Waterproof coats and suntan lotion were at the top of the kit list as we headed up North for a week in England's notoriously unpredicatable outdoor climate. Setting off in glorious sunshine, the sky had turned a more traditional British merky grey as we approached Liverpool . However, our arrival at the Youth Hostel was greeted with picture postcard rays of sunshine peeking through the clouds. This stunning view of jagged hills and mountains above the waters of Lake Winderemere which was to be our constant backdrop for the next few days of physical exertion and cultural enquiry.Steam trains, sheep, daffodils, gingerbread, otters, poetry, a lake cruise, an underwater aquarium, stuffed polar bears, high peaks and physical exertion, paddling in rivers and lakes, swinging from high ropes in the trees, wood peckers, starlit walks, rowing boats, icecreams, spectacular views and the stunning weather which allowed us to appreciate the hills reflected in chrystal clear waters. All these things and many more made up the holiday.
And yet there were a couple of factors which made the experience almost unique to BISC. The variety and breadth of interest of the group was a key to the success of the trip: Chinese Min Min who barely spoke any English but who was able to impress us all with his balance and fearlessness 30 foot up on the "Go Ape" Ropes course; a German assistant, Bernadette who knew nobody at the start of the trip and yet was the life and soul of the party by the end; another Chinese student, Helen who had lived in Oman before moving to England; Danish students with an interest in Chinese politics (and Danish pastries); A Taiwanese lady, Chara who had lived in Mongolia and who whistled and sang and joked her way through the trip; An English student who had lived in China; A Japanese student, Shiori who was studying Hungarian. And so many more fascingating people. It was a privelege to spend time getting to know these guys and to see friendships forming and developing.
Furthermore, the trip would not have been the same without the delightful Mr. Tony Carey who has entertanied, educated, driven, sung and played on many a BISC trip in the past. Tony ensured that folk songs such as "Wild Rover" or " My Grandfather's Clock" are now guaranteed to be heard from the karaoke bars of Kyoto to the coffee houses of Copenhagen. A huge thankyou to him and to every individual who came along. It would not have been the same without you.
Check out the photos now.
