Some Things that Didn't Happen...

... on the December 2014 Twinning in Action Residential in Cumbria

I encountered no militarised checkpoints on my train journey from London to Penrith in Cumbria. In fact, despite an early start to catch the 8.30 am to Glasgow from Euston Station, my four or so hour journey was very comfortable. It was my first time travelling along the 'spine' of Britain, passing through famous towns such as Crewe, Wigan, Warrington and, finally, changing at Preston for Penrith. My books saw no action as I spent most of the journey snoozing, or, as I approached Penrith, enjoyed the dramatic scenery of snow-topped fells.

No offence was taken at the Palestinians' lukewarm reception to Shepherd's Pie at our first meal together. Cooked by the staff at Derwentwater Hostel, we were all grateful for their attentiveness but, even some of the Brits were struggling to down this most traditional of dishes and the dessert of apple crumble. A reason for this may have been that some of us had spent a chunk of the day in the McDonald's restaurant by Penrith station as we waited for the rest of the party to arrive from Newcastle. Moreover, having later all tasted the Palestinian's 'Maqloubeh' - the Upside Down Dish, it became clear that they are accustomed to flavorsome fare.

Not a single chair was broken but much fun had in the regular ice-breaker activities that started each day of workshops and walks. As part of our training for leading future exchange visits, each team amongst the volunteers was responsible for breaking the morning ice. My most memorable was the 'Catch the Chair' game in which a circle is formed of chairs, everyone standing behind their chair, tipped forward. At the call of the leader to go left or right, we were to abandon our chair and try to catch the next. Another icebreaker played was a game like musical chairs but without music and, instead, agreeing with a proffered subject by standing up and finding a new seat. A particular subject that amused me was the name of one of the Palestinians - which necessitated everyone to stand up or admit a dislike for our guest. I was tempted to dishonesty by remaining in my seat when 'I have a Facebook account' was called out - but, when confronted by someone looking for a seat, I got up. The game finally ended when someone called out 'I want to stop this game' - everyone got up.

Not a single workshop or presentation was interrupted by a mobile phone - this, arguably, because there was no reception at the hostel (causing some consternation amongst the group, not helped by very limited Internet connectivity). In the very first workshop, objectives and responsibilities were expressed. In particular, the longer-term objective of preparing the volunteers for future exchange trips as part of the Twinning in Action programme between Camden and Abu Dis. Additionally, the necessity to make CADFA a self-sustaining organisation, not dependent on any one person was expressed - and, tested, for Nandita, leading the group was required to cut short her part due to personal reasons.

During the daily workshops, we considered the history and aims of CADFA, its projects, funding, literature and other communications, including on the Internet. We were able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these, with a view to improvements. In these workshops, there were no sense of victims and benefactors. Rather, the Palestinians' experiences and knowledge, a number of whom currently work in higher education, youth work or the media in Palestine, lead many of the discussions. During the discussion on human rights infringements in Britain, we were reminded that our governments' support for Israel's crimes was a gross violation of human rights.

A number of the volunteers gave presentations on their lives and work, with interested locals of Keswick joining us. Amongst the Palestinians, we heard about the difficulties and achievements of staff and students at Al Quds University in Abu Dis. The university suffers bureaucratic and military incursions that have discouraged students from enrolling and interrupted the education of those currently studying. We saw a video of Israeli forces tear gassing an open air musical concert by students. A number of Al Quds students have been seized and imprisoned.

Nonetheless, the university has developed a number of impressive student-run initiatives, including a number of working groups focused on improvement on a variety aspects of university life, including, student satisfaction and involvement. We were also told about Iqbal Al Assaad, at 20 years old has graduated as a doctor - her ambition to aid Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, her birth country, obstructed by a law that prevents Palestinians working in public hospitals.  Another Palestinian volunteer discussed the administrative incoherence suffered by Palestinians in Abu Dis. We were introduced to the bewildering array of zones and authorities that Palestinians must navigate to get anything done - with contradictory information regularly given, confounding any certainty in the daily lives of the Palestinians.

Finally, the Cumbrian scenery and weather did not disappoint. That is, the icy fells, streams, lakes and the crisp winter air made for bracing but enjoyable walks. Fortunately, the rain held off most of the time. We saw the hardy Herdwick sheep grazing indifferent to the squalls and slopes. Of all the spots paused for in our walks, the view from Ashness Bridge, with the water foaming through a pile of dark rocks and the view from hills overlooking Derwentwater Lake were perhaps the ones photographed the most.