09/2004 19:51:19
Subject:	World Challenge
Message:	Most of you peeps are probably aware that I took part in an expedition to Brazil this summer. It was done through an organisation called World Challenge that goes to schools to send a team off to some marvellous destination. They also run gap year programmes (conservation projects, wildlife, teaching etc). It usually becomes open to you when you're 15 or 16, and I just wanted to say if anyone gets the opportunity to take part I would highly reccommend it. I had a fantastic time trekking through rainforest, reaching the tops of a couple of peaks, helping in an orphanage and fishing for pirahnas to name some of the things we did. Planning and running your own expedition in a strange country plus the fact that the extent of our portugese speaking was alarmingly limited(yes i was one of the many who frantically learnt what I could from a phrase book during the flight on the way there- unprepared? Moi??)isn't exactly easy, but remember you do it with a team so the 'safety in numbers' policy is very reassuring. Besides, its wonderfully satisfying once you get on with things for yourself and suceed. Although there were difficult times, there was never a moment when I thought "I wish I wasn't doing this". Quite honestly the only downside was the distinct lack of warm showers (note: brazilian showers have 2 taps- the cold and the very cold). Anyway there you have it in a nutshell. Any questions about World Challenge or Brazil I'll happily answer. Polly