The wonderful and welcoming people of India

Culture Shock, Christmas and all that jazz

I made it back, alive, in one piece, with all my belongings and a lot of memories!

It was a pleasant flight, thanks for the good 'Indian' chat Andy. I was rather nervous about coming back to the cold streets of London but as I boarded the tube from Heathrow a London Underground employee kindly told me to never lose my huge smile, I don't think I will. Very jetlagged, I arrived home with a fever and yet more Delhi Belly. As with Hotel California - you can check out of India but you can never leave.

It was an even bigger culture shock arriving back here in the height of Christmas shopping season, however it did not take long to warm to the streets of Edinburgh again. What happened to my fame, why do people not greet me in the streets, where are the handshakes .. instead of the usual 'Welcome to India' they couldn't atleast say 'Welcome back'? I have made a big effort to strike up conversations with strangers (even more than usual) and although they are weary at first it always ends well. Citizens of the first world have way so many expectations, people in the developing world accept they have been given a bad deal so they get on with appreciating what they do have. I told an Indian I felt guilty for owning many possessions and getting the chance to see more of their country than they do (many people in India have not travelled more that 20miles from where they were born), he told me I was being rewarded for good deeds in past lives, they are learning a different lesson to me this time round.

This has been a grand year for me, I set myself a goal, did all the fundraising and had a life-changing holiday ... even survived Christmas with no turkey or any other meat!

I took over 600 photos whilst in India, to see a few of my favourites, click on http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/1665871/

As the 2006 approaches so will new projects therefore this is my last post on this blog, thank you for joining me on my worldly adventure!
A massive thank you to EVERYONE who sponsored Mind through me and to Mind who made it all possible and who will continue to do the work of angels. To every one of you who is reading this, you have encouraged me in your own way and words cannot possibly describe how much that means to me.

From a very happy and appreciative Shirlz

All the best for the new year!

THANK YOU, YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

"Later" ....

I have started the long trip home, this morning I did a moped ride, flew to Delhi via Mumbai and had auto-rickshaw trip. Time has flown, it always does when you're having fun, I do not yearn to go home, I do not wish to extend my trip .. I'm grateful for the Indian experience.

Goa was out of this world! I have not felt so relaxed for a long time, it gave me the chance to contemplate what's going with me, decide what I like and what's to go. One thing is that I shall be returning to the UK a vegetarian, amongst many others, being very chilled-out and tanned.

The Goan attitude revolves around the word 'Later'. As it still is a province of India no-one understands the word NO, it does not have meaning in this country. However ... the sales people are friendlier than anywhere else I've been, they will happily give you fresh fruit and let you pay however many days later. Even the trucks/goods-carriers are better than other places. On the rear of all Indian trucks are painted the words 'Horn Please'; in Delhi they also say 'Keep Distance', in Himachal Pradesh they state 'Use dipper at night', in Goa they simply say 'OK'.

Baruch, my room-mate, was lovely! It surprised me how things just worked out for us, we met on the train, shared a room and within a week formed a quiet but deep friendship. He was a master on the moped and I enjoyed his confidence in overtaking no matter what side of the road we were on. One night we had dinner with 3 German people, it amazed me to see how well they all got along given their political history. Baruch is into web-design http://www.artlab.co.il/ See you in Isreal next time mate!

This month has just been a taster of what India has on offer, this country is full of contradictions and information is certainly not handed to you in a neatly wrapped box like in Western countries, I like it that way. It has given me much to think about and I probably won't reach any set conclusions, however I will return and next time delve much deeper into it's mystical culture.

There has been plenty reading time and I have managed to get through Long Way Round by Ewan and Charley (emotional), India by V S Naipaul (heavy-going), The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin S Sharma (American quick-fix), In Search of Secret India by Paul Brunton (inspiring), and Holy Cow by Sarah MacDonald (page-turner with good ol' Aussie humour). I have been given 2 other books to read ... DaVinci Code by Dan Brown (guess it will have to happen sometime) and a collection of encounters with the famous Guru Osho - I'm hopeful.

For beachbum's photos visit ... http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/1603061/

Sand and sunshine galore

I'm in heaven, each morning I wake up early and go for a swim and a walk along the beach, get back and have fresh tropical fruit salad for breakfast, lie on the beach under a thatched unbrella reading, have an afternoon sleep, have some time to myself when watching breath-taking sunsets, fresh seafood for dinner and great social each evening! So far I have sampled tiger prawns, kingfish, redsnapper and shark ... yum!!!

The sea is beautifully warm and there are starfish and sea-shells all over the show! This morning I watched the fishermen haul in their live catch, mainly sardines but it was a great sight.

My room-mate, Baruch, is very sweet. He's planning on staying here longterm so has hired a scooter and enjoys exploring different places each day. Tomorrow we are heading to Anjuna for one of the biggests craft markets .. good Christmas shopping! I have mastered the art of sitting side-saddle on the motorbikes - quite an experience!

The other night we had a carol'ers stop in at our restaurant, the santa break-danced whilst the kids sang 'We wish you a merry Christmas'!

I wish I was telepathic so could you could all hear the sounds of the waves crashing, tasted the indian delights and experience all the brilliant emotions that come with it!

However, I am still looking forward to returning home next week and for CHRISTMAS =)

Cant upload photos at this internet cafe .... next time.

Please (DO NOT) let this old train break down!

Hooray, I'm finally in Goa, the land of sunshine, warm seas, coconuts and lots of fun! I've have only been here a couple of hours and already I have visited the local travel agent to book a later flight to delhi rather than 2 overnight trains and 2 nights the the hectic city of Mumbai.

The train journey started off like a dream, I had tourist quota tickets so shared a compartment with a Isreali guy and girl, irish guy and 2 Indians, we got on brilliantly. Well after a good night's sleep the next day I was unable to move ... food poisoning! It was not much fun but luckily in the early hours of this morning I started to feel a little better. Nothing a few days on the beach cant solve!
One of the Isreali's and I have decided to share a beach hut and keep costs low, good news is he's a hi-tec backpacker and carries a laptop with music around with him .... couldn't get better after having all the music wiped off my I-pod!

I'll have a cocktail in a coconut for you all! xxx

Lost in translation

Back in Delhi now after a night in my favourite place so far - the holy city of Rishekesh and 2 nights in the buzzing city of Haridwar. In Rishekesh I got my first opportunity to kick back and relax, had an hour long aryurvedic body massage, lay on the white sandy banks of the Ganga river talking to a bunch of nursery school kids, they were the cutest bunch of kids I've ever met. Then enjoyed an afternoon at the local chai (tea) stand chatting to the locals about yoga and the state of mind that accompanies it.



