Swimming with sharks

Sorry we have not been in touch but it was impossible to log on when we were in Galapagos.

The Galapagos have been my favourite part of the trip so far - snorkelling with the turtles was amazing. Rebecca

The Galapagos was my favoutite part of our trip, the wildlife was amazing especially the sea lions! Hannah

Snorkelling - sharks - exotic fish - turtles - sea lions - giant tortoises. AMAZING hotel, food and cocktails (non-alcoholic! ed. JMG/MEB). What more could you want. Alex

I refused to leave the islands without seeing a penguin but I guess the sea lions, sharks and turtles will do. Rosie S

Snorkelling in the Galapagos was great. We saw black and white tippped reef sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, fish, manta rays and sting rays. Georgie

Galapagos was amazing, the clear blue sea was really nice to swim in and you could see the sharks and little fish. Aisha

The trip of a lifetime: clear waters, blue skies, all the animals you can imagine. Amazing! Sara

Snorkelled with turtles, sea lions and sharks - breathtaking! Pity we didn't realise the cocktails (non-alcoholic, again!) we so much, our bill was $39.25! Thalia xx

This trip has been immense! I can't believe it is almost over. Amandeep

Hiya Mom and Dad. Hope you have settled in well! Galapagos was amazing! I can't wait to tell you about it! Holly xx

The Galapagos was amazing, we've been snorkelling and seen turtles and sea lions. It has been so hot, but very nice!!! Love Amelia

The sun was fantastic but I think everybody burnt! The giant tortoises were adorable! Sophie xx

The Galapagos was amazing. We had so many cocktails out bill was $39.25!! Definitely want to go back. Rosie W

Galapagos was great, can't wait for Bonaire. Lily

Everyone is well and not too burnt. We are relaxing in a 5 star hotel in Quito before our early flight to Bonaire tomorrow.

JMG / MEB

Bye-bye Peru

The floating islands visit was by far the best day yet. Meeting the locals, dressing up and dancing...what more can you dream for? Sara

Never knew it was so much fun to spin around in a bright orange skirt with pom-poms in my hair. AWESOME! Fi

Hey! I am just going to the Galapagos Islands and I can't wait to tell you all about it. Love Kat xx

Hello everyone. We are going to the Galapagos and I am really excited. Can't wait x Aisha

Having the best time ever. Lost all my money but still managed to have a great time. Missing everyone loads..especially Charly (my dog) ! Rosie W

I had an amazing time in Peru and can't wait to get to the Galapagos Islands. Hannah.

Yesterday had to be one of the best days of my life. Dressing up and dancing with the locals on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca was truly AMAZING Alex

Me and Kat had to take part in a traditional dance ie try to shove 2 men off the stage!!! Rosie S

H i having a great time. We are leaving Peru and visiting Quito. The weather is fantastic but I have a bit of sun burn, well... I look like a lobster!! Lots of love Amelia xx

Lake Titicaca yesterday, never had so much fun! We all dressed up and went on a reed boat. Now have a total of 14 llamas!xoxoxoxox Thalia

Peru. Round every corner there is wildlife and when looking through the lens of a camera you appreciate it so much more xxx Steph

Peru was amazing...now bring on the Galapagos! Amandeep

Everything is still so amazing! I've got sunburnt but to make it all better my hair has gone really blonde. Love Shelley

Hiya Mum! How's the moving going? Missing you all and I can't wait to tell you all about it. Lots of love Holly xxx

The floating islands were not as squidgey as I imagined. Georgie

I loved dressing up in the clothes on the reed islands, and sitting on top of the boat was fun, even if it was a bit cold! Becky

The reed island was amazing! How do they live without electricity?! ...Hi Mum. George got you a prezzie to add to your collection! Love Alice

WE WENT TO AN ISLAND THAT COULD FLOAT
AND SAT ON TOP OF THEIR REED BOAT
WE DRESSED UP IN THEIR COLOURFUL JACKETS
AND ON THE COACH WE MADE A RACKET!
WE HAD A VERY SPECIAL DAY
WE REALLY WISH THAT WE COULD STAY
By Becky and Alice


The girls are being fantastic. They have been really interested in everything about Peruvian life, past and present.
We are enjoying being with them and they are very appreciative.

We hope to send an other instalment later in the holiday. Watch this space!


Keep sending the comments.... we all love to read them.

We have tried to download a few photos but without success. We'll try again later.

M E Birkhead and J M Goodwin

Inca-redible journey through Peru

We are having a wonderful time. All is well. Here are some comments from the girls.

The scenery on the coach rides is stunning. Rebecca

My favourite thing about Peru is all the special things to do
The mountain peaks rise so high
Almost touching the blue sky
What an incredible view. Alice and Rebecca

Peru was not just a chance to see some of the most amazing sights in the world, it was also a chance to make friends, build friendships and share the experience with others. Steph xx

Having a great time. I have seen the most spectacular views and bought lots of souvenirs. Missing you loads. xxx Amelia

The holiday is wicked. I am enjoying it a lot. Aisha

The hats here are pretty fit, Dad. Happy birthday Rhys. Holly xx

I bought an alpaca called Eddie. He is getting married to Thalia´s llama Freddie in the Galapagos Islands. Hi Mum. Alex

Hi, it´s amazing here. When we get back you can see my pictures. Love Shelley

I don´t know what last year´s group are on about. The food is great. Sophie.

