And so the journey begins...

The day finally arrived! My team and I were setting out for Nepal.

My morning was pretty pleasant with a helping of bacon butties and proper coffee with the parentals and boyfriend. It felt pretty weird saying goodbye to my parents at home. It's not a place I feel comfortable saying my goodbyes. And yes I was a bit of a girl and had a little sob. They have been absolutely brilliant through this whole process and I love them immensely. I'm very lucky to have such a loving and supportive family network.

Ryan drove me to Kingston upon Thames to the VSO head office (we were having our pre-departure training before our long journey to Nepal). Again, saying goodbye to my boyfriend in a place other than the airport before a long trip, felt really weird. He has been very patient and understanding, and he's honestly the best boyfriend anyone could ask for. Cheesy I know (sorry Ryan)!

After training, we set off to Heathrow. We boarded the plane around 8pm, and so our journey began to Nepal.

I'm currently sat writing this post in Hamad International Airport, and it really is fascinating. There are people here from every nationality and I feel embraced in all the rich cultures. I could people watch for hours (which is probably what I'll be doing due to the 7 hour stopover...). I'm actually sat opposite a shop that sells just burkhas.

But for now, I need sleep! It's never easy sleeping on a plane is it? These bags need to disappear! I think everyone is going a bit crazy eith lack of sleep, but there's lots of giggles. Always a good sign!

My next blog post will be written in none other than Kathmandu, so keep you eyes peeled!

Alice x

Hypercondriac

Don't worry... I am NOT a hypercondriac. I just like to be fully prepared for all contingencies when it comes to my first aid kit. Having travelled before, and experienced rather unpleasant medical issues, I like to feel assured that my first aid kit will be there to help me get on with things. Also, it will also come in handy when I travel to Bali as well. Practical AND multi-use!

"So Alice, what's in your first aid kit?" you may ask. Well let's get to the knitty gritty and I shall reveal all...

*An assortment of plasters (fabric, waterproof, small, large - it's inevitable I'm going to need these at some point)
*Antiseptic cream
*Antiseptic wipes
*Ibuprofen
*Paracetamol
*Indigestion tablets (this will help with bloating, heartburn, indigestion & wind. Well... I will be eating steamed lentils twice a day for three months...)
*Diarrhoea relief (another inevitable...)
*Rehydration sachets
*Bandages
*Zinc Oxide tape
*Microporous tape
*Skin closure stitches
*Thrush relief (you never know what could happen in the three months and I just want to be able to get on with things.)

Not pictured but included in the kit

*A little jar of olive oil (I have really narrow ear canals so they get blocked easily. Alas, olive oil is my saviour!)
*Scissors
*Tweezers
*Safety pins

*Gloves

*Bite and sting relief (if I get bitten to blazes in France, just imagine Nepal...)

*Emergency blanket

*Water purification

*Sterile pack e.g. needles, syringes etc...

This may all seem a bit excessive but you have to remember that I will be in rural Nepal in an underdeveloped setting. It's better to be safe than sorry, and hopefully I WON'T be needing most of these products. Plus, once out of the boxes, they fit nicely into my first aid 'kit'.

Is there anything else you would add to your first aid kit? Let me know in the comment section below.

Alice x

Gloucester Car Boot

To boost my fundraising amount and to keep the momentum going, I thought I'd do a Craft Fair in Midsomer Norton and two Car Boot sales in Gloucester (Bristol & Bath seem to be rubbish at this time of year for fairs).

I'm not going to lie, all of these fairs weren't great events. I only made £5(!!!) at the craft fair and £36 at the car boots collectively. In all fairness, one car boot was on a Wednesday and I don't think the clientelle at Midsomer Norton really wanted my pamper sets (I don't think a lot of the older generation there would've been able to get into a bath...)

Nonetheless, I am keeping a positive mindset. I may have made only £41, but that's still £41 more than I had already.

I have made over £1200 now and this last week is going to be a big push to getting the final £250! If you are able to give even a £1, it will contribute a lot to the fundraising!

I am so appreciative of everyone's support to me. It really has been an emotional couple of months and it's made me realise how incredible my family and friends are! Thank you to you all.

Alice x

Art Auction

Last Wednesday I held my charity art auction at Racks Bar and Kitchen, and I had a great night!

I had 21 lots in total, all of which embraced the Art of the World theme. The lots included;
1) People of the World photographs by Myself
2) Vorovoro Islands in Fiji photographs by James Fewkes
3) Barcelona photographs by Myself
4) Amsterdam photographs by Myself
5) Tunisia photographs by Myself
6 - 9) Travelling Animals by Kirsty Thatcher
10 - 12) Necklaces by Vivienne Jones
13) San Francisco photographs by Myself
14) Sydney Traffic by James Fewkes
15) Yellow Cabs
16) Waterlily on the River by Myself
17) Cobweb by James Fewkes
18) Flowers by James Fewkes
19) Man by Joe Donoghue
20) African Art by Anon.
21) Globe by Mark Hancock

The art looked absolutely fantastic and I have to say a massive thank you to everyone that donated their pieces and came along to the event. I put a lot of work into that event, so it really was appreciated.

I was a little disappointed on the night, as not many people turned up. I still managed to raise over £200, which isn't bad for only 16 people attending. Positivity is key in fundraising, and I'm optimistic for my next little fundraising events. Only 10 more fundraising days to go!

I have included some photos of the pieces with more to follow soon!

Alice x

Ladies that Lunch

I had a very pleasant afternoon on Sunday with female family members and female neighbours, as I hosted a 'Ladies that Lunch' event to fundraise for VSO.

I started the afternoon off with a little 'True or False' game about Nepal and the project I am involved with.
I then explained to the ladies the specifics of my trip and what to expect. We even had a Q&A session!

Then... lunchtime! I served the 3 S's - soup, sandwiches and scones! Don't worry, I didn't ration. There were also some cakes, crisps, sparkling wine and, of course, tea!

I made Valentine pamper sets which included homemade bath bombs and milk, homemade coconut body scrub and three red candles.
I also made Valentine treat sets which  included homemade fudge, marshmallow hearts and homemade chocolates.
The lavender and frangipini bath bombs/milk were also sold separately, and proved very popular.
Finally, I made little treat bags which consisted of homemade flapjacks and brownies.
I think the ladies liked these as I wasn't left with much after...

To top the afternoon off we played 'Pin Nepal'. The ladies were blindfolded and had to put a pin in a world map of where they thought Nepal was. The winner actually managed to pin Bhutan. VERY close!

A big thank you to all the ladies that came and made my afternoon!

Alice x