Haridwar was busy! Having a nasty cold, I didnt feel like being in the centre of it all .. but there was no escaping! Yesterday morning I took a walk up to the local temple, I was impressed with the Indians hospitality, I had many different walking partners who all told me their life story, bought me a chai, asked for a photo then said best wishes, it was one of my most pleasant experiences!
Yesterday evening I went down to the daily festival of floating candles and flowers down the Ganga river which was truly moving, the chanting and dedication to their religion is inspiring!
After relaxing and reading in my room for a while I heard a brass band constanly passing up and down the main street, when I finally went down to see what was happening I ended up dancing on the streets and attending a wedding. As soon as I realised, being white and foreign, I was getting more attention than the bride I made a quick exit!

This evening the driver took me to meet his family and have dinner with them, it was brilliant to see how elated they were to see each other after 6 nights of separation! The parents with their 2 young sons live in one small room with a table that serves as a bed too. Rekish said his home might be small but in his heart it's huge!

Tomorrow I'm doing a loooooong train journey to the land of white sand, clear blue water, cheap seafood and feni .. local alcohol!

I have journeyed with Ewan MacGreggor and Charley Boorman so far .. reading Long Way Round. It was been great reading this book as I have experienced similar things as they did :-) travelling certainly does give you the chance to free your mind and live for the very moment!

Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/1530855/

Himilayas

Hey from the chilly mountains!

Having a great time, spent 3 nights in Shimla with Laura (english girl from my camel trek) and John (her irish friend). We did a 4hour horse ride to one of the highest peaks, visited temples, wandered about the very colonial city centre etc. The budget hotel where I stayed put me up in the honeymoon suite (by myself .. boohoo), round bed, zebra strip blanket, mirrors everywhere, very surreal!

My friends caught the train back to Delhi today to return to the UK soon. I travelled on to Rishekesh with Rikesh the driver. Indian traffic is not fun, especially when sitting in the front seat, I cant tell you how many times my heart skipped a beat. Worse thing that happened was we hit a cow, the animal of honour! It broke the headlight but mostly injured the driver's pride as its his first accident in 20 years!

Tomorrow I will go to an asbram to meditate then bathe in the Ganges river. Next week I do a 36hr train journey to Goa then Mumbai where I will be meeting up with a few people so will be fun!

India is a mad place, I cant describe it right now as the keys on this keyboard hardly work .... but the country runs on love!
I will post some photos when in Delhi. Missing all of you!

mwah mwah

Camels and translation!

Holy Cow!

Well I'm in Delhi and have completed my camel trek, I get goose bumps just thinking about what an amazing experience it has been so far. The group was great, most of the girls were around my age and we had one motherly figure, the 2 men were fantastic too and very down to earth! Between us and a few other cyclists we raised 50000 quid for Mind!!!!!We had such a brilliant time!!!! We have been so well looked after, even the camping was luxurious and we were fed 3 course meals 3 times a day plus tea in bed each morning! I have not had to make one decision as everything was organised for us, I haven't had time to think either as we have done so much in the past week. The camel riding was brilliant, I fell in love with my guide Mahdu (non-english speaking) and his camel Mohti! On the first day I cut and bruised my hand from holding on so tight but by the last day we had the camels going full speed and the guides taking a back seat! Going through the countryside was beautiful, we did both dessert and forest landscape, most of the locals saw us as quite a spectacle (our camels all had bells on them so we just couldn't go unmissed!) and they would all come out and wave whilst shouting Ta-ta! We experiencesfame for a few days! Each day we had local entertainment with Magicians called Om-Phat performing incredible tricks, dancing horses, temple songs being sung, ladies dancing with huge pots on their heads, indian massages, temples, tame cobras, marble tables being made, local potters, durry weaving, we even visited an opium den and tried a very small amount that wasn't enough to have an effect! It has been INCREDIBLE!
After some long, sad good-byes to the locals we had a gala night at a nice hotel, I was awarded a certificate for culture ... respecting the local dress and effort to learn Hindi! The next morning we bused it through to Jodphur (aka the blue city) where we visited the Meherengah Fort and a local market! I just stood on the streetside and watched for 30 min, its controlled chaos with tough salemen doing business, tuk-tuksdriving where they please, bikes and motorcycles everywhere, cows roams, dogs barking, people living whilst harmonised by a chorus of hooting! From Jodphur we caught the overnight train which was an experience, similiar to one in Zimbabwe except you can not lock yourself in the compartment, there are only curtains for privacy. Once in Agra we saw the Taj Mahal in all it's beauty! Got on a coach through to Delhi where we had a delicious meal of not curry for a change, even had trifle and ice-cream. I said goodbye to the group who flew back last night and I caught a taxi to my hostel in Delhi city centre. Being 11pm I went straight to my room and finally 'stopped' for a while. To keep mecompany I watched TV, Mickey Mouse in Hindi!
This morning I am going to plan the rest of my trip, probably head up to the Himilays in a couple of days then down to Mumbai and onto Goa. There is going to be a lot of train travel but I have already slowed down to 'Indian time'!
I am having the time of my life! I do have all of you in my thoughts and I'm missing you! To those of you in the UK, please make a snow man for me =)

Photos .... http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/1471198/

Namaste

London Still

Only 30hours to go!

Yesterday was full of Bon Voyages, a big breakfast, cards and even a brilliant letter! My train was slightly delayed in leaving but I passed the time by speaking Ndebele to my maid Alice (she's in Bulawayo and I was in Edinburgh waiting to leave for India via London .. I love technology!)
Arrived in the city just in time for rush hour, never pleasant but I soon met up with a friend and we did the long trip home!

Today 4 of us descended on Camden Town, absolutely brilliant!

Below are a few of my Zimbabwean friends - Elsa, Nikki, Mike and Alan

Off and away (just about)

My bedroom ... it's looking a bit like a bomb site at the moment!

The travelling is about to start but the 'challenge' is reaching it's final days, time flies when you are having fun!

I'm going down to London on Thursday to spend a few days catching up with friends, looking forward to seeing all of you big-city nutters ;o)
At 4am on Sunday I'll be at Heathrow, thinking of everyone in their warm, snug beds! After a stop-over in Amsterdam and arriving in the warm, exotic city of Delhi .. I'll be thinking of you in the cold, grey UK.
Following that is 10days with my camel, then wherever the wind (well, train) takes me!

Something I find comfort in is the fact that I'm already looking forward to arriving back in Edinburgh! My Scottish life and I are head over heels in love with each other. That doesn't mean I'm not excited about the trip ... every few hours I do a few random jumps on the spot whilst clenching my and jaw and fists yet managing a massive smile - apologies to Naz who lives below!

