On Tuesday evening, our guest speakers Peter, Janelle, and Louisa O’Keeffe discussed their travels across the world and the challenges it presented.
Their story unveils a harrowing tale of travel through Iran, underscoring the critical roles of resilience, preparation, and communication in overcoming adversity.
Peter and Janelle embarked on a journey for a total of thirteen months, travelled 51 countries, and covering a distance of 61,000km from the UK to New Zealand in a Toyota Rav4. As they prepared to return home, they consolidate their belongings into the confines of their vehicle, ingeniously utilising roof boxes and interior space
During the trip they both relied on paper maps for navigation, but sometimes found themselves often misguided, Navigating the globe involves calculated risks, and sometimes, even with meticulous planning,
If unforeseen circumstances arise, they both had communication protocols with a contact person (Louisa) which proved to be a lifeline during their detention. Having a designated individual outside the immediate situation to advocate on their behalf and coordinate with relevant authorities was crucial, showcasing the importance of proactive risk management.
As they embarked on their expedition, they approached the Iran-border, only to be confronted by the Saudi patrol. Accusations of entering a forbidden zone led to a tense standoff with armed soldiers.
In the forbidden zone, they were confronted with hostility and suspicion, endured interrogation and intimidation. They were accused of terrorism and their passports and belongings were confiscated.
Amidst the tension, they were both taken to a military base where they faced further scrutiny. They were both detained until they were finally released by the armed soldiers at the border to Iraq.
Communication, both internal and external (PBL), played a pivotal role throughout the couple's ordeal. Peter had activated the PBL in Iran and when they crossed the border, they were able to communicate with their daughter Louisa.
Resilience emerges as a central theme, demonstrated by the couple's unwavering determination to persevere despite the daunting circumstances. Their ability to lean on each other for support, maintain respect even when mistreated, and break down overwhelming obstacles into manageable segments exemplifies the power of resilience in navigating crises.
The high stress situation is a significant lesson in leadership, crisis management, and the necessity of thorough preparation, robust communication, and unwavering resilience. Their high stress experience underscores that, despite the best-laid plans, unforeseen challenges can arise, requiring agility, resourcefulness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
