More news via Bev M
The team enjoyed some hard-earned R&R on Saturday with a trip to see the gorillas in Virungu National Park. They set off in a convoy of 3 cars following their guide on motorbike over extremely bumpy roads, sliding through muddy patches to finally reach the ranger's station outside the forest. Here they were divided into 2 groups - the first, hiking for 2 hours to find the gorillas, the second visiting another group of gorillas 1/2 hour away. Both groups were able to spend about an hour being entertained by the families of mother, silverback father & young ones swinging from vines. The cold & mist came across (hence the name of Dianne Fossey's film 'Gorillas in the Mist') as the second group waited for the others to emerge from the forest. It was an 'absolutely awesome' experience for them all.
Sunday saw the arrival of the third team - Dr Peter Tralaggan, an Anaesthetist from Sydney, Dr Paul Millican, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon & Brett Millican, IT & team photographer. Peter arrived without his luggage - missing somewhere between Australia & J'burg. The entire team were able to spend some time together on Sunday night before the 'Gynae Girls' - Drs Judith, Hannah & Miriam - departed, having successfully repaired many fistulas during their stay.
Neil set off on Monday morning via plane & then 50km road trip to Butembo in the North of DR Congo. There are many people there requiring surgery under difficult conditions. Being near the equator it is very hot & without the luxury of air conditioning! Neil is even finding that his glasses steam up while he is trying to operate. There is only one other person there who speaks English, so language is always a problem.
The team enjoyed some hard-earned R&R on Saturday with a trip to see the gorillas in Virungu National Park. They set off in a convoy of 3 cars following their guide on motorbike over extremely bumpy roads, sliding through muddy patches to finally reach the ranger's station outside the forest. Here they were divided into 2 groups - the first, hiking for 2 hours to find the gorillas, the second visiting another group of gorillas 1/2 hour away. Both groups were able to spend about an hour being entertained by the families of mother, silverback father & young ones swinging from vines. The cold & mist came across (hence the name of Dianne Fossey's film 'Gorillas in the Mist') as the second group waited for the others to emerge from the forest. It was an 'absolutely awesome' experience for them all.
Sunday saw the arrival of the third team - Dr Peter Tralaggan, an Anaesthetist from Sydney, Dr Paul Millican, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon & Brett Millican, IT & team photographer. Peter arrived without his luggage - missing somewhere between Australia & J'burg. The entire team were able to spend some time together on Sunday night before the 'Gynae Girls' - Drs Judith, Hannah & Miriam - departed, having successfully repaired many fistulas during their stay.
Neil set off on Monday morning via plane & then 50km road trip to Butembo in the North of DR Congo. There are many people there requiring surgery under difficult conditions. Being near the equator it is very hot & without the luxury of air conditioning! Neil is even finding that his glasses steam up while he is trying to operate. There is only one other person there who speaks English, so language is always a problem.
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