The Joy of a Mini Adventure...and where it might lead you

When was the last time you went on a Mini Adventure?

Adventures come in all shapes and sizes and after being away in Thailand earlier this year on a BIG adventure, since returning home I’m been even more interested in adventures on my own doorstep. 

You can find adventure everywhere – if you seek it out. 

This week I went on a mini-adventure to Clevedon, my nearest seaside town. After reading about the 2 minute beach clean initiative set up by Martin Dorey, I wanted to do one myself, So Monday morning I set off to do just that...

There were a few other people on the beach enjoying the sunshine when I arrived. I took out the bag I’d brought with me, the surgical latex glove (!) who knows what I'd find? set a timer on my phone for 2 minutes and set to work...

I’m pleased to say I didn't actually find that much rubbish to pick up, could be a different story after a storm. What I did find was 99% plastic; lolly-pop sticks; straws and bottle tops. All things that if swept back to sea would cause no end of problems for the marine life. 

In no time at all the alarm buzzed and that was it. 2 minutes up. OK this might not beyour idea of what an adventure looks like, to me Mini-Adventures mean exploring, experimenting and doing new stuff! Stuff that might tease you just a little bit out of your comfort zone...

It was Fast, It was Fun, and most of all it was satisfying!

I tied up my bag of collected rubbish and put it in the bin. 

Now time to explore.  I wandered along the beach front and a sign saying ‘To The Book Shop’ caught my eye. I went to investigate. 

The Clevedon Community Bookshop is set just one street back from the seafront and is a pretty fab place. The lady on the desk told me it became a community bookshop about two years ago and is run by volunteers. It was packed full of books that have mostly been donated and it was rather busy! 

I do love books and even though I’d promised myself I wasn't going to buy any more....can you guess what's coming?..... Yep...two books caught my eye. One aboutliving on Herm Island – and the other – well a Famous Five book by Enid Blyton! I used to LOVE reading these when I was growing up, and I can’t remember the last time I’d read one. Pleased with my purchases I skipped out the door in search of lashings of ginger beer....

Sharing my excitement I posted a pic to Instagram and was surprised anddelighted to discover that in fact the Famous Five book was actually the ‘Favourite book in the whole world’ of Martin Dorey the 2 minute beach clean founder.  Sadly he lost his copy when he was about 9, so once I’ve read it, I’m sending him this copy...This made me smile!!

We are always part of someone else’s Adventure whether we realise it or not. ;-)

What mini adventure can you go on today? And where will it lead you?

For August I’m going to continue my exploring and seeking of new places and experiences – with a twist. I’m going to focus on places within a 5 mile radius of where I live. To work this out I've use the free app on www.freemaptools.com. Pop in your postcode and as quick as a flash it works out what’s in that radius. Handy eh?!

What’s on your doorstep waiting to be discovered? Is there a place you've driven past a hundred times but never stopped to take a look? Has a new cafe opened in your area? Have you checked out the local paper/website?

Why not join me and go on your own mini adventures in August? 

In fact Psychologies Magazine are currently running a #30daysofadventure challenge...

LOVE to see and hear what you get up to in August!

Morwhenna
xx

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How can having a Dream Car help YOU?

What's YOUR Dream Car for your Journey? +BONUS Podcast

If you could have ANY car in the world, what would you choose?

(You can play this game even if you don’t drive – stick with me and read on…)

Over the weekend I went to a classic & super car show at Sherborne Castle in Dorset. I actually really enjoyed it! I wasn't sure if I would, but it was a lot of fun ;-). My fella is a bit of a car buff you see.

I started off seeing one car I liked and by the end of the day had a list of FIVE!

Looking at my choices I realised they had a few things in common....

• They were convertibles  
• Were either a bright colour – or classic Cream (with red leather interior! Nice)
• They looked FUN
• Had beautiful organic curvy shapes
• All had personality
• They were unique (limited runs etc)
• Were ridiculously expensive!

Even though I thought these cars were beautiful and I could totally see myself driving them along a coastal road somewhere glamorous wearing a headscarf just like Grace Kelly, I actually had no desire to actually own one!

Talking to a few of the owners they don’t actually drive them much or go on long road trips along coastal roads as I’d been busy fantasizing about – as they are SO expensive they had a fear of them getting damaged.

