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Conquering Snowdon

Julie Howatson-Broster Julie Howatson-Broster | 17:04 UK time, Friday, 6 June 2008

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Yet again another truly eventful week of activities that I would probably never have experienced had it not been for this programme.

We've been exploring the nature in Snowdonia, abseiled down some rocks and walked (or crawled I should say) half way up Snowdon itself.

Watch Julie's Snowdon video diary.

My brother and my uncle walk Snowdonia most weekends and I'm now looking forward to taking them to see these rare plants that they didn`t realise existed either!

My brother admitted that you can often walk and walk for miles without realising there are precious things right in front of your nose. You tend to look at the obvious things like the views while walking Snowdonia, so in future I'll take so much more notice of the smaller details.

We also had a chance to try some abseiling which completely horrified me at first. It had not entered my head that I would be trying any extreme sports like this. Heights and ropes definitely do NOT fit into my lifestyle - but I must admit, they soon will. This was truly amazing and I'm so proud of myself you wouldn't believe.

I hope I`m correct in saying that all six of us were astonished at the breathtaking views that surrounded us whilst on Snowdon. We could have been anywhere in the world, but instead, were here in our beautiful Welsh countryside. What lucky people we are! If you haven`t walked Snowdon or Snowdonia, you are missing a true treat I promise you.

We've all had such a good laugh this week, though most of us were quite close to tears at some point as our legs turned to jelly during the climb to the peak. But when we were feeling quite miserable and cold, we'd give each other a cuddle and offer a few positive words of encouragement.

Over the last few weeks the six of us have become very close