Welcome to the "Going Ape: Robert & Haley,
Father-Daughter 21 Day SE Asian Adventure" Travel blog. Haley and I leave late Wednesday night, July 1st, on our big trip -- one that has been in the works for just over a year.

This idea of traveling alone with one child at a time began in 2013, when Bobby & I went for 18 days all over SE Asia as a Father-Son journey. We returned with countless memories, and rightfully so, Chris & Haley suggested the notion of "what about us?". Oh, ok . . . I can do this a couple more times ! And more planning began. Part 2 was with Chris, where we made a winter trip to the East Coast, visiting MBA programs at Ivy league schools & going to NFL & NBA games -- another great time together. And now, here we are with part 3 of the Father-son/daughter saga.

Well, this one is quite different -- not Haley . . . the trip ! Haley's passion involves animal care, research, and behavior. She is an Animal Science major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and has already participated in many hands-on Enterprise programs at the university. So, during the planning process, I presented the idea of volunteering at an Orangutan and Sun Bear rescue and rehabilitation center in Borneo, Malaysia. Needless to say, she was all in ! She is our "adventure girl", and I love it. She texts me at the most random times, with statements including "Dad, I want to go Cage Diving in South Africa", or "Go skydiving with me". So, adventure you say, Haley ? Here we go.

We are both volunteering for 2 weeks at the Matang Wildlife Centre in Sarawak, Malaysia. These 2 websites give you an idea of the program and facility we will be working at:

http://projectorangutan.com/volunteerin g/

https://www.facebook.com/projectorangut an

The facilities are rustic -- no air conditioning, despite the 94-97 degree temperatures plus SE Asian humidity. No hot water, but hey, that will probably feel quite fine. Plenty of critters of all sorts, nature sounds at night, mosquito nets, malaria pills, snakes, bugs, leeches -- you know, everyday stuff.

We will not be playing with or handling animals -- as their website explains, that is quite harmful to the animals in the long run. But we will be working in very close proximity to the animals, both in cages and in the open rainforest. It is manual labor -- digging, construction, painting, cleaning cages, and animal enrichment. While working, we will also have moments to observe their behavior, and learn about each animal's individual personality traits. And our work supports the efforts of this facility and organization, to protect and rehabilitate the animals.

Volunteers pay a fee to work here, and the money goes to financially support the facility's infrastructure and supplies. We are also bringing a suitcase full of items shown on their "Wish List" to donate. Haley reached out to our local veterinarian (Imperial Highway Animal Clinic), and Dr. Adam graciously donated a bunch of veterinary supplies for Haley's efforts. It's a great opportunity for Haley to participate in service to our community (local or around the world) -- to request local support, gather & present the materials, and physically work to support the organization. It should be a very rewarding experience for both of us.

Our adventure begins with 26 hours of travel through Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur & Kuching, Malaysia. 3 flights totaling 20 hours in the air, and 6 hours of layovers. The first 2 flights are with Cathay Pacific, business class -- which always softens the blow for the long 15 hour flight to Hong Kong.

Total Flying time: 40 hours
Total Flight distance: 18,630 miles

After the hard work is done in Malaysia, we will enjoy 3 days in a nice hotel in the heart of Singapore -- a destination neither of us have been to.

This is not a "vacation" in a normal context, and it certainly is not a deluxe resort with tourist activities galore. However, I anticipate that we will learn a great deal about animal care & enrichment specific to orangutans and sun bears. I anticipate that we will meet many caring and fun people from all over the world during our time there. I anticipate that we will feel accomplished and fulfilled for the work we provide. And I anticipate cherishing our time as father & daughter.

So, away we go --- we're "Going Ape" ! I hope you enjoy the blog site and the stories, and we'll see you back here on July 22nd.