Hmmm I thought. That actually made me feel rather sad, surely you’d want to ENJOY the full experience of these beautiful cars? Not just LOOK at them?

Mulling on this I hit on an idea. Ah-Ha! I can totally have these cars but as vehicles I can use during visualisations!  How fun would it be to be able to call upon one of those cars to help take me on a journey??

PLUS For these visualisations the added benefit would be the car would drive itself - I don’t actually like driving that much – so I can watch the scenery and see what I notice.

So I've created a Dream Car Journey Visualisation for you and you can download it at the bottom of this post. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you wherever you are on your journey.

And when (positive thinking) the opportunity presents itself to borrow one of these cars, I wouldn't turn that down!! I’ve always quite fancied travelling around Scotland in an old Mercedes convertible you know…

So if you could choose ANY CAR at all in the world – what would you choose?? And what do you think that car says about you?

Here's to Creative Adventures!

Love Morwhenna xx

Here’s my list of Dream Cars from that show

Bright Yellow Ginetta G33 (I’d never come across this make before)

Cream Austin Healy with red leather interior!

Cream / Blue Cobra

Cream E-Type Jag

Millennium Falcon (ok not strictly a car – but heck how cool would that be!! I even found a Haynes manual for it...;-0

DREAM CAR VISUALISATION

To get hold of your free Dream Car Visualisation Podcast please enter your name and email address below and it will be emailed to you within the hour. Enjoy! *required

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p.s you'll also get a bonus email with a Facing your Fears video! Cool eh?

MOtivate ME! 10 tips to stay motivated!

Do you struggle to stay motivated sometimes? I do.  

I've been feeling a bit slug like recently, no not slimy! Rather a bit slow, and you know 'sluggish' on getting things done - so I've been revisiting the things I do to get moving again. I've put together my top 10 to share with you.

You can’t force it though. But you can encourage it. ;-)

Sometimes one will work – other times I’ll need to do a combination. Pic n’ Mix!

1.    MOOD

My motivation levels totally depend on my frame of mind. How about you? Being aware of your optimum moods is super helpful. Notice when you are able to get SOOOO much done? Yet other days you can barely lift your head? Start to notice what’s been going on when you feel like this. And notice what situation or comments changes your mood and in turn boost your motivation levels? Keep a journal over a week to note down these moments.

2.    FUN

Make it FUN! There needs to be an element of FUN to my tasks for me to stay motivated. If things are too serious or dry I lose interest pretty quickly. Try things like - Putting on some music to dance to as you work {I’m a Funk Music Fan} how quickly can you complete a task, can you do it with someone else?

3.    BUDDY UP

Having a study Buddy or Accountability partner is really helpful. This can either be one person or in a group setting (e.g  Facebook groups) Who can you partner up with?

4.    IMPRESS YOURSELF

Hang up the go compare boots and focus on proving you can do it and impressing yourself. Don’t do things just to impress others. Do what makes you feel good and you’ll feel more motivated to do it. 

5.    MOVE YOUR BODY

If you’re feeling flat – your energy levels are going to be pretty low and things aren’t flowing as they should. Try out this energy boosting move. Stand up and shake out your body. Legs arms shoulders – really let your body move and dictate what needs shaking out.  As you shake out say – out with the negative energy that’s keeping me flat and unmotivated!  Once you feel you’ve shaken all that out. Visualise you are standing on a massive golden ball that is buzzing with positive energy. 

Use your hands to drawn up that energy into your body feeling it energize you from the feet up. Keep drawing the energy up, up your arms, your chest, your head, until you are completely filled with golden energy and you can feel your body tingling. When you feel full up. Thank the universe for the energy boost and step off the golden ball. This is VERY energizing so best done in the morning or early afternoon than bed time. 

6.    REWARD

Reward yourself when you've achieved a milestone towards one of your goals. Decide before hand what your reward will be. Then once you've reached that part of your goal – make sure you remember to claim that reward. It can be anything from a punnet of fresh fruits (hmmm cherries!), new nail varnish, a new book – whatever – it doesn't have to be something big or expensive. 

