Meet the team

Planning… (written by Jin)
‘What about anacondas?’ was the first question my colleagues asked me when I told them that I was going to the Amazon. It was soon followed by, ‘What about crocodiles?’… I would like to say that I was able to come back at them with a snappy reply ‘aha, Anacondas only live in the south region of the Amazon, not where we are going’ but in truth I had no idea. I had no idea what we would encounter, what we’d do when we encounter it or even if my Chanel purse could fit all the Amazon essentials in. It was time for some research. Some serious research! So I rang my fellow adventurer Dave to check the details with him. His response ‘Um, the Amazon’s in Africa right?’…

Locating the Amazon… (written by Dave)
Well Africa and South America both begin with ‘A’. OK, technically South America begins with an ‘S’ but you get the drift. First I get a call from Laura telling me we’ve won the trip of a lifetime – sounds good to me – then I get a call from Catherine asking about anacondas? Before I knew it, pigmies were a regular conversation topic amongst my friends. Clearly, action was needed. It was time to do the most rash thing I’ve ever done in my life… I skipped lunch and marched to the nearest bookstore to purchase the bible - The Lonely Planet South American edition.

We are going to die unless… (Written by Catherine)
Happily tapping away at my computer ‘researching’ (aka surfing the net) when the call came from Dave – ‘What was the latest with Dave? Can’t find Australia on a map?’ Oh my god, he's bought a book! Then it hit! ‘Four city dwelling 20-somethings about to be left to our own devices in the wilds of South America’. Without missing a beat, I flipped open my mobile and dialled Fifi, my personal trainer! A total lifestyle change for all of us was needed. No more pubbing it on Friday night. From now were would be training. Bring it own!