Messages to home

The team have decided that the level of difficulty of a mountain climb, is directly proportionate to the amount of massage parlours at the bottom!

Machu Pichu - none

Mount Killy - none

Mount Fansipan - 73.....and we made use of many of them. Most of the team have been unable to walk upstairs without going sideways and we have termed it the Fansipan walk, so a massage or two has helped. Manicures, pedicures and hair washing were all deemed essentials too (and that was just for the boys)

Please excuse the spelling etc but spell check in Vietnamise is not very helpful!!

Here are a few messages from the team

Penny - Why did I volunteer for this? Wet feet, soggy clothes, sore muscles and a bunch of mad dentists! Air mattresses that don't contain any air. Beds on namboo poles, and the sorting of 69 socks that stink like...well they stink! We all have the Fansipan walk - which means that we go downstairs sideways or in Carols case, shuffle! Loved the hike, love the guys and the day is saved by banana fritters and chocolate sauce.

John - This is an AMAZING experience. You have to come to Vietnam. Fansipan peak is a must for everyone! This is a beautiful country and people are great.

Dani - OMG. My legs hurt!!! But what an experience, but must get some marino wool clothes for next time (eh Gary!) This has been a great mountain CLIMB and am looking forward to being a dental technician. The other guys have made this such a good experience...THANK YOU. A big thank you to Thuy for being the most amazing guide and fibbing to us at all costs.

Gary - The most amazing experience ever! The most challenging Trek ever. Fantastic group. When the going got tough there were no complaints, just a great team spirit. Laughed all the way up and down Mount Fansipan. Vietnam is just lovely. Happy Birthday to Sue for the 17th xxx

Di - Mum and Dad - happy anniversary for the 13th. Sorry couldnt phone but was up a mountain (good excuse?) Amazing time with a wonderful group. They are making my job very easy. The "trek" turned out to be a scramble up sheer cliff faces and so not exactly what we were expecting but certainly a challenge. First part of the adventure over with no broken bones, sprains or illnesses.....fingers crossed. Dentaid workmates - will be seeing Reggie today so will let you all know how it goes

Anette - I never thought I would go scrambling and climbing! It was an amazing trip with great company. Haven't laughed so much in a long time. Hope all is well at home.

Janet - I am speachless (editors note: no she isn't!!) and so would John and Huw be if they could see where I have been!!! No words can explain this trip, but god have we laughed. John - well done, have just heard about the champion xxx

Aisha - Wow. I simply cannot believe we all made it to the top of mount "fancypants" Evereything about this trip has been anmazing. The whole team are wonderful, Vietnam is a beautiful country and the people are lovely. What a great way to start my adventure into the unknown. Love to all family and friends.

Mark - Hi guys. Conquered Mount Fansipan! Eaten Silk worms! Great team. Hope all is well at home/work. Heading off the dental field trips tomorrow. Bring it on !

Jane - Although I must say don't ever let me volunteer for anything like this again, I may well weaken. Fantastic group and such a laugh but the challenges are getting rediculous. Nothing at altitude ever again.

Carol - mixed emotions - still in ne piece...well almost! Still laughing. See you all soon.
(editors note - 24 hours can go a long way in supressing the memories! Here is Carols latest blog) Dear all, 36 hours later my body and brain have acclimatised and recovered from the nearest description of "shell shocked" For those of you who know me well, the events of our past few days would make you roar with laughter. Carols major fears and dislikes: Hights, getting a cold, mountain rescue, lack of mountain rescue, helicoptors, cold and wet weather, lack of sleep, being uncomfortable and long walks. Well we conquered all of these on top of the mountain with the exception of the helicoptor. Enough mud to keep a hippo happy, and a problem with my left hip. Achieved the summit only by the support of a fabulous group of fellow trekkers who were ever tolerant of this novice.Gave laughter to feed the brian and a good bit of muscle when I needed hoiking up a cliff face or two. Thank you to each and every one of you. To all at home I am fine and having fun. xx

Thuy - (pronounced Twee or in Janets case Tweet) Our guide for the first half of the trip - This is a realy interesting trip as I met happy and brave people. At first I thought maybe 3 of them would make it to the top. but they showed their best ability and made it through very bad weather. Indeed very very funny interesting nice group, the nicest I have ever taken and have given me a new slogan "race against time" Something here must be said "sad but true" I wishing you all the best. Thuy