Advice on Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan?

Hello Explorers!

We're going to Tajikistan in October with the goal of writing a guide book for Tajikistan and ultimately working in disaster management - I (Laura) just finished my MSc in Hazards and Disaster Management and realised there's no point staying in England as (luckily) we don't really have that many disasters. We were wondering if anyone wanted to share their experiences of Tajikistan with us, to give us any guidance as to the area, especially with regards the Pamirs. If anyone is planning a trip to Tajikistan, we'd love to hear from you and meet up with you while you're there.

If you'd like to contact us, please email sheytaana@gmail.com.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Paul and Laura

Neville Shulman Challenge Award

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) are offering an8,000 grant to support a unique and challenging project. The 'Neville Shulman Challenge Award' aims to further the understanding and exploration of the planet: its cultures, peoples and environments, while promoting personal development through the intellectual or physical challenges involved in undertaking the research and/or expedition. Applications are invited from both individuals and groups.

Apply now at www.rgs.org/nevilleshulmanaward.

Application deadline 02 May 2014.

Opportunities for nurses?

I am due to finish my Adult nursing degree in December and currently have been on courses with Wilderness medical training as after backpacking for years and attending workshops on expeditions I have become interested in exploring this area in regards to nursing.

I was hoping anyone had any information they could provide me on whether expeditions look for nurses to join their team (paid/voluntary i don't mind) as the majority of things I come across in regards to expeditions is pitched at doctors.

Many Thanks

Can any one help with Sponsorship for a polar race?

I am in the process of planning for a polar race next year. I would like to obtain sponsorship to ease some of the cost. It is a charity based trip so will also be collecting for Greenpeace - Save the Arctic campaign.

Is there anyone who could help with the basics for sponsorship or possible give me a few pointers and what kind of things work and don't?

Would be happy to discuss over phone/coffee or net. email me on louise_constance@rocketmail.com"

Advice/ Contacts for China trip wanted

Hi, I want to plan my own trip to the Great Wall, trek part of it and do the usual tourist bits, Terracotta Army etc. How difficult is it, can anyone recommend a contact in China, other than the usual tour operators.

Thanks

Info required on Masoala National Park

I am thinking of hiking and also possibly packrafting across the Masoala National Park in Madagascar. I have a couple of months previous jungle experience but it would be my first own planned jungle venture.

It would be a hopefully relatively leisurely trek camping in the jungle and photographing the wildlife. I may be solo or with my girlfriend. I would like to get in contact with someone who has knowledge of this area regarding existing trails in the park, specific dangers or hazards with the wildlife, plants or parasites, and any social problems I should be aware of. I know that illegal logging takes place and that many locals are unhappy with the protection of the park seeing it as resource that they are unable to make use of.

Any information on the area or contacts in the area would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Duncan

Medic shadowing for student elective

I am a medical student at the University of Leicester on the graduate entry medical degree, having previously worked as a nurse for two years, part of which I worked in AE.

I am in the process of organising my medical elective placement - a 4-6 week trip we organise ourselves in April 2014, after having completed our medical finals. I am very interested in expedition/wilderness medicine and am trying to arrange my elective to encompass both medicine and the outdoors, as well as attempting to organise an elective that is a bit different from the norm.

If anyone could give some pointers/contacts in order to organise my elective along these lines, it'd be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Richard