Most of you will know that my Ipod and I are joined at the hip! You will all know that different songs appeal to you at various stages in your life. Well today a song that I relate to very well is by a Danish rock band called DAD and these are the lyrics,

Yeah, I left my past I hitchhiked away from bad times
Now I try to get used to The freedom to speak what's on my mind
When it turn to tears ... I wonder why -
The dreams were under my pillow
But, there are no answers
Yeah, love is a riddle

Yeah, so many times
When I complain about life
I'm unsatisfied I guess it's not about the car that I drive -
Or the house I can't buy
It's dry tears that I cry I know that all I need is
That it's easy and free
Between you and me

Thank you to everyone for the good-luck wishes, I'll carry them with me in my heart.

I need to start packing now! When possible I will keeping posting on this site.

Be well until then,

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The new me

Blondie

I have 3 hours left of being blonde .... I'll be brunette for a while after that. eeeeek.

If anyone wants a massage then contact Keith the magical masseur on:
0131 669 4277
07749 376 418
head_to_toe@btinternet.com
or check out www.freewebs.com/kajibushi/
I can personally recommend getting one, he's a great to chat to too ... if you don't fall asleep!

Finished with the Fundraising

Another moment filled with mixed emotions ... I reached my fundraising target and am enthralled to have done so, though I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and now I am a little sad it is over. But ... the travelling bit is still to come, so I'll be ok.


Diwali dinner ... well it got off to a shakey start with there being no tables and chairs but after a few special touches to the room, eg 200 candles, fairy lights and lots of artwork, it worked out perfectly! Thanks for the encouragement during the day Ann, David and Marc! Sitting on the floor was far more sociable and relaxed. For the last Curry night I payed so much attention to every small detail, this time I wanted to be able to relax and enjoy the evening too, which I did in great company! Thanks to everyone who came along and to my work team (the true 'A Team') for the support and allowing me to combine the evening with our boss's leaving night!

My family and I used to go on month long holidays to South Africa each year. Always on the night before we left we would visit my Gran and my cousins to say good-bye and they would usually give us a few treats to eat during 18hr drive which followed. Last night after doing house-work for Elizabeth, we sat down and wished each other well for the next couple of weeks then she gave me a home-made card with such special words and a bit of spending money! It made me cry with happiness for two reasons. Firstly it was like having a bit home and excitement of a big holiday on the way. Secondly, I have met some incredible individuals through this fundraising and I have been priviledged enough to see the wonderful and generous nature of many people. Thank you SO much!

Brian, my old flatmate, came over for dinner last night and he gave me another travel companion, the book called Long Way Round by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. Thanks Bri! ;-)

This morning I did the big shop! Lots of small camping things, a couple pairs of trousers, many many things from Boots and a few travellers cheques. All I need now is malaria tablets and I really don't like the idea of the second thing, a r.., a rid..., a riding helmet. A turban or sombrero would just work so much better!

Happy Diwali to you!

Diwali dinner was fantastic! Target of £2600.00 reached!!!!! waaaaayhhheeeey!
For photos visit, http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/1294730/

Keith the masseur, he's details will be up soon, as will a write up of yesterday!
Right now, I'm going to celebrate with a fry-up breakfast!

Thank you to all you lovely, lovely people!!

Art of life

Well for most of this year I have put a lot of time and effort into this fundraising and India trip. I'm not sure what I am going to do with myself when I return - well after Christmas and New Years that is.

So, I have something quite exciting planned for next year ... I am going to be an Art Manager! One of my friend's from school is trying extremely hard to make her way in Cape Town and even harder to break into the world of art! Not that I know much about it either (that will change soon) ... I'm sure I can sell off a few paintings for her!

So far Tafadzwa Mukwashi has held three successful exhibitions in Zimbabwe, last one was to help raise money for Childline in 2003. She has made private sales in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Switzerland and Austria. Plus she has won first place in Zimbabwe's National Arts Festival in the paintings and art category.

Please have a look at them http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/1282921/ and feel free to email me with comments .. shirleynicklin@hotmail.com

DHL stopped by this morning with 23 of her paintings, some of which will be on display at the Diwali evening tomorrow! I'm so looking forward to it! =)

Diwali dinner

Everything is coming together, got 50 people confirmed .. still space for another 30, so anyone who likes Indian food ... call me!
I'm going candle and incense shopping on Thursday, just a hint of what to expect.

My work team and I shall also be having our boss's Leaving or Moving sideways/upwards party that night! Tracey is brilliant, the absolute best of wishes to her!

On a more serious note

Zimbabwe.
I know that this is a fundraising blog so was against writing anything about Zim, but the situation in Africa has been a huge influence on why I am doing this charity challenge.

Today, whilst out jogging with my brother, a friend's father collapsed and passed away. Out of four of my close friends I went to junior and high school with, I am the lucky one to still have my precious father alive. One friend's dad was murdered during the farm raids. The other two girl's fathers have died from a heart attack / stress. All three men played big roles in Bulawayo's community, they did a lot of good things for the country!
.
On Monday in Glasgow I had a cup of coffee with a street fundraiser, she's a local Glaswegian but very up-to-date on the situation in Africa. We talked about how sometimes it can be difficult to live in a country where self-ego and wealth is valued so highly when you know that people not too far away are living a life that is uncomprehendible to some who have never travelled out of 1st world countries.

I often feel quite helpless when it comes to Zimbabwe, my emotions block any sensible thoughts and I am left feeling angry, disappointed and sad. Thank you to the people who do their bit for Zimbabwe ... Sandra in USA, that's you!
However it's easier for me to think about other countries in similar situations. After the Freedom of the City awarded to Aung San Suu Kyi earlier this year I have continued to follow the situation in Burma. This is taken off Damien Rice's website,

12 October 2005 Burma - Some positive news

We would like to thank everyone who has helped with the campaign to free Aung San Suu Kyi (www.actionburma.com). She is still under house arrest in Burma and the work to have her released continues.

We would just like to let you know that there have been some positive changes since her 60th Birthday campaign in June.
Below we have included some notes from the U.S. 'Campaign for Burma'. Some good news:

Birthday wishes for Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi from REM and U2, along with Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan's song 'Unplayed Piano' were beamed into military-ruled Burma via satelite, and the radio station 'Democratic Voice of Burma'.That means the people living in the totalitarian country could hear good wishes from around the world.

