Pat and Geoff Brown

Leaving: February 2008
Destination: Thailand
Programme: Thai Adventure, 3 weeks

Pat and Geoff recently booked the Gap Year For Grown Ups Thai Adventure programme, choosing to take part in the Wild option working with elephants for their final two weeks. Here they describe their thoughts and feelings before they jet off on their adventure...

What was your motivation to take a break and go travelling?
Pat: We are always self-motivated when it comes to travelling and experiencing the world.
Geoff: We take our breaks when we are not travelling. My motivation to arrange this trip is Pat's love of elephants and a desire to see Thailand. Otherwise it's to use the benefits of modern transport to see things we would not ordinarily see. Last year we spent Christmas in the Antarctic.

Have you ever done anything like this before?
Pat: No.  It is refreshing and encouraging finding something so appealing that is available.
Geoff: My past hobbies have always been hands on (canal boating and railway preservation) but nothing quite like this. Sitting on beaches is not my cup of tea. Anyway, I can do that here if I want to - the house is on the beach. We did look at working with Cheetahs in Namibia but we can do that sometime soon. We also have had an assignation with Kiera - a Bengal tiger - but this was very brief (It was another surprise for Pat!)

Why did you choose to travel with Gap Year For Grown Ups?
Pat: Because we have the opportunity to learn, first hand, the cultural ways of the local people.  And, of course working with elephants, which has high priority on my ‘to do' list.
Geoff: Because of Pat's love of elephants and her desire to visit Thailand, I have been looking for some time for something like this - Gap Year For Grown Ups offered the opportunity (note: we are combining this with a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia beforehand!). I'll be heading for your web site as soon as we get back!
 
How do you feel now that you have booked?
Pat: Totally excited.  I have to thank my husband for turning into Santa Claus, once again.
Geoff: It's not at the front of my mind at the moment with other things to think about. No worries though.

What is next on your list in terms of preparing for your trip? (House, pets, car, finances, family).
Pat: Telling more friends and packing my bags.
Geoff: Making sure all the ducks are in a row (logistics, etc) so we can forget about everything in the real world and enjoy the experience.

What do your family and friends think of your plans?
Pat: They think it's a wonderful opportunity too.
Geoff: I'm not sure I've told any of my family about it (except Pat - and she complains I don't tell her enough!) - thanks for the reminder. When it's come up in conversation I've told a few people but adventures are a very personal thing. The reason we go anywhere is because you can't smell it on the telly.

We will be in contact with pat and Geoff during their trip, so watch this pace to see how they are getting on!