General Update

Heidi and me are living in Dubai now. Organising an expedition is one thing, but moving abroad to become an expat is something different. Of coarse you do this only once, because once an expat, always an ...? Anyway, SKP9 is taking shape under the leadership of Rudi Debbaut this time. There is only one new member this time, all the rest are experienced SKP'ers. Just weird to see this shaping up from abroad this first time.

A new chapter

My research project is set aside for a while. A new job was offered in the Emirates (Dubai) regarding land reclamation, while another opportunity would lead us to Yemen (Sana'a). Although both are equally challenging, Dubai is just a safer option in many regards. So SKP10 with around 40 to 50 people willing to join is cancelled. No real problem as SKP had to move back to its source. SKP9 is now forming, under the leadership of Rudi Debbaut.

SKP... "The Movie"...!

Next year "SKP the movie" (work title) can we expected!
Rik Martens will put all his free time, material and efforts in to it to make the magic happen.
He will direct it, edit it, make the storey line, text, music,... Succes MAN!

New jobs, new possibilities?

The visit to the Emirates has got greater consequences than initially thought. My wife and I will travel back to Dubai in the near future (October) to start a new job as a geologist! My scientific research will be temperately put on a site track. A second job offer from Yemen sounded very exiting too, but the decision was already made. We will keep on working closely together with the Yemeni government and Ministries and can hopefully even contribute directly from the Emirates.
The SKP9 expeditions, scheduled for the end of December - beginning of January 2008, will be organised through the previous core team members and focus both on the length and depth potentials of the Soqotran Karst features!

July again, caving time for the team!

During July - August most members are underground exploring new caves all over the world, success everybody!

SKP in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Kay Van Damme, my wife and I get a round trip in the Emirates. Our presentation itself is well received by local VIP's and the Arabian media. We are extremely pleased by the invitation and hope to work together on future mutual initiatives.

SKP invited by the UAE!

I receive a phone call from the Belgian Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates with the question if I was willing to give a presentation about SKP in Abu Dhabi for the “Ministry of Information Affairs”. Direct contacts are established and the idea further discussed.