Today we are back in our 4-man team out on the ground and have 3 taskings, all hard, physical work. And again the mercury is up in the late twenties and I’m applying the sun block every 2 hours. I didn’t realise but the ozone layer is thin over here which is why the sun is so harsh on the skin. The heat amplifies the effort required, but once again we can see the direct benefit from our work, so it is not hard. At the end of the day I am feeling really quite drained as we complete the admin, and so the usual banter is a bit forced. Then, the PR lead tells me of a great opportunity they have secured for a live radio interview on ABC…oh great, I was hoping for an early night. Instead I miss food and we (three) head to the studios and meet the producer; they have allocated 25 minutes. Its going to be long 25 minutes as this is definitely not my thing. I hope my two fellow volunteers will take up the chat, being Aussies and all that, but as they guy ‘on the tools’ they want to hear my version… In the end it goes really well (according to our PR lady); I’m less sure. But we got the key messages across, which was the priority, so job done: mission first.
Wednesday 5 Feb: Day 4
He didn’t actually call me a ‘pommie bastard’ but tried to tell me it was term of endearment (so as good as did). And then he asked me about Brexit…really. I impressed myself at that point actually, deflecting the question, and his fishing for my choice. Twice.
Then back to the FOB, clean up and prep for the next day; there is a lot of work still to do.
Wow Phil, we've loved catching up on this blog! Sounds such an amazing operation to be involved in, making a real difference to people who have lost so much. Keep up the blogging, we're looking forward to the next instalment :). And, if you have any links to those interviews you are doing, don't forget to post them here! Sharon and Andy x
Great stuff Phil, sounds like an amazing experience, well done for all your and the teams, hard work, enjoying the blog. Cheers Owen and Christine x
Its so good to hear about everything you and the team are doing out there. Well done to all of you.x
God bless Phil, you are such an enigma doing this so soon after your beloved Polly, she would be so proud xx stay strong, I hope you are successful x all our love sue and Brian xx
Well done, this is amazing! Virginia
Also if anyone mentions Brexit again, you need to say I prefer to talk about cricket, particularly the matches played this yr! I would also very nuch like to hear the interviews if you can post me the links. Good luck to you and everyone you're working with Phil!