On the political front, even Burma's neighbours want Aung San Suu Kyi freed. Unprecedented pressure from Asian Governments and Parliamentarians led to the Burmese Junta's reluctant decision to relinquish it's first oppurtunity at charing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (which is roughly likethe EU for Southeast Asia) in 2006. The move represented the first time that the Asian Governments have stood against the brutal Generals in Burma.

A new 70 page report provides an overwhelmingly compelling case for the UN Security Council to nonviolently intervene in Burma. the report, commissioned by the Nobel Peace Prize recipient Bishop Desmond Tutu and former President Václav Havel, is bringing much-needed international attention to the Human Rights crisis in Burma. The struggle continues!

I have generally kept the 'Zim side of my life' to myself as sometimes when I go into detail about it people often do not know what to say. But everyone learns different lessons in their lives ... what's the point if we don't share them with others. The positive thing I have got from being a Zimbabwean is to Live for the Moment and appreciate the most important things like friendships and time!

A grand morning!

Ever since being a child I have always liked the postman ... it's due to watching too many episodes of Postman Pat. Having a large dog in Zim soon made me aware that posties aren't always friendly, especially when they have a snarling/grinning mutt nipping at their heels! Fair enough!
This morning I like the Postman! He delivered two things for me.

First was my paycheque and much to my surprise and delight I've been given £600 backpay for work I've done in the months before ... hmmm =)

Secondly was a package from Mind! It contains my last bit of information from them before the trek ... it's like a secret mission. Enclosed was a list of the other camel trekkers, 9 women including myself and 2 men. The group is a bit smaller than I thought it would be but I expect we will bond more! Lastly in the parcel were some t-shirts!

And so it is ..

Just like you said it would be!!!!

I'm back after a brilliant weekend in Dublin, Derry and inbetween. You just can't help liking the Irish people ... I think I will live there one day just for the accent! When travelling I like to feel as though I've have actually gone the distance to visit a foreign land rather than just hop on and off minute long flights, so due to flying into Glasgow Prestwick yesterday I managed to go in a car, a tram, a bus, aeroplane, train and taxi. All that was left to do would have been a boat, bicycle and space-ship!

Thinking about time-travel, its 23days until London and 26 days until I fly forward in time to India, I am a little nervous but that's all natural. I'm also extremely excited and keep being hit by waves of smiles! Whilst in Dublin i bought myself a 'worry stone' for the India trip .. just to ensure I can keep that 'no worries' attitude of mine.

Last week Dan, the friend I stayed with in Ireland, texted me saying that he was going to a fundraising quiz organised by his friends. Yesterday morning I discovered on the third page of the Irish metro was a big article about what these 3 people are doing - cycling from Dublin to Cape Town to fundraise 50 000euro and raise awareness of HIV in Africa. Wow, absolutely fantastic, not only will it bring in some money, but the people they will meet in Africa will be so pleased to know someone cares! I have probably pestered you for your yearly charity budget, but if you have a few pennies left over pleasssse visit http://www.oxfamireland.org/html/supportus/cycle_africa.htm

Fundraising is going well, thanks to everyone who is coming along to the Diwali dinner and bringing their friends too! This week I'm going to organise a raffle for that evening, not quite as glamorous as the last lot of prizes but so far it will include a few bottles of wine and a free month membership at the stylish and relaxing Holmes place gym.

I am back into full swing with my mental health job and after having a wee break from it I fully appreciate it again! Being given the chance to work with people and their families to provide them with a lifestyle which they Want is such a moving experience, and I can't believe they pay me for it too!

This year I have put a lot of time into reading up on Eastern religions and also swapped my GP for a Chinese herbalist (and her translator), so now going to India and having the chance to be part of the local culture (and that means travelling on really cheap trains and eating all tradition food - no 5* hotels this time round!) is the opportunity of a lifetime for me!

I hope that through doing this challenge I have inspired each and everyone of you in some small way! If so, then this truly has been a success! Maybe it would be giving away your daily bus tickets after you've done the last trip of the day, or even to do something that you've always wanted to do and haven't got around to it yet, who knows - maybe next year you will be having a salsa fundraising night before heading off to trek Peru! Life is an adventure .. live it. Yeah, so that's that!

... sunday evening thoughts

I'ts a matter of a month and a few hours until my plane leaves for India ... wow, I'm feeling a little anxious, everyone keeps telling me I'm either very adventurous or just mad, I think it's an even mix.

Thanks to everyone who wants to come to the Diwali dinner, it should be a great night! I got a call from an Indian performer asking if he could provide us with some entertainment for the evening, a demo is in the post so we'll wait and see!

The Indian Consulate very kindly gave me a free visa to their country ... the perks of having a South African passport! It's not often I find it that easy to be granted a visa, which explains why I walked out of the building giving the little book a big kiss then holding it up in the air for the world to see!

This coming weekend I am off to Ireland for some good craic! Could be seen as taking a holiday from planning a holiday!

Total money raised is £2 059,97 ... not much further to go!!!

42 days to go

Everything is coming together unbelievably well!

On Thursday I went out for lunch with my Council colleagues and they so generously gave me a Boots voucher which will cover the cost of my plasters and other necessary toiletries for the trip. Exactly what I needed!!! Thank you!

I have started spreading the word about the Diwali dinner and quite a number of people have already reserved their seats! Fantastic!

Tomorrow I get my last set of jabs, that's a total of four visits to the Travel Clinic. I should also have my Indian visa by the end of the day. After living in the UK for two and a half years the country has finally decided I am worthy of a current bank account, it's been the most basic of basic accounts up until now! About time!!

My life is so varied, I consider myself extremely blessed! On Friday night I was at a private dining club and bar discussing news from the broadsheets and extravagant dinners with a stylish/sophisticated friend who works in Parliamentary liason and an interesting man who is a qualified vet / enterpreneur / opera singer. On Saturday I was in contact with friends from 8 different countries of the world. I spent today with 5 lovely people who are unable to walk or talk and a colleague who likes saying 'alright hen?', we spoon-fed dinner to the famous five.

Thanks to Mr Fyvie for recommending a superb book to read, 'The Tao of Pooh' by Benjamin Hoff! It's words of wisdom! http://winnie-the-pooh.ru/online/lib/tao.html

It's been a while

Well the fundraising has taken a backseat and the fun-raising has been the focus. Well I have not thought much about raising money in the past 2 weeks, moreso been settling back into the mental health work, gym'ing, shopping for hiking boots, gym'ing, getting 4 sets of vacinations, gym'ing, buying travel insurance, applying for a visa, ETC.

