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Wow... so much can change within a matter of hours. How can you go from being blissfully unaware; the epitome of relaxed/happy to panicked and stressed? The last few days have been very fast paced, so bare with me on this one it could be very long-winded (*thank god for diary's eh?!).
Ah, where to start? As you can probably guess from the title, we've been evacuated from Sepilok. The situation with the Sulu Terrorists in Eastern Sabah escalated last week and so Travellers decided it best to urgently remove us from any immediate danger following a high-alert warning on the British FCO website (this warning is the same as that in Syria, Iraq and other Middle Eastern war-torn nations). I know there's not much in the British media, and we expect this is because there's currently a presidential election here in Malaysia, so they're trying to keep this all "hush hush" (great, isn't it*).
If you read my last post, you'll probably think I'm such an idiot… ensuring everyone (particularly Grandad) that we weren't near the war. Technically, we weren't that close to the warzone; approx 1 ½ hrs away, but we were in Eastern Sabah, and 20 mins from Sandakan - an area that the FCO advised we evacuate. Following govt. guidelines, Traveller's complied with the warning and emailed us on Thursday evening (the day after my post) saying that it would be in our best interests (and of course for our health and safety) to leave Sepilok to KK and await further information on the situation before possibly returning as soon as applicable. 8 of the 12 volunteers complied. We left Saturday morning at 8:30am in the pouring rain (cue pathetic fallacy*).
On Friday, we got a chance to spend the day with the Orangutans! On this project, there are three rotations: Indoor Clinic, Outdoor Clinic and Trekking. As the trekking group hadn't yet had any Orangutan physical contact, they were assured that this day they could have the whole day to look after both the babies and the teenagers. Anna, Erika, Jess and I started the day, like normal, with the teenager Orangutans… the first hour spent cleaning (yippee*) and then watching and aiding their climbing skills in the jungle-style gym outside in the trees. It's peculiar how you become so comfortable with the Orangs; it's (to some extent) normal to have 12 roaming around you at any one time. I felt attached to some of the babies (I'll admit, I have my favourites*), and it was much harder to leave than I had expected :(.
Our second half of the day was spent with the babies, who are >12months - 3 years old. What an incredible experience that was. Even at such a young age they all have their individual personalities; again I had a favourite (oops*). When the babies get tired they refuse to climb; we had an almost suicidal monkey who kept just falling (and I mean this literally) out of the trees a good 10ft or so up (talk about monkey-ing about). They also refuse to walk back to their cages, so you have no other choice than to carry them (more of a cuddle… yay*). We got to milk and feed them which was so adorable - as you pass their play-cage they put their arms out for a cuddle and just want to hold your hand forever. I'm so thankful to have had at least this smidgen of experience, and I can honestly say I'm so appreciative to have been able to do something like this regardless of how little time we've had (getting all soppy*). A professional photographer was also shipped in upon our requests, and we had our photographs taken with our favourite Orang… when I'm emailed those, I will try my best to put at least one up on here :).
So, lets be optimistic. Evacuation isn't all that bad.. I've been put up in an adequate hotel room with Anna (hurrah*) and we're making the best out of a really awful situation. Our window overlooks a slum. Huge hotels and business surround it… talk about rich-poor divide (enter geographical term*). It all comes as part of the experience though. We've also been blessed with a whole string/parade of Malaysian restaurants backing off the hotel. The food is so authentic, and all the people who eat there are Malaysian (so standard must be good right?!). I must admit it's very spicey though: burningthebackofmythroat-style. It's a short taxi journey into the centre of KK; at approx 50p each it's hardly unaffordable.
