After surprising everyone--including myself--with that bike ride from Szentendre to Budapest (22km of cycling, a few more of pushing uphill), I agreed to a weekend of hiking, trekking and sleeping outdoors somewhere in Peak District where there is no mobile reception.It must have been a moment of temporary insanity because I hate sleeping in a tent and have adamantly refused to try again after that one camping attempt in Croatia (claustrophobic tent, rocky surface, bugs, 78C in midday and no hot water--sleeping under the stars is overrated).
Except this time there will not even be a tent... gulp. Everyone has to create their own shelter and sleep in it for two days (something tells me that this might change my sentiment about tents).
That is actually the whole point of the exercise because this is not an ordinary (if weird) weekend in the nature but a challenge in which teams compete while doing fun stuff and all of that to raise money for charity. I'm really looking forward to the walking-in-the-hills bit and team games (this family does not lack competitive spirit) but the shelter making part really worries me.
We are supposed to bring our own recyclable shelter parts to the event site and I can imagine the look on the faces of airport staff as I argue that a bunch of cardboard boxes and nylon are absolutely necessary for my trip to the U.K. Plus, I am completely incapable of doing anything with my hands other than typing (ok, cooking too, but you see my point).
So, I think I need help. Who's willing to join me in this adventure and save me from the embarassment (and inconvenience) of sleeping under the stars quite literally? There is still time to register for the event (June 11-13) and if you live in the U.K. getting there is not a problem (the nearest train station is Edale).
Spud? Polly? Anyone?
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4 comments:
I can only say that perception of reality is so different for different people:-): this weekend in Croatia many years ago was actually quite nice for me. It is true that it is hot at lunch but once one realizes that camping is just a DIFFERENT experience one appreciates it better. It simply marks a difference between our comfortable everyday life and the holiday and its healing effect is even bigger because of that. The tent is also reminiscent of the mother's womb and this is also appealing, isn't it? (check kids' fascination with tents....)
And....I would be very happy if you change your attitude in the UK and maybe you will become a passionate camper? We know that such changes are not unheard of....
Let's not underestimate the healing effects of a bed and hot shower :)
I think chances of me becoming a passionate camper are close to zero but it's also true that I am capable of surprising people...
forgive my frankness but this idea is CRAZY! first of all because it's freezing cold and I can't see how that's ever going to change
secondly because tents scare me and the idea of sleeping under the stars is beyond me (unless it's on a tropical island :)
as much as I'd like to help and be there to support you, mentally and with countless cups of hot, hot tea, I won't be around that weekend :(
but have fun and make sure you let us know you survived!
Well, there will be a bar at the event site and hopefully a warm body in the tent so that should take care of the cold...
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