A great friend has given me a travel partner. This young man in the photo, Bobby, reigns from India- he was brought over as a present for my friend James by his sister from her visit to India, Bobby has been living in Scotland ever since. He accompanied James to all his final uni exams and supplied him with lots of luck. Buddha Bobby shall now be taking a trip/pilgrimage home in the luxury of my backpack.

This evening Marc (and a little bit of me) designed the flier for the Diwali evening!

On the beaten track!

This is what the Council has to say about me! It was published in the City News which is a newsletter that goes out to all Council employees. Thank you to Joanne and Jenny for publishing it!

A very special guidebook!

I finally got to a bookshop today to buy my guidebook for India! Well, there are so many to choose from, some with great photos but no accommodation guide, others with brilliant restaurant guides but no travel timetables. Anyways after 15 min of browsing I knew which one I was meant to get as there was a note left in it, just on a page specific for me. Coincidence?

I'm doing housework tonight for a friend - £12 for a 2hour shift is not bad fundraising; its fantastic chat too!!!!

A Reflective Moment ..

Today has been great!

It started off with me picking up a mystery parcel at the post office which turned out to be a crate of wine, who can complain about that!

It was a surreal day finishing off at the Council, whilst I felt an empty sadness about not working with the External Relations team anymore, I also felt a sense of euphoria as it's the official start of my big adventure! For the past three and a half years I have literally worked myself to the bone, starting over in different cities, dealing with the home-office and embassies in the hope of being granted life-changing visas, worrying about family in Zimbabwe, all whilst trying to gain some form of security without letting it become a main focus. It has been an uphill struggle yet I wouldn't want it any other way as it truly has taught me so much about life, people and myself.
For the first time since leaving Zimbabwe I honestly feel now that it's my turn to have some fun!
I would not have got this far if it wasn't for some heart-warmingly endearing characters whom I've had the pleasure of knowing! I believe you ALL realise who you are ;o)

I'm now in contact with my first fellow fundraiser! Brian from England who is setting high standards for the rest of the travellers. Him and I seem to have much in common, especially when it comes to philosophy on life which I'm positive will provide great chat!

Brian commented on my 23 years of age and the self-confidence I must possess to be doing all of this. I thought hard about it as I am actually rather quiet-spoken and on the odd occassion shy. However, I realise in my old age, that I am able to make big decisions fully based on my own thoughts and I'm very aware that sometimes it won't the be the right choice - yet I'm not scared to make a mistake. It also helps to .. always look on the Bright side of life (whistle)! .. who said I was grown-up???

Anyhoo, it's Friday night and if I write more deep and philosophical stuff you will get bored!

The Council goes to pieces .. pieces of cake!

Heyho, we had another cakesale today at my Council offices, which raised £139.09!

Thank you Alexis, Joanne and Kate for bringing in some delicious baked goods, and thanks to everyone else who came down and supported it!
Cheers to Anna for encouraging me to organise this, and for the biscuits. Also to Stephen for repeatedly sending out group emails for me!
Tomorrow is my last official day working with the Council .. and I'm going to miss it :o( alot!
On Monday I start back with The Action Group doing mental health support work for the next two months.

I have the best hairdresser in the entire world and I'm not kidding. Not only does she cut my hair the way I like it, but she also helped inspire me to take on this challenge (as spoken about in my first posting). Now she has so trustingly lent me all the gear from her trek in Vietnam. My budget for the trip just rose a few hundred pounds, and I have everything from a decent sized backpack, sleeping bag, trekking stick, toothpaste to imodium tablets! A big shout out to Helen Dean from HD Hairdressers!

The gossip off the streets

Well a lot of you have taken an interest in the homeless man I had breakfast with a while back. About two months ago Keith disappeared off the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and has not been seen since. I believe it's all positive though as he had often talked about his 9yr old son living in Ayrshire and how he hoped to move closer to him and be able to visit more regularly! Fingers crossed ..

There are lots of lovely and interesting people just around the corner ... literally - the many of you who have walked up Leith Walk with me will have meet the joyous John and his wonderful prince, well Prince his dog! He wears a purple jacket and has decided that the angle he wants to see the world from is perched outside Tesco. If you seem him stop by and say hello, he won't ask or expect money or food from you, he just likes people to be friendly and acknowledge him as a normal guy. His dog is absolutely gorgeous too!

More cake, then Diwali

Well, tomorrow is the 9th of September and that's the deadline to have £2000 to Mind to ensure my place on the camel trek. So I donated £610 of my own money and will keep fundraising until the very last day, and probably when I return too!

Next Thursday I'm holding the second cakesale of the month at my Council offices and there have been a few kind offers to donate cakes on the day. I shall be bringing out the mixing bowl & wooden spoon to make more carrot cake, seems to be a favourite!!! I approached Bank of Scotland asking if they will matchfund what the sale raises - hopefully they will come back with a positive response!

Cheers to Cuz Craig for the sponsorship pennies. I'm so glad you are well and hope to catch up with you soon!

To Mr 'Allan Shearer' ... Thanks!!! You are a mysterious character!?

Friday evening 4th November

Put it in your diary!

Diwali is the most celebrated of all Indian festivals, it marks a time for a new beginning as we welcome LAKSMI the Goddess of Wealth and enjoy the company of friends with gifts, food and sweets, Lights and candles - The Festival of Lights!

The Festival of Lights Banquet will take place at The Raj Restaurant on the shore and feature over 12 speciality dishes including award-winning dishes from the prestigious international Indian Chef of the Year Competition - Tommy Miah.

£10 per person, 79 people plus yourself to enjoy the evening, fantastic atmosphere and delicious food (already proven!). Contact me to book your places - 078 3210 5653 shirleynicklin@hotmail.com A friend has even promised to get the entire country to light up the sky with fireworks for us the very next night ...

For more about Diwali visit http://www.diwalifestival.org/

We made curry history

WOOOOW! What a week, what a night! During the run up to Friday I was a ball of energy unable to keep still, if I wasn't doing something then I would be thinking of what I could do to make Friday an Outstanding evening! As well as having a great time and raising money, I wanted people to walk away feeling inspired to do something that they have never done before, no matter how big or small, just something that will make them feel good! One way of attempting that was to have a small piece of paper with a different quotation at each place setting such as ...

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be
happy, practice compassion.” The Dalai Lama

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe
in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in
anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Buddha
The "Enlightened One"

And secondly I printed out my blog, put a photo and welcome page at the front and left copies on the tables so people could read more about who and what they are supporting.

I went along to the restaurant quite early to put the finishing touches on, and at the same time I was playing some Indian pop tunes which got the waiters on my side immediately. I was given a complimentary drink then they asked me to turn the music up so they could enjoy 'the atmosphere'. (Apologies to the customers downstairs who found the service unusually slow!??!)

