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Saturday 22 September 2012

The Getaway

The arrival of us back to where we live has been and goneWe spent the last five days on Sibu island, away from technology and school and civilisation. The days past as we reflected, kayaked and thought about everything. About the trip and how we kayaked across the Indian Ocean, capsizing and trying to egg each other on.

We arrived. We conquered. We saw. We witnessed. We lived. That small (not so small island, if you kayak around it), was our home for the week. We lived there and treated it like our 'real' home. We were together and spent those days with each other, no privacy or personal space needed. The 'paw - wow' sessions at the end of every night gave us the chance to reflect on the time and the chance to hear each other's thoughts and ideas.

The day we arrived we trained up for the big expedition that was going to take place. We paddled in the bay of our cabins and resort, capsizing and learning efficient strokes to use in the real thing.  We were put into our groups, were given our equipment and got our kayaks and we were off. The sun burnt down on us as we took in the atmosphere of where we were and where we would live for the next five days. That night was spent in our cabins, in our groups which were certainly mixed with people that we do not 'hang' with, but thanks to the people that made that possible, friendships were made.

The next day, our expedition started, we paddled around the north face of the island, stopping for lunch in the middle and trying to get to the destination. The five hours that that trip took, we laughed, shouted, screamed and cried. The emotions pouring out as we laughed at the jokes, shouted at each other to keep up with the group, we screamed at how we never ever, wanted to kayak again and we cried when it was all over. Night fell and we camped out in our tents, again pushed to the limit with the living conditions, well maybe not as extreme as that but change is good right?

Morning came and the expedition continued. Tents were packed up, breakfast was served and we were off for another day. This time, longer and harder. Kayaking to another island and camping there over night. It was painful, your arms moving so hard but you had to go on. Camping that night was fun, a bonfire and thoughts and ideas passed around the circle. Once in a lifetime experience.

The last full day rolled around, cleaning day. We cleansed out and everything was washed, packed up and put away. A weight lifted off your shoulders and dinner was served. The bonfire roasted our marshmallows as it burned our faces off but you only live once right?

Throughout the trip I was happy, not homesick or sick in general. I capsized but I got back up and continued on. I was with my friends and I lived life while I was there. The trip gave me the chance to feel what being outdoors was like and really experiencing it.

It was not about the destination but how we got there, from start to finish and the process we took.  It was how we lived, the experiences we had, what we shared and why we did it. A journey to never ever forget but always one to remember, you only live once and you must try and do everything possible. Live. Love. Laugh. Scream. Shout. Cry. Enjoy ...

Just loving Sibu ...

Kayaking, another day gone ...

The jetty, storm approaching ...

Tide in, tide out ...

Go TEAM ... 

In paradise ...

The sunset ...

Another day, another dawn ...

Credits to Ms. Paula for all the awesome pics!!


2 comments:

  1. Dear Ella,
    I really think the way you wrote about Sibu shows you really enjoyed it!! I did too and I promise that it is the best time in the whole of the year. Sibu was full of fun, enjoyment and laughter. I never really knew the boys in my class until sibu, and some of the girls I didn't really know that well .... until Sibu. I think you really wrote this post with expression and emotion.. See you soon.
    Love Celia :)

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  2. Thanks, Celia! I let go and I did enjoy myself quite a bit. Thanks for the advice ... :)

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