The final destination

When we opened our eyes this morning we were greeted by carpet covered floors, a mini bar and a room service menu. We had made it to our final destination and just enjoyed the first comfortable night’s sleep in over 7 days. Breakfast was fit for a king and many of us visited the buffet two or three times. To complete our expedition the group reunited and made our way to an orang-utan sanctuary. After watching an informative video about rescue and rehabilitation we journeyed into the rainforest for the last time and watched in awe as the orang-utans emerged from the jungle canopy for some fruit. The rest of the day was our own and became filled with tearful farewells as Sarah, Sue, Anthea and Andrea left for another resort and then Tina, Emma and Sarah left Christine, Simon, Jean, Vicky, Chris, Louis and I at Hong Kong airport to fly back to the UK. It also meant we had to say bon voyage to our guide jc who has become a valued friend and team member.

We have given our all throughout this trip and have no doubt left a little bit of our hearts behind in Borneo. When we left home over a week ago we anticipated a difficult few days but our reality has proved far more mentally and physically demanding which has made each of us realise our own potential and given us the hope and strength to strive harder for what we want out of life.

It seems only appropriate to let Julie, our organiser and ever chatty friend have the final word. ‘We came in search of the Old Man Of Borneo but instead found our true selves and will leave with new friendships to last a life time.’