Slowly people started arriving and soon it was full. A massive thanks to Annalee, Duncan, Joanne and Alex for coming dressed for the theme, I would have been the only one otherwise. You all looked fantastic! The boys had lost the waistcoats by the time this photo was taken ..

Also a huge thank-you to Paul who made a grand effort to come along, it means so much to me, I hope the delicious curry made it worth it!

To everyone who attended, words can't say how special every single one of you made it, you supported the cause with so much enthusiasm, just that night will make signing up to this fundraising worth it! (please don't tell my camel I ever said that though!)

Magic Marc, the co-organiser/host and photographer, I owe you. I know there were moments last week when you might have wished you didn't know me, but without you this event wouldn't have been half as good as it was (for the fact that half the people wouldn't have been there), and your charisma and endless encouragement is a blessing! Thank you!

The atmosphere was very relaxed, every table was set for 10 people which made it extrmely social, it was a help-yourself buffet, Sean was kept busy all night doing amazing caricatures. The raffle was drawn, the dinner at Mussel Inn went to Shazza, and the weekend away to Mark Smith who's from my gym.

To Sean the caricaturist, Thank you for your wonderful work and donation! Just by being there you ensured that there was something for everyone!

For a slideshow of the photos taken that night, please check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/880736/

I'm off to count up how much we raised and will post the total soon! Then it's lunchtime at the Indian Mela festival!

Next on the list of events ..

Held at this evening will be a RAFFLE:
£1 for 5 tickets ...

1st Prize: a night's accommodation for two, with breakfast, at the beautiful Bucchleuch Arms Hotel in Moffat - a charming weekend out of the city! http://www.buccleucharmshotel.co.uk/ Train travel provided by Virgin Trains http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/default.aspx

2nd Prize: dinner for two at Mussel Inn restaurant .. one of the best seafood places in town! http://www.mussel-inn.com/

3rd Prize: an 100% silk scarf brought all the way over from Beijing!

4th Prize: a bottle of Beringer Rose wine

It's a SUCCESS!

Wow, the cakesale is over. What an experience, it has felt just like Christmas...

1. starting off with finding out what everyone is doing today,
2. do they take part in the (baking) tradition?
3. colourful cards (and fliers)
4. the event brings out the generous nature of people
5. shopping
6. then comes all the eve preparations and cooking
7. no sleep due to all the excitement
8. the next morning gets off to an early start with final preparations taking place
9. people share tales of the night-before / laughter and light-heartedness
10. there are bright and wonderful packages everywhere
11. smiles galore
12. unwrapping
13. and then its time to indulge in delights!!!!

Well a massive thank you to everyone involved, Norton Park (Megan) for hosting it, all the Council ladies, Caroline from Real Jobs, and Jill for making DELICIOUS donations, Marc for your encouragement, Ian for being the courrier and latte-provider, Jill for stopping by, and everyone who supported it by buying a piece. What a wonderful day, I can not stop smiling, it got everyone involved and provided a great lunch! It also raised £143.36!

THANK YOU!

It's Terrific Tuesday!

Well today is the day at 4pm I will promptly swap my work PC for an apron (via the shops to buy baking tins and all of that). My mother has so wonderfully typed out 10 recipes and emailed them through to me, ahhh I wish you were here Mom! and Alice, and Desiree, and Dad, and Gran and Kevin ...
Well the cake sale is tomorrow morning and everything seems to be sorted, the venue has organised a table etc, a friend is going to help me get the cakes there, more friends will help run the stand, all the ladies from work have kindly agreed to donate something, a massive thank you to you all, and I will see you for a cuppa and a slice on Friday!!!

The Unmissable and Entrancing Indian Summer Souree is happening next week!!! I have managed to convince a lot of my friends to come along, but they don't add up to 100 people, so I have got an events promotion company onboard - The Silver Card, that card is worth its value in gold :o)
Sean the characaturist will be there to do sketches so do come along in your saris and turbans, it will make it more colourful like India truly is!

Tracey, I can not thank you enough for hounding the staff for donations, "can you give money towards this" is not usually the question people want to be asked, but you volunteered to help and I really do appreciate it so much, you're doing a fantastic job!

Florian from Germany, thank you for being as inspirational as you are! Meeting you has been an unforgetable experience. Thanks for the Zutons gig too!

Arnie, my work guru, a big shout out to you for your sponsorship! I'm not flattering you now as this is total honesty - I've never met someone in your field who does their job as Brilliantly as you do!

Polly, perfect Polly (pronoun) .. A wonderful fellow Zimbo living out of Edinburgh! He is working at his parents hotel, and they have very generously donated a night's stay worth the value of £80! Woohoo, that is going to be the main prize in the raffle happening next week. A huge thanks to the Smiths. More details to follow ..

Well, I'm all fundraised and festival'ed out, and it's now time to go to one of my two jobs.

For all of you reading this, thank you for your interest!!!

Cake Sale Staff

Cake sale Staff .... I cannae wait!

I've got quite a few offers to donate cakes already, and one of them is from a lovely friend ...

3 months and 10 days to go until India!

Festival, festival, festival time in Edinburgh! Walking down the Royal Mile is like being back in the medieval market days ... cobbled street, people everywhere all shouting/singing to get your attention, flame throwers, etc. Walking down that street is like stepping back a few hundred years in time. Well except I'm sure there weren't handing out hundreds of fliers in the old days! I am keeping every single one I am handed so can count them up in the end .. I predict over 300!

Fundraising is going well, as usual I need to feel the pressure before taking real action! The MAKECURRYHISTORY is coming along with lots of friends interested in attending.

The cake sale is happening at Norton Park on 24 August AM so right now I am trying to organise that, 5 people have already volunteered to bake cakes for the day :-) Hard part will be actually selling the produce rather than taking the path of least resistance and just eating it!

I'm writing off to supermarkets to ask if I can spend a few evenings packing bags for customers in return for small donations, yay, I will get to wear my very, very bright blue Mind t-shirt whilst doing this!

I phoned the Indian Embassy today to find out about visas ... Houston we have a problem! I could barely understand what the guy was saying due to the accent! What I did manage to make out was 'Donnnt Warry, you kan applii for et in Octoba'. I guess that's all I really needed to hear.

Camel trek Itinerary!!!!

Mind India camel trek

India is a land that truly suspends belief and defies description. Stretching from the frozen barrier of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar Desert, India’s boundaries encompass incomparable variety.

Our camel safari takes us to the colourful region of western Rajasthan, south of Jodhpur. On (and off!) camels we will trek for over 100km in this unexplored region; the land of the Kings and truly India at its most exotic and best.

