Lake District, Day 1

UNITED KINGDOM | Sunday, 25 October 2009 | Views [17]

October 25, 2009

Alison’s brother Matthew drove us to the Lake District today. It one of the most stunningly beautiful places in England, as breathtaking as any you’ll find in Switzerland or the French Alps. Her parents have a holiday home there; an interesting building somewhere between a caravan and a cabin, just near the village of Windermere. Her family is lovely; I met her parents, two brothers, sister, aunt, uncle and four cousins. They’re all so lovely, and were so excited when they found out I was from Australia.

They took me to this place called ‘Go Ape’ – a tree top obstacle course in the heart of the forest. It basically involves strapping yourself into a harness, getting a 45-minute lecture on safety by a big scary Englishman (‘ALWAYS keep one line attached or you will FALL and DIE.’) Then we were set free and left to fend for ourselves for four hours, against 30ft rope ladders, massive Tarzan swings, giant rope nets, tunnels, swinging steps, rope bridges, high wires and terrifyingly long zip wires. It was so much fun! My legs and arms are aching now though, it was physically exhausting. But I’ve never done anything like it before so it was definitely an experience I’ll remember.

We’re sitting in the caravan/cabin hybrid now listening to the Beatles, reading David Attenborough books and drinking tea while it’s raining outside. I feel so damn English.