Landed!

Well after 27 hours of travelling I finally have arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We are due to meet the rest of the Earthwatch group in one hour, so the assignment activities have yet to begin. In the mean time I've had a great opportunity to soak in some sunshine, the big white sandy beaches and great hospitality that Puerto Rico has to offer. Another day in paradise kinda feeling :-)

Preparations, and what YOU can do!

In my first blog entry I promised to write about what I have done, and still doing, to prepare for the trip, and what YOU can do to get involved.  With only 21 days left, let's get going!!!

So what have I done to prepare for this trip? 

The Application: Well if I go back to the beginning, I have had this kind of activity at the back of my mind for a long time, since my first job interview. In my interview I wanted to know what activities there were outside of work that could contribute to improving our world, and the company's support for these type of projects was mentioned as an option once employees had 4 years work experience. At the beginning of this year I had the 4 years, so it was time to apply...

The application process itself was tough, there were several essays that needed to be written that required some self reflection on why I wanted to go on this trip, what I hoped to gain, and then how I planned to use my new insight. Many good candidates apply each year, so I feel privileged to have been selected.

After the company' confirmation to support the trip, I then needed to complete the Earthwatch application process which also required some thought, and included a fitness and health check.

Preparations: So like preparing to go on any long distance trip to an unknown place, there always comes research and reading of the place you are going to. NO exception with this trip :-) Lonely Planet and Rough Guides purchased; Air Flights researched and purchased; and the usual inoculations and visa applications. 

However what is special with this trip is the need to be in shape and fit for climbing through a rain forest every day for two weeks in high humidity conditions and in hiking boots.  

First Task - get proper hiking boots! My usual trekking shoes were not going to cut it. After three pairs of boots purchased and returned the perfect pair was found. It is really worth putting effort into getting the best shoe, no lifting at the back of the heel and some room in the front.

And then the fitness preparations began with the boots, to ensure they are well worn in before I leave.  Of course living in Holland presented its own challenges - no hills or mountains to train on. :-) So trips to Ardennen in South of Belgium were arranged, and even this past weekend included a full day trip to dunes, all very enjoyable and relaxing and something I will definitely continue doing after the trip. In between the hiking trips I ran somewhat and generally tried to get in shape.

Because the climate is so humid (98%) special quick drying clothing is advisable, so some shopping trips were part of the mix to buy long sleeve breathable quick drying clothing.

Also writing this blog is part of the preparations, and doing research on the work we will be doing.  Finally getting a general awareness of what sustainable development is and what does it mean in general for me in my own community. 

Which leads me onto second part of this blog - what can YOU as an individual do?

Well I have signed up for No Impact Week and I challenge you to do something similar.


For 1-week from 7-14 November 2010 people from all over The Netherlands will be finding out what a difference living lightly on the planet can have on their quality of life. It’s not about giving up creature comforts but an opportunity for you to test whether the modern ‘conveniences’ you take for granted are actually making you happier or just eating away at your time and money.


No Impact Week is based on the experiences of New Yorker Colin Beavan during a year-long project he undertook with his family, you can read about it on the main US pages.  

During No Impact Week we will be taken step-by-step towards a no impact lifestyle with the No Impact Week Manual. We will be challenged to minimise waste generation, minimise shopping, maximise low-energy transport and take a critical look at your water and energy. Compensate the impact that we do have by doing something good for the environment. The manual is full of interesting tips to help during this week. Who knows what other benefits we will gain in return for creativity, new ideas and fun conversations?!


For more information check out the NL website.

No Impact Week is a personal challenge, but is the most fun if you take it with a group of friends, colleagues or family members with whom you share experiences, tips and ideas.  No Impact Week focuses on individuals, but the awareness it brings schools and organisations can certainly help.

How about getting a group of friends together and trying it for yourselves?