THREE WEEKS

http://www.cebu-philippines.net/south-east-asia-map.html 

In three weeks from now I will be sitting on an airplane with no idea what time zone I really am in. I’m off on my travels again.

This time it’s not to get data for me but to work with an organisation to get data for them. Indonesia didn’t put me off and so in my post graduation gap year I wanted to get more experience in tropical coral reef conservation, SCUBA diving and travel – just like I said I would.

I have a job for 20 weeks with Coral Cay Conservation working as a science officer on their site in Southern Leyte, Philippines. I’ll be working with volunteers and other members of staff to survey the reefs in the area as well as working with the local community on various conservation projects. I’m really excited by the prospect of learning new things and being able to pass on my knowledge. Also I am going to get so much better at SCUBA diving as we’ll be diving nearly every day!

After my contract finishes I fly home out of Singapore so I have given myself three weeks to travel there from the Philippines. At the moment I plan to spend some time in the Philippines and then move on to Thailand but this is all subject to change.

I have known that I am going out to the Philippines since January 2009 so it’s amazing to think that it’s now so near. I’ve been doing loads to get ready which has mostly involved buying lots and lots of kit. This includes a full set of SCUBA gear which I will be testing out in a pool in Newcastle on Wednesday. I’ve also had to have yet more immunisation which is less fun. I finish work at the end of this week and that’s when things will get really hectic!

I’m going to try and keep this blog up to date with all that’s happening with me while I’m away. Hopefully the communications will be better this time and I’ll be able to get on the internet more often. If you want to get in touch with me just leave a comment on a post or send me an e-mail.

Abi

xxx