On Sunday, we decided to visit the local Sunday-Market. Wow. I wish the UK one's were as colourful, full of life and varied as Malay! We bought some local jewellery, fruit and the girls bought dresses (unfortunately for me, being about a foot taller than their average height, local clothing is not an option :(). In a state of depression (added frustration that England FAILED in the Six Nations Final *don't even speak about it), we decided to do some retail therapy; taking a trip to Starbucks and the local Shopping Mall, Suria Sabah (woops*). We took a long walk through some other local markets, along the waterfront and to some more restaurants situated overlooking the ocean. Who said evacuation was awful?! At 42°C we retreated back to our air-conditioned bedrooms, just in time it seems, before we shrivelled like the disgusting sun-dried fish they call a delicacy here. It was St. Patrick's Day so we decided to go out for supper at the Shamrock Pub (an Irish eatery and bar). We had a brilliant evening with delicious food; cocktails and fantastic live acoustic music. Oh the perks of being an evacuee, and hey, it's something exciting to tell the grandkids.
Monday - back to reality. We awaited a phone call from Travellers all day, so we were all in pretty awful moods all day; pent-up frustration, bored of waiting, etc etc. We had a very lazy day, although I've managed to slot in workouts every day since being here! Some of the group went out to get pampered; massages, facials, etc. (evacuation seems more of a luxury holiday!). Following further reports in the newspapers of continuing violence, guerrilla warfare in the jungle, etc. Anna and I were becoming more and more pessimistic of seeing it possible to return to Sepilok in the near future. Travellers advised us, as a result of the escalating situation, that no one would be able to return and continue with the project. We have, however, been given 4 other options to consider: teaching in Malaysia, teaching in Cambodia, wildlife park in Malaysia or Elephants in Thailand. All of these opportunities would be incredible experiences. It sounds ridiculous and cliché, but perhaps this happened for a reason… and hey, being able to travel more would be absolutely amazing (who's complaining?!). It's heart-breaking that I won't be able to go back to the Orangutans, but I'm more than satisfied with the opportunity I've been given; everything that I have learnt and that (even though it was only for a short period) I've been able to aid the rehabilitation process for so many.
I'm not completely decided on what we're doing as of yet… so I won't express what I'm going to continue on to do until it's an absolutely set-in-stone decision. If you really want to know, I'm sure Ju will update you :) . I guess it's (potentially) the start of another incredible adventure; keep your fingers crossed for me please!
I ensure you that I'm well and safe, and will update you all of my next movements and plans as and when I know! Hopefully there'll be plenty of exciting things to report back. I apologise for the longest post in the world again; there was so much to say and update everyone back home, so thank you for reading. Keep posted.
Jordanna xx
- comments
Emily Rogers Elephants in Thialand!!! Every time! Let us know where you end up going! Love and miss you, keep safe xxx
bumbling-through-borneo Hehe. As we speak I'm confirming the placement I've chosen.. You shall seeee! So crazy, becoming a lil backpacker ;) love and miss you toooooo xxx
Sarah Lawrence Being so old I'm not up to speed with where to put my comments, so here goes again! I would pick Elephants...I bet you pick teaching x
vicky stiles omg!!!! i say teaching!! :) i hope you have chosen teaching!! this is soooo crazy!! on the plus side you have a little time to do some tanning bet your already black!! what have you chosen?! love you lots and miss you lots!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
bumbling-through-borneo Time will soon tell you all! I will write a post when everything's completely confirmed because we've gotta wait for the others in our group to decide so we can book flights etc etc! Aha Vicks I'm not that tanned because its been like ridiculously hot so we're retreating to anywhere air conditioned and in the shade at all time aha! Love you and miss you all lots and lots xxx
Julie sorry tried to rate your blog as a five and failed I think I put a four star sorry anyway I think its a five. mum xx
Julie I can't change the rating - sorry again. I think teaching in Cambodia. mum x
Kay Willis Hey darling, what an excellent adventure. I love your blog and I expect you will love whatever you choose to do. Keep writing girl! lots of love and serious adventure envy!
Richard So how is Cambodia ;o) keep up the posting and let everyone know. The only bad news is that your Mum thinks she's coming out to see you....boo, who's going to iron my shirts?
Charli Denny :) Jords, this blog is amazing! You sound like you're having an amazing time!! Hopefully catch up when your back home. xxx