7.    INSPIRATION 

Who inspires you? TED talks, Marie Forleo Interviews, Laura Hollick, Jonathan Fields – these are just a few of the people I’ll turn to if nothing else is working and I need an inspiration fix. Put together an INSPIRE ME RESOURCE LIBRARY of your own. 

8.    CHANGE YOUR VIEW 

Get OUTSIDE! Go for a walk. If your are self-employed – change where you work for a day/afternoon. See how being in a new environment can motivate you.

9.    DEADLINES

If I don’t have a deadline I tend to ‘float about.’ Set realistic deadlines. Check in with yourself as to how these are working for you. If things aren't challenging enough – it’s likely that you’ll soon get bored and lose interest. Same applies if things are TOO challenging. 

10.    FIVE YEARS FROM NOW

Visualise yourself in the future and consider how things will be for you if you DON’T do these things that you REALLY want to do. How does that feel? Now do the same but visualise yourself having COMPLETED and ACHIEVED these goals and compare how you feel now. Are you feeling GOOD? Are you feeling MOTIVATED? Journal about this.

ONE MORE THING – Tap in to that feeling you get once your accomplished one of your tasks. How does that feel? Do you feel happy, satisfied, energised, do you notice that once you’ve done it you are now free to move on to the next thing? Do you feel lighter? Does your mind feel calmer? Feel more confident? 

Jot down all the positive aspects to completing a task.  Keep these somewhere you can see them so next time you hit a wall – you can refer to this list.

Do you already do these things yourself? What other tips can you share on staying motivated?  Would love to hear what works for you.  

Morwhenna 

x

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*ps once you're signed up - you'll also get access to my exclusive Creative Adventurers Playground!

Do YOU need a pep-up with a Project? Brainstorm with ME!

Brainstorming Sessions

• Are YOU self-employed and miss having colleagues to brainstorm with?
• Are you a freelancer looking for some fresh ideas for a project you are working on?
• Are you working on a personal project and need an injection of inspiration?

Then I can help you! 

Tap into my creative mind by booking a quick fire brainstorming session with me. 

I can help you with:

• Ideas, Ideas, Ideas! My brain never stops buzzing with ideas
• Getting down a whole host of options for your project
• Fun and effective marketing ideas to spread your message and grow your business
• Innovative ways to engage people and communities
• Ideas to make your project sing!
• Get you out of a rut by inviting in new and exciting ways to look at what you are doing, what you want to create and how you can do it.
• I guarantee you’ll feel energised after our session and raring to GO!

Here’s what some folks I've worked with so far have to say about me and how I’ve helped them.

Morwhenna is magic. Within minutes of talking to me during our brainstorming session she had me pinned and suggested something that at the time I dismissed out of hand, but days, weeks and months later I realised was spot on.

She talked me out of the limiting corner I had put myself in and re-opened my thinking in ways I had never imagined. She started a ball rolling that is changing my life for the better in ways I had all but stopped believing were possible. Thank you Morwhenna. X

LAURA BENNETT  - Escape Artist's Business Buddy

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I think your ability to generate ideas is amazing!

JAIMIE MACDONALD – Made Curious Coach 

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Morwhenna helped me to come up with some marketing ideas for a couple of travel businesses. She suggested an incredible number of creative but practical ideas in a very short space of time. I ended up implementing some of them for one particular client with great success.

CHARLOTTE DAVIES – SEO Expert

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Brainstorming doesn't come naturally to me so Morwhenna talked me through a brainstorming session. I'm really excited about the ideas that we generated and even more excited about knowing how to brainstorm by myself!

SALLY MILLIGAN - Artist

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For July & August you can book a 30 minute Brainstorming session for £30 / $52 / 38 euros This is a special SUMMER SAUCE offer which ends on Friday 29 August. 

I have a limited number of sessions available – so if you’d like a slice of my creative mind and some stellar ideas make a booking today!

Sessions are available on the following days & times (BST) throughout JULY & AUGUST

MONDAY  - 10.00 – 11.30 – 14.00 – 19.00
TUESDAY - 10.00 – 11.30 – 15.00
THURSDAY - 10.00 – 11.30 – 14.00 

Any questions?

Drop me an email and I’ll get right back to you!

REALLY *excited* and looking forward to helping you with a creative BOOST!

How will the session work?

