quote:

Originally posted by farrina:
Hi Poppy

I seem to have been overcome with delusions of becoming your literary editor in my last post, which was a round about way of answering your question as to how you might publish your diary at minimal cost to a wider audience. Sorry about that

I’ve tried to whittle my list of remaining questions down as I fear I may try even your patience (which has been boundless so far).

Any way here goes – usual caveat of ignore anything you consider remotely intrusive.

1. Did your school friends know you were going (I presume you left at the start of the summer holidays and returned mid September) and did they immediately notice the difference in you on your return (nice tan by the way!).

2. Were you able to see a preview of the series before it was transmitted or did you have to watch it episode by episode with the rest of us?

3. What was the reaction of your family, friends and school friends to you and your behaviour in the program (tip toe into school on a Thursday morning keeping your head down or stroll decisively through the gates)?

4. Did you think C4 have fairly represented how you were before you left and what happened whilst you were over there? In particular the earlier episodes which showed you a bit on the fierce side (Whilst not up to Lucy's standards, you would have terrified me!).

5. How long and what form did the graduation process take (it seems to involve a re-bonding with parents). Was there an effort to gradually reintroduce you to civilisation as part of the process? (Julia made a very deep comment about it being “it’s a big thing leaving the wilderness”)

6. How did you find being back in a crowded environment – e.g. Wilderness one minute, Salt Lake City Airport next? I think I would have freaked!

7. Whilst in your shelters didn’t the rain blow in under the gaps below the shelter roof – did you have bivouac bags or did you just sleep just in a sleeping bag on a mat and get wet?

8. As you moved up through each stage the equipment provided seemed to improve (I recall Julia having a proper rucksack at the end and proper boots) was this a “reward” and were they removed if you demoted?

9. Your “how to light a fire lesson” to your father in the field was very educational and impressive – but what is the significance of dried rabbit/cow you know what (no wonder he thought you were taking the p**s)

10. From one of your previous responses it sounds like you were conditioned whilst at Aspen to take one day at a time – did you have a perception of how many days/weeks were passing or did it become a bit like Groundhog Day!


Thanks for your patience!

Alan

Ps looking forward to the book (only problem is finding you to obtain a copy when its ready!)

quote:

Originally posted by farrina:
Poppy

Thank you yet again for your full responses to my many questions. I very much enjoyed reading them.

I had intended that the last set of questions would be my last, but as you seem to enjoy answering them as much as I do in asking them (well you keep asking for more and plenty of people seem to be reading the thread!), I have taken the liberty of sending you more … Poppy runs screaming for the door

So here goes … back to Utah once more.

1. How did you manage to obtain the time off from school – you must have missed at least 5/6 weeks and at the start of term as well (did you manage to get yourself excluded for smoking behind the bike sheds)

2. Were you expecting the staff to physically restrain you and were you shocked at the aggressive behaviour of some of the other girls. Did you feel safe – Lucy was a real eye opener?

3. Did you know how far you would be hiking each day and the type of terrain you would be crossing e.g. were you told how long/hard each day was going to be or was it just walk until told to stop?

4. How many hours did you walk (roughly) each day - assuming that you were allowed a watch e.g. would six hours be a long day, two short?

5. Did you see any other groups of “brats” whilst out there in the wilderness?

6. Was the terrain as remote as portrayed in the series e.g. were you crossing roads, farms or literally out in the wilds – I bet the stars were clear (enough for me to desperately wish to be there. I am so jealous!)

7. At what stage did you recognise that you were changing in your attitude and expectations of life – solo?

8. What was “quest”?

9. What was your lowest point of your time at Aspen?

10. What were the greatest influences in changing in your behaviour and were you influenced to change your behaviour by seeing how others in your group were changing e.g. Georgie, peer pressure?

11. Did you feel ready to graduate with Rosie, Georgie and Lydia or did you accept that you still had some “loose ends” to tidy up. (Danni obviously felt ready as she seemed very upset not to be graduating)

12. I would imagine that it must have been very emotional when the group (which by this stage appeared to have bonded so well) was split at the first graduation and then at such short notice. Did you have any idea that anyone was about to graduate or was it a complete surprise/shock?

13. Have you acquired a passion for the outdoors (assuming you did not already have it) or do you loath it – I revel in the freedom of space and tranquillity, but not dirt and rain!

14. Are you in touch with anybody at Aspen and do you intend to return there (or to Utah?)

15. There are stories of people who have slept outdoors for lengthy periods finding it difficult to sleep in a bed as they find it to soft – often they end up sleeping on the floor alongside the bed until they reacclimatise. Did you have this problem?

16. Was it a huge shock returning to school – it must have been difficult for your friends to appreciate the significance/scope of the experience you had undergone (at least until they saw the program) and I would have thought school must have seemed very tame, pedestrian and oppressive after three months living rough in the fresh air.

No rush answering them as I know you have work and I have another room to decorate (refurbishing a house!)

Bye for now

Cheers

Alan

Ps Note for “21st Century Babe” you now have a star under your name, so they must be awarded after you have made a certain number of posts to the forums.