Part 35 – Alarm Bells!!

It was now almost July 2011.  I had 2 months before once again I left for my extended time away.  My excitement was mixed with apprehension.  After the dealings with Kert over the website, I was once again in a state of confusion.

Something else was to happen.  My friends, Vicki and Andrew, had already arrived in Europe and were settling their horse and dog into the new country.  I had been reading Andrew’s blog about their adventure and staying in touch via email.  There were approximately 12 people enrolled to start their one year training – but already there seemed to be some sort of trouble.

There was a change of venue – and also a request to pay the full amount earlier than originally planned.  Now we are talking about a substantial amount of money!!   It was a lot to pay as a lump sum – with no contract and no guarantees!

Andrew rightly queried this – there were emails back and forth – plus an abusive phone call from Kert.  Finally they came to an agreement that they would meet with Kert on the island to sort out the troubles….it ended badly – with more yelling and accusations….Andrew was banished from the course – while Kert considered whether Vicki could still attend.

Vicki said he just kept moving the goal posts!  He said – she could if she paid more – and then if she paid right then.  She was in a state of utter confusion- her dream was unravelling around her…..  All that planning – moving all the way across the world AND flying their horse from Australia – and suddenly everything was falling apart.

Kert was shouting at her “Vicki – I need the money – NOW!!!

When I heard about this I felt ill.  It was only four weeks until I left for the 10 weeks on the island… everything was paid for….. and it was too late to pull out.  I knew I would have to make the most of it and I certainly hoped that I could just focus on the horses.

I knew though that we had unfinished business with the website venture – and as I had heard nothing since I sent a copy of the contract, I had a very bad feeling that the contract had triggered ‘something’.  Now, after hearing from Vicki and the details they had been through, I just wanted out!!  I was not going to continue with it and I would tell Kert that when we arrived.

Apart from all these things, there was still a sense of excitement about the upcoming trip.  I even bought small gifts for Kert and a couple of his assistants for being so helpful.

So…. bags were packed, horses organised, Doug and Emma would keep an eye on my mother – so off we went.  I was travelling and sharing accommodation with friend Patty.

This was now the third time I was flying to Denmark…  The trip went smoothly – and before we knew it, we were back on the island.This time we were staying in a large house closer to the farm.

And this time I had to work harder at putting my doubts to one side…..

COMING UP – THE FIRST COURSE

IF YOU ARE NEW TO THIS STORY, PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING HERE – Part 1 – An Introduction

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