My new hosts Brian and Joan are a wonderful couple with a wicked sense of humour and we're having a great time. It's been hard convincing my family back home that i miss them when they hear i've got a river view from my first floor suite and i'm woken with a cup of tea in bed, followed by a two course breakfast everyday.
Yesterday, an unexpected detour at the end of the day proved to be one of the highlights of the trip so far. The lovely Robin (who claims to hate women, children and old people but is really a big softie) took us to a church in Belstead that has been rescued from wreck and ruin by a group of locals.
A sceptical Whitey proclaimed it was an ABC visit - another bloody church (all in jest of course....) but when the opportunity arose to climb the bell tower he promptly changed his tune.
Let me paint a picture for you - Through a rickety door, up a spiral staircase with old, crumbly narrow steps, on to a a rickety timber platform that had sunlight peeping through, up a 20 foot ladder, climbing over a beam onto a crumbling window ledge, then a balance beam walk across the drop to another ladder which led onto the roof. I initially chickened out but my fear of dying was quickly overcome by my fear of missing out so up i went. The ladders were okay, it was the beam walk that had me literally quaking in my flip-flops. With the help of strong manly men (and Shane) we were all soon up on the roof of the bell tower taking in the most spectacular 360 degree views. Ipswich city on one side, beautiful lush countryside on the other and a slight breeze rippling through the field below us. For a moment we were speechless (okay, it was more like 20 seconds but those who know us will know how significant that is) it really was breathtaking. Of course we then resumed our normal behaviour and took a million photos before descending back down the obstacle course to solid ground.
Of course i must mention the earlier events of the day that were just as wonderful but not quite as pulse racing. We took a walking tour around Ipswich and were guided by Lois from the Tourist Centre. This woman was amazing. Her passion for and knowledge of the history of Ipswich is phenomenal. Following our magical history tour we went on a ferry ride especially organised for us. Despite protests of sea sickness the lovely Julia was able to keep her lunch in it's rightful place and enjoy the wonderful scenery.
We then had a rare opportunity to lay on the grass and bask in the sun like large lizzards before wrapping up.
Well the doorbell has just sounded marking the arrival of Julia, so i will continue my post later tonight.
Jen xxx
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