Our journey starts in Ranakpur, which has the biggest and most important Jian temple in India. On our camels we will trek through the remote and peaceful valleys of the Aravalli range, which are the thought to be one of the oldest ranges of hills in the world! We will pass lakes filled with magnificent bird life and pass some of the charming and colourful villages of Rajasthan, to our finish through forest and the Kumpahgh sanctuary.
This will be a unique journey by day on camel back, whilst spending memorable nights under the stars in this semi desert region. The adventure is concluded with a breathtaking visit to the Taj Mahal, where we will spend time admiring this most famous Muhgal monument. Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love; the Taj Mahal was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who after 17 years of marriage died during childbirth in 1631.

Day 1:
The beginning
We have an early morning departure from the UK and arrive at Delhi that evening.we are met with a traditional ‘Flower garland welcome’ and transferred to the Ashok Country Resort hotel.
Day 2:
Ranakpur
After some rest and breakfast, we will then transfer by coach to the airport for the flight to Jodhpur. We arrive at Jodhpur and take a short transfer by coach to Ranakpur. After dinner we will have our full safari briefing about the challenge ahead. Overnight hotel.
Day 3:
Ranakpur- Muthana Lake Camp.
After an early breakfast we begin our camel safari, which initially passes through villages and farmland with a distant view of the Aravalli Hills. After lunch we continue past rocky outcrops and dry riverbanks to our beautiful camping spot on the Muthana lake. A haven for the birdwatchers and great place to watch the beautiful sunset dropping behind the hills. Overnight in tents.
Day 4:
Muthana Lake to Kana
After early breakfast we continue our camel trek through villages and then through open fields and rocky outcrops to our camp at Kana, which is situated on a dam with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The camp has a very old Sufi Shrine that people can visit or just enjoy the birdlife of Rajasthan, which is at its best in November. Overnight in tents.
Day 5 :
Kana- Amba Bagh
Starting early we continue our safari through open fields and small hills with all around views of the Aravalli Mountain Range. Our Camp is at the delightful Amba Bagh, which is dominated by some old ruined temples taking us back in time thousands of years.
Day 6:
AmbaBagh- Baga Ka bagh.
We leave after breakfast and continue trough the rolling hills of Aravalli, open fields and on finally to the forests of Kumbalgah Sanctuary to Baga Ka bag which is surrounded by low hills with a fine temple within walking distance. Baga Ka bag is the old hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mewar. We will overnight in tents, though we will be making use of the hunting lodge facilities.
Day 7:
Baga Ka Bagh – The gala evening
We begin the day through forest visiting tribal villages along the way. We ascend gently crossing several small streams en-route to Thandi Beri. On arrival we can visit the lake, which contains crocodiles and is surrounded by green hills harbouring a myriad of bird-life. After lunch here we have the option to drive our next 12 kms by 4 Wheel Drive or to walk to our delightful hotel on the top of the hill offering fine views all around. In the afternoon we will have time to relax and enjoy the pool in the hotel garden before celebrating our achievements for Mind at a special gala dinner. Overnight hotel.
Day 8:
Kumbalgarh to Jodhpur
After breakfast we drive initially through hills and then through fields to the blue city of Jodhpur where we visit Mehrangarh Fort, which dominates the skyline above this beautiful city. After the visit we then transfer to the station for an overnight train to Agra.

Day 9:
Taj Mahal

We arrive this morning in Agra and transfer to the hotel where we have the morning free before our afternoon guided visit to the Taj Mahal and the local bazaar. Overnight in hotel.

Day 10:
Agra – Delhi
After breakfast we drive back to Delhi by coach, stopping for lunch on the way. Upon arrival in Delhi, we will have an opportunity to freshen up and enjoy some dinner at the Ashok Country Resort hotel before departing late for the airport.

MAKECURRYHISTORY

This is 'make .... history' weekend, be it Poverty like 225 000 joined together in Edinburgh to march for this cause http://www.flickr.com/photos/shmeim/sets/531642/ Live 8 formed to make the memories of Live Aid no longer novel. And now I invite you all to MAKECURRYHISTORY!
Yes everything is coming together for the big night at the Raj on 2 September! Curry buffet for 100 people! Theme is Saris and Turbans - there will be a characaturist there to capture you in the moment! Tickets are hot off the press and already are starting to sell!
On Friday I had strawberries and champagne at Officeteam which is the agency I am working for at the moment, my recruitment consultant offered to help advertise through their database which will be a great help!

During the week I met up with Monica who I used to work with at Apex Scotland, what a lovely woman - I want to be just like her when I grow up! Thanks for the support!

To my wise and friendly neighbour, sorry the donation didnt get in under the radar, thank you very much though! I look forward to our next evening of watching sport and eating cherries!

I had a bit of a freak-out session at the beginning of the week with so little time left, but with friends kind support they made me realise that anything is possible, so I've got my work cut out for me in the next few weeks!

I received a newsletter from Mind inviting all volunteers to an information day down in London in a few weeks. As much as I want to know more about what's going to happen, and I want to get down to London again, I think I will hold out until November to keep all my mysterious travelling buddies as a nice surprise!
I have asked the travel agent to change my return ticket to late December so I can explore more of India and hopefully a bit of China on my own. I plan to spend Christmas in the UK, then depending on funds and where my family are living by then I hope to visit them for a while.

Roll on 2 September. I'm off to go sari shopping. And watch the Wimbledon men's final!

Aung San Suu Kyi is awarded 'Freedom' .. if only

Well well, the Freedom of the City event has finally happened, the past three months my superb boss, Council colleagues and I have put many, many hours into organising this civic event where Edinburgh could award their highest honour possible to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi! It has been an fantastic experience and the day when she is freed will hopefully come a bit sooner thanks to all the international press coverage this has given Burma.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4105274.stm
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1723822,00.html
http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=662402005
I met Daw Suu's son and wife, a few Lords and Ladies, exiled refugees from Burma who had to leave as their name was on the blacklist, worked next to directors of large organisations such as Amnesty UK / Scotland, and learnt a lot about myself with regards to Zimbabwe, so many people are in the same situation! Daw Suu is a shining light for the democratic world!

Back to fundraising .... I had a very positive responce from The Raj Restaurant where celebrity chef Tommy Miah makes his famous curry! http://www.despardes.com/newsmakers/tommy-miah-feb24.htm On 2 September we shall be having a buffet for 100 people at the Raj, hmmm, theme might be turbans and saris, so much to think of. Flatmate Marc has agreed to help design the tickets for me and those should go to print next week, £20 a head ... see you there!