Just been up Machu Picchu. Was amazing. We all love Inca Cola. Luv u Mum and Dad. Thalia

The best place I have ever visited. PS Hi Mandy. Rosie W

The views are amazing, especially the ones of the Andes. Georgie.

We risked our lives for Machu Picchu - there were tight corners on the way! Rosie S

.....drinking inca Cola in some of the most beautiful places in the world. AWESOME Fi

The weather has been so hot I have burnt my nose! Lily

I am getting pretty good at bartering now. Amandeep

Everything is so surreal. I am having an amazing time. Sara

I love the local markets. Bartering is so fun. Hannah

Hey! I bought a llama called Arnold. Love you xx Kat

Special thanks to
Producers J M Goodwin and M E Birkhead
Title Julian

Arrived Safely in Peru

We have arrived safely in Peru. We are all well and are visiting the Inca sites this evening. The weather is warm.

Airport security

Liquids
Passengers may carry small quantities of liquids, but only within separate containers each of which with a capacity not greater than 100ml.
These containers must be brought to the airport contained in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which itself must not exceed 1 litre in capacity (approximately 20cm x 20cm).
The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the bag sealed. Each passenger may carry only one such bag of liquids.

The bag must be presented for examination at the airport security point.

Liquids that can not be placed inside the re-sealable bag must be packed into the hold luggage and checked in. Liquids of any amount can still be carried in luggage checked into the aircraft hold.

Remember that 'Liquids' includes:
All drinks, including water, soup, syrups
Creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara etc
Sprays and pressurized containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants
Pastes, including toothpastes
Gels, including hair and shower gel
Any other solutions and items of similar consistency

Medicines
Essential medicines may be permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit, but will be subject to authentication.
Note: If you need to take an epi-pen you will need a doctor's note in order to carry it through security.


Cabin baggage and size allowed
Each passenger is restricted to carrying only one item through the airport search point with a maximum size of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (note: the re-sealable bag must be able to fit within the cabin bag).

Departure time

Please arrive at the Botancial Gardens between 1am and 1.15 so that we can leave promptly at 1.30am.

Remember to hand your passport in immediately.

Reminders

Hand in your passport to a member of staff when you arrive at the Botanical Gardens.

Ensure that your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is firmly fastened to one of the pages in the passport.

Try not to become separated from the group.

When given time to shop or do some sightseeing, keep to groups of at least 4 people.

Be aware of your surroundings. Ensure you know where the meeting point is. It is easy to become disorientated in a new country.

Keep an eye on the time. Be at meeting places in plenty of time.

Make sure you get enough sleep. The days are full and you may get tired.

Only keep a small amount of money in your purse. Put the rest in your money belt, which should be tucked under your T-shirt.

Do not drink the water. You need to buy bottled water. Ask for drinks without ice. Canned soft drinks are fine.

Use sterilised water to clean your teeth. Take an empty water bottle with you from home that you can reuse.

Do not eat salad vegetables. Always peel fruit.

Remember to collect tickets, leaflets, sweet papers etc for your diary.

If you have any spare Euros at home they may be useful as you will be spending some time at the airport in Amsterdam.

Don’t forget to take a book to read and travel games.

Coca Tea

MATÉ DE COCA

Maté de coca is a herbal tea made from coca leaves and drunk to alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is available in all hotels and most restaurants. Sometimes the tea is made by covering whole dried leaves with boiling water – the leaves are then removed when the correct strength is reached. On other occasions coca leaf tea bags are available.


Please be aware that although coca tea is a medicinal drink in Peru, it is illegal to bring either coca leaves or the tea bags back to England through customs.

Clothing and equipment checklist

You must be able to carry your own suitcase. The weight limit is 20kg . This means that your case must weigh LESS than this on the outward journey so that you will have room for your souvenirs . If you need to pay excess baggage it is very expensive and members of staff will not fund this.

1 small to medium sized light suitcase and a shoulder bag or small rucksack for daily use.

Items marked (O) are optional
PERU
Warm long trousers
Long sleeved shirt
Jumper
Outer jacket eg fleece
Waterproof jacket
Comfortable shoes / trainers
Socks
GALAPAGOS AND BONAIRE
Thin long trousers for sun protection
Thin long sleeved shirt for sun protection
Shorts
T shirts
Wrapover skirt (O)
Swimsuit
Adventure sandals (O)

ALSO
Underwear
Nightwear

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Rehydration salts Antiseptic cream Antihistamine cream
Antibacterial handwash / wipes / alcohol swabs
Headache tablets Plasters / Sterile gauze
Travel sickness pills Water bottle
Insect repellent
Kleenex (can double up as toilet paper if necessary)
Calamine / burn lotion / aloe vera gel / hydrocortisone cream / lip balm
Throat lozenges for sore throat (O) Optrex / eye drops (O)
Decongestant tablets (O) Thermometer (unbreakable) (O)

If you take a pair of scissors or tweezers these MUST be in your suitcase.

OTHER ITEMS

Money wallet plus American dollars (no more than £200 in small, clean, untorn notes for spending money – approx. £10 per day is sufficient)
Luggage labels (for inside as well as outside of luggage)
Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo etc Sanitary protection as required
Towel Alarm clock Whistle / personal alarm (O)
Suntan cream Sunglasses
Snorkelling equipment (O)

Please do not take any items of value eg nice jewellery, expensive watch, expensive camera.
If you are going to upset if you lose something then it is better to leave those items at home.

Sheffield High School is looking forward to its 4th trip to South America which will take place during the Easter holiday 2007.