Apologies for delay report.
From Fire to Ice -BISC experiences a true winter celebration
Despite the icy weather, lips and logs were aflame with food and fire in a weekend which thrilled the senses and gave each person time to relax and escape the heady pace of studies to make time for life and friendship.
The minibus was filled with representatives from a wide variety of exotic and unusual destinations. Students from the larger nations on earth, China and India, some from Pakistan, Malaysia, France, Britain and yet others from Samoa to St Helena .People had literally travelled hundreds of thousands of miles to attend.
The cold December night was off-set by the heat from Shanthi’s extraordinary Malaysian curry. This was the first of many new experiences as the heat from liberal portions of red hot chilli peppers soon set our mouths on fire.
After an introductory talk about the peace that happened during the first world war at Christmas time, the two great cricketing nations of Britain and India battled it out to become world champions of the name game.
Next, the group wrapped up warm to strike out for a night walk with torches and warm coats. The stars were visible and the mud tangible as we strode off across the fields into the night. Thankfully the weather was kind and much laughter and conversation was sparked as a result. On our return there was evidence of those determined to continue the games and conversation late into the night.
An early start on Saturday with prayers followed by breakfast and more stories about Christmas. The weather was terrible. Thick grey clouds and drizzle greeted us that day. However, Kevin prayed to the God who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine and by lunch time the clouds had parted and blue sky appeared.
A fascinating discussion of cultural differences was sparked as students shared their experiences of life in their own country. From the most beautiful place they had ever visited, to cultural expectations with regards to marriage and money, each person listened attentively and learned much. Why is Western attitude to marriage so different to Eastern attitudes? What is it like to live on an island of three thousand people where everyone knows every one and the prison population is just five people?
After sitting down to a traditional BISC soup lunch, the group headed off for further out-door adventures. Ian, our skilful driver, took us to the dramatic Quantock coastal path where he left us to face the elements: crashing waves, bright blue sea and sunshine and gale force winds which left us battling and struggling through the wind. Even three abreast it was difficult to keep our feet on the ground. Amazingly everyone returned safely .
An impromptu stop-over found us in a beautiful local church and Cilla was soon conducting the choir with “Silent Night” and “Ding Dong Merrily.”
The bonfire blazed on our return with thanks to Kevin behind the scenes. At this point, melted pink marshmallows were on the menu along with charades and camp singing.
Later that night, the students discovered a proper Christmas feast prepared, with everything from Christmas crackers to turkey and stuffing, followed by silly games and forfeits. A new Olympic sport was invented: the Tea Tray Challenge, which involved some very elegant moves and dipping, twisting and diving with a newspaper sword, with the aim of removing the opponent’s skilfully balanced tea tray. Ballroom dancing and waitressing were useful skills to have mastered in this international event.
A later breakfast, with a final discussion about the true meaning of Christmas was followed by free time and a very muddy walk before lunch.
On our return home , we had a final blast of fresh air on Brean Down beach in the cold, wintry, light before Christmas carols at Christ Church. A splendid candlelit experience with mulled wine was a fitting way to end such a glorious weekend of friendship and fun.