To my blonde and tanned work-mate, thanks for the money, and thanks for making work a bit more interesting everyday, and thanks for the toast you make in the mornings!

Cheers Sandra for your kind donation! You are an angel and an inspiration doing all the work you do, Africa is a better place thanks to you! Hope to visit you in the States .. one day soon!

I have started approaching bigger companies about this, as I'm doing it all by myself I'm kinda going on trial and error here, hopefully they will recognise my passion for the cause.

I put an advert on the Edinburgh Gumtree website, and result! Over the next few months I will be helping a woman pack up and move flats whilst she donates £6ph to Mind for my assistance. Her and I have been emailing to get to know a bit about each other and it sounds like we have a lot in common, will find out for definite on Thursday during my first shift.

I used to think spare time was a 'must', now I realise how much of a luxury it really is! Saying that, today I did spend my lunch break having a colleague give me a guitar lesson, when anyone asks where I learnt to play the answer will be in a random office cubicle in Edinburgh. Anyone want to place pledges on when I will finally be able to perform my first song???

£333.05, and lots more in the pipeline!

I must admit this is rather daunting! As I said it's June already! and I have to find another £2289 before October!
I bumped into Craig and Dan from Pivo on the way home, told them what I was doing and Craig said I must go in with my 'sales plan'. ooooh how exciting

It's June already!

Well doesn't time fly!

I have been doing an online marketing course with 'Working for a Charity' based in London, the course gave me a basic overview of to how market voluntary sector organisations adverts, campaign for change, etc. All very interesting, and it gave me a small bit insight into how to go about this fundraising too.

I haven't really been focusing on it much as there hasn't been a spare second in the day ... but today were letters sent out hot off the press, it's my first attempt at this so not sure what sort of responce I will receive ...

Monday was a good fundraising day, my 'weird friend' pledged £50, and Anne and Elaine from the Council both kindly donated £20 each. I sponsored Anne and her husband Dave as today they set off on a long trip - they are cycling from Land's end to John O'Groats, better them than me, I will stick to my camel! Best of luck to them!

Wooohooo it's nearly the weekend, but once again I won't have it all off as I am helping run one of the water-stands for the Edinburgh marathon ... please may it be a sunny day :o)

A nice way to start the week

Hello hello

Not that much to update on yet. My birthday party went well, Scott and Jo sponsored me for £15, and a nice guy that I met gave a tener towards the event.

I took a Big Issue seller out to breakfast this morning on the way to work, it helped make the start of the week a bit less daunting and gave him something to get through the day on. Some mornings he's by the train station entrance on Market St, other days he's not, but he is such a genuine guy - I did learn from working with homeless people at City Connexions that often I shouldn't believe what they say as every good intention is there, but their willpower to actually carry it through is not - but this man appears very sincere! So we had coffee and scones together at the City Arts Centre :-)

Early days

Well this morning whilst I was standing on Princes Street in the rain, wearing my 'Edinburgh Giving' shirt and shaking the bucket for Indonesia, I decided that this opportunity of raising a few thousand pounds for Mind charity then heading off to India to meet my new best friend ... oops .. I meant camel is not going to happen everyday, so best have a diary for it just to remember the rollercoaster ride I am sure it will be!

Well it all started on a Virgin trains trip. I had always seen these trips advertised but never thought of actually doing one! I was heading down to Leeds and met up with an old colleague who had recently been to Peru on behalf of Oxfam, he described the whole trip and it sounded fantastic ... the fundraising sounded like fun too.
The Monday after that I visited my regular hairdresser and she had just got back from Vietnam and that was for Maggies Cancer appeal. She was also enthralled by it all and highly recommended the experience.

That was enough for me, I felt that it was good timing to do something like this as I was needing a bit of a pick up at the time. So heyho, off we go!

A week later my fee was paid and Helen from Mind the mental health charity was on the phone to me saying my application had been accepted. Wooooo the next morning I woke up wondering what the hell have I got my into! So I got straight on the computer and set up a 'justgiving' page where people can donate online, that very night the first pennies dropped in given by the Swedish Irishman, that made my week!

I feel extremely passionate about the work that Mind does, they support so many people on the Mindinfoline, reThink projects, and many more. Having worked very closely with people suffering with serious mental distress, and having personally suffered from depression a few years back, I hope that I can make a real impact by collecting much more money than needed and also helping donatees/general public to understand these issues more.

If you ever want a warm and friendly voice to speak to, phone the Mindinfoline. When I called for more information about this challenge the lady who I spoke to had the most soothing, caring tone ever!

So the next day in all my enthusiasm I asked my colleagues for ideas and donations, they are all such sweeties! Cheers Stephanie :-)

We've hit the £60 mark already!

Birthday time ... the total rises to over Onnnnee Huuundred pounds! Thank you hugs to two very special people, my flatmate Mighty Marc, and Matt in Colchester!

Last week I received an email from Danny Wallace, yes the 'Join Me' man, not long after that I decided to ask all joinees for any fundraising ideas ... the best suggested was to run about the steets wearing a tutu and spiderman shirt shouting 'dont worry dear, its only a commercial'! I think I might try it. I was very touched as two people I have never met or spoken to, I know nothing about them and visa-versa, donated a ten'er each. Wow, that is inspiring that there are still people out there who help so selflessly! Bing and Joinee Bishop Don Marco Rock you are lovely!!!!

Holllld on, there is another mystery donater, heart felt thanks Phil, I hope you see this.

My smiley happy friend Cheryl from gym gave me a few quid without even being asked, she's always so happy!

A few days ago I went out for a drink with a Aussie street fundraiser, it was rather interesting to hear his work ethic, and I am really glad he told me about it coz whilst on Princes Street today I managed to raise the most pennies! I personally thank you for that Jason. I met one of Jason's colleagues on the Royal Mile yesterday and signed up for yet another charity direct debit, this time to Amnesty Uk who is fighting for more rights for woman who are abused, a very worth cause. Thom and 'friend with cool coloured hair' very kindly gave all the change they had on them at the time.

Yay, we are about to get to £170!

There was a nice surprise to wake up to this morning, another £20 given by someone I have chatted to online for 6 months but never actually met. Thanks for the email J, it definately made me smile!

I have started typing up letters to go out to lots of companies asking for anything which could be used as a prize for a raffle or nights out, thing is I don't want to just post them out so I will be taking a few days off and walking the streets soon to add a personal touch to all of them.

In return for my street charity this morning I was given two rugby tickets to the Heineken Cup final being played at Murrayfield tomorrow, they are going to the highest bidder!

I am loving this!



£188.45 :-D