When you book your slot, give me an outline about what you need help with.  
The session will be tailored to what YOU need. I appreciate everyone has a different way of working so we’ll work together and get the most out of the session for you.  There will be a quick re-cap at the start to clarify what you need help with and then we will start brainstorming! 

The aim is to create as MANY different and varied ideas and solutions to your issue/challenge as possible. Anything goes in these sessions. We'll look at the actual practicalities towards the end of the session.

At the end of the session we will run through all the ideas and highlight which ideas/solutions appeal to you right now to take action on.

You’ll receive a copy of everything that came up during the session. This will be as a PDF which will include an image of the mind-map we've created as well as any additional notes/thoughts and a list of the ideas/solutions you most connected to and want to take action on.

I will also add some extra notes of things to consider around the ideas that you selected as ones you are most keen to pursue now.  

One week after our session I'll send you a follow up email to see how you are getting on and if you need any further creative boosts.

THEN WHAT? NEED MORE SUPPORT?

I also offer follow up sessions and if you need specific help – like getting around blocks to you getting your stuff done – I can support you by coaching or if you want more hands on project help – such as marketing planning, social media, Image/logo creation – let me know and we can discuss how I can help you further.  

Look forward to working with you!

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BOOK A BRAINSTORMING SESSION WITH ME!

To book your session* simply click on the button below and you'll be taken to a diary page where you can choose your preferred time slot.  

I'll be in touch with a link to my paypal account to so you can easily pay for your session without any fuss. You don't even need a paypal account to pay with this method. Once I've received your payment we are all set and ready to rock! 

I look forward to working with you!

*These session will be done over skype unless agreed otherwise.



Sessions are available on the following days & times (UK - USA times in brackets)

Weekly for JULY & AUGUST

MONDAY  - 10.00 (05.00) – 11.30 (06.30) – 14.00 (09.00)– 19.00 (14.00)
TUESDAY - 10.00 (05.00) – 11.30 (06.30) – 15.00 (10.00)
THURSDAY - 10.00 (05.00) – 11.30 (06.30) – 14.00 (09.00)

What would Dolly do?

Sometimes you just gotta channel your inner Dolly Parton...!

Since getting back from my six week trip to Thailand I’ve found it hard to get back into the swing of things. Not really surprising as I’d immersed myself in another culture and worked with a whole host of different people during that time.  It was an amazing experience and to think it took me three years to actually go and do it!

So what does Dolly have to do with this? And Dolly Parton in particular?

Let me explain…

I watched her Glastonbury set on TV and was blown away by her energy and her kindness of heart. She’s was also a lot of fun and as I've discovered a pretty hard working and smart business woman. PLUS she looks pretty darn amazing for 68, doesn't take herself too seriously and always stays true to herself.

I think she’s pretty cool.

So this got me thinking.

Dolly’s pretty smart and a no nonsense kinda gal so maybe Dolly can help if we’re feeling a bit, you know, stuck?  

I’m not suggesting avoiding making your own decision or ‘but Dolly Told me to do it’ kinda thing so not taking responsibility - nah that’s a bit crazy. Rather use this as a game to get your mind to free up a bit and get playful!  Right on Partner!

PS you don’t have to have a blond wig to hand or a rhinestone jumpsuit either…Unless you fancy that of course…And guys – this works for you too!

So want to give it a try? Here goes:

• Have a think about one issue you are facing at the moment
• Grab a piece of paper and write down your issue
• Ask yourself – What would Dolly Do?
• Stick on some Dolly Parton music (One of my faves is 9-5!)
• Move about (if you are called to do so!) FEELS GOOD!
• As words/ images start to flow jot/draw these on your sheet of paper. Don’t think too much about what comes to mind – just get it down. Go crazy! Like Dolly’s outfits. No limits!
• At the end of the song stop and take a few moments to settle yourself.
• Want to carry on? Pick another track and keep going. Stop when you feel you've got everything out of your head (we're tapping into your sub-conscious mind you see)
• Then take a look at your sheet of paper.
• Does anything jump out at you?

Use this as your starting point to find creative ways to help you with your current issue.

You can re-do this exercise as many times as you want to really drill down on your ideas for ways to face your current challenge.

Then create your own action plan with small steps to help you move forward. YES! 

Then - TAKE ACTION! *important bit

Let me know how you get on - either reply to this email or share your experience over in The Creative Adventurers Playground!* How did it work for you?

Here's to Creative Adventures & THANK YOU Dolly! 

Love

Morwhenna xxx

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*ps once you're signed up - you'll also get access to my exclusive Creative Adventurers Playground!

THANK YOU!

So my 4 weeks with Art Relief International have come to an end and what an adventure it has been. I hope you've enjoyed following all the ups and down via my weekly playletter, Facebook and twitter posts. There was just not enough time to update everything - so the blog (for now) suffered. 

So RIGHT now I want to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me to be here. Keep an eye out for up coming posts once I've actually got some time to write them and to share what I've learnt as a result. 

Even though my 4 weeks with ARI are over - it's not the end of the relationship. And if you would still like to help me - you can! Skip on over to my Go Fund me to make a donation. Thank you xx

My first week with Art Relief International in Chiang Mai

The week has flown by and it’s been a pretty busy one.

So what have I been up to so far?

Here’s a run down of what’s happened this week:

Monday

I had a welcome induction with Emma (Cultural Canvas Thailand) and Sarah – who is the Art Director for ARI (both lovey)  Ran a workshop at Wildflower home, A really beautiful place outside Chiang Mai for single mothers who come from difficult situations – you can read about that workshop here.

Wildflower Home

Met the rest of the team – Wad, Pepo & Clo. Wad is the Director of Art Relief and also one of the founding members. Pepo is the Arts Co-ordinater and translator. Clo is the driver who takes us to the office each day and also to all the workshops. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. Thank you. ;-)

First Thai lesson! Which was fun and hard at the same time. The words for ride and shit are the same. Kee. It’s only the ‘tone’ that you use to say them (High, Low, Rising, Falling) that makes the difference. Easy to get yourself in a pickle with the wrong pronunciation here!!

It rained. Hard. Power went out. I knew where the candles were. All ok. Power came back on after about 30 mins or so. Quite exciting!

The bugs here seem to like me. A lot. 

Tuesday

HOLIDAY! Vesak Day which is Buddha’s Birthday. So the office was closed and we had a day off. I was invited to go to visit a lake and go trekking but as I’m not a moped rider, was feeling pretty tired and didn’t actually fancy trekking in this heat decided to take it easy and only went out in the late afternoon/evening in search of some traditional celebration ceremonies at some of the many Wats (Temples). You know I think I am 'Watted' out already!

Riverside - cleaning up after the rain

Hurrah for ponchos. I deliberately went out in the rain. it was AWESOME.

ps there is a geko in da house!! Well there are actually MANY gekos in da house.

Wednesday

Not sleeping very well and keep waking up in the night ;-( Still being bitten even though I am spraying myself and covering myself up.

Ran two workshops on today. One at Hope home. I found this personally challenging as I didn't know how to relate to the children there as they all have special needs. I couldn't take any pictures here - but there will be a blog post about it on the Art Relief Blog soon

The second was at Starfish Country Home. Starfish aims to provide a quality education and living environment for children so that they can lead happy and productive lives. The Chiangmai Starfish Home currently has 31 resident children and about 40 day care children with some of these children whose mothers are in prison for various crimes, most of which are related to drug trafficking. Several other resident children come from desperate family situations. 

I enjoyed this a lot actually and the kids there were very smart and already had a pretty good grasp of English. They were aged 5-6. And sooo sweet! We made rainbow pictures. Again I couldn't take any photos here but there will be some on the ARI blog.  They also gave us some mango and sticky rice (another tick in the box of things to try whilst I’m here) it was delicious.

On Wednesday evenings it is a tradition to have a 'Family Dinner' at the volunteer house where the ARI and Cultural Canvas Team come over for dinner. It was really lovely thing for them to do. A really great way to get to know the team better and also an opportunity to ask any other questions that might come up. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

Thursday

Thursday was Susie’s last day. Susie is from Norway and has been a volunteer with ARI for 12 weeks. We've been sharing the volunteer house for the past week. I felt sad even though I've only know her a few days. I think given the chance Susie would have happily stayed here as being here for three months she had really set up a life here.

One workshop today at Urban Light - a foundation which empowers boys to live a life outside the grasp of exploitation and trafficking, to continue a Piñata making workshop. Each place we have been to so far we are welcomed with joy, smiles and enthusiasm. No matter how difficult their situations. 

Although I have been reading that this is the way in Thailand and to openly show feelings of upset isn't really the norm. That doesn't been to say they don’t feel anger, fear, sadness, depression and all other emotions. It just means It can be harder to see that inside they are suffering. Putting on a brave face. I guess a lot like in the UK really. I think that’s what’s been so great about what I've seen in the workshops so far. The opportunity to express these feelings in a safe way.

Was feeling rather light headed so have been taking electrolytes in my water. That has been helping, although I did wonder if I’d feel perky enough for my next Thai lesson and then good bye drinks with Susie.

oooh FRESH MANGOS. Oh My.

The Thai lesson with my teacher Lah was again a fun and  a slightly crazy experience. She is such a character! I also learnt some Buddha stories and asked what The Creative Adventurer is in Thai. It is: Gaan awkbaep bpen sing taataai (there are high and low tones here but don’t know how to add in the lines to show that!)

Drinks at Bus Bar. Was  really lovely and a bit sad, evening at the rather groovy bar. Reminded me of a trip I took to Paris many years a go with my good friend Cress. Farewell for now Susie! Hope to see you in London!

L-R Clo, Susie, Pepo, Sarah & Me.

Skyping from here is better quality than from home! (hmmmm BT!)

Friday

BUSY! Mainly as there was a fundraiser this evening so there were some things to do for that. In the morning though I was preparing for my first solo (well not really as Pepo and Sarah were there thankfully!) workshop.

Had a very interesting meeting with Steve and Golf from Forru. Which is an organisation replanting the Chiang Mai forest. I found this particularly interesting due to my links with Trees For Life in The Caledonian Forest, Scotland. 

Today’s workshop was at BEAM - (Bridging Educational Access to Migrants) was founded to help meet the needs of Burmese migrant students who wanted higher‐level college preparation courses and advanced vocational skills training. Most students at the school also work at difficult full‐time jobs in order to make ends meet and are therefore engaged in high levels of study in addition to their workloads. 

These students have been looking at Art History. We choose Pop Art as the theme for today. I created an example and researched the topic to produce some background information. The students at BEAM have a good understanding of English – although it was still helpful to keep the content simple.

Pop Art. Theme for the BEAM workshop. Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait 

They created some great works and seemed to enjoy it. There are some very talented artists there.

Quick dash back to the volunteer house for me to change and eat before going to Small House Kafe for the evenings fundraiser. 

ARI run regular events like this for a couple of reasons, raising awareness of what they do, keeping their name known in the area and fundraising for a particular something they might need. In this case it was to help cover the costs of the exhibition space they are hiring in October for their big annual exhibition.

It was a fun evening although I did feel a bit overwhelmed at times when it started to get really busy.  Maybe I'm an introvert after all?

It was a place mainly visited by ‘Farang’ The Thai name for westerners and I met some really interesting people. One being a journalist (who’s name I can’t remember) who is actually from Turo, Cornwall and who works for a Burmese paper. She has lived in Chiang Mai for about two years.

The Chiang Mai City News photographer also paid a visit, some things were sold, faces were painted and people made donations. I don’t know how much was raised in the end but it had a relaxed vibe about it and raised awareness.

The DJ was mixing some tunes on a very cool piece of kit and I went to ask if he could mix in Pharrell‘s tune Happy. Was politely informed that it was cheesy and the DJ didn't like it. So I am officially ‘Un Cool’ hee hee. ;-0!

There are a couple of things I'm struggling with. Nothing massive but mainly - the heat, the bites (am covered in bites ;-( and having to constantly take my shoes on and off. It's not that I don't actually like this - I do. 

What frustrates me is that due to the fact I need to wear shoes with a strap or lace I'm so much slower then everyone else! (Tortoise and the Hare maybe I need to think about here?) I guess it just makes me feel awkward. 

I'm LOVING the fresh fruit, the friendly welcomes and the food and excited about what next week will bring. ;-) I am feeling like I am being well looked after by the team here.

Here's the ARI blog Link if you want to sign up to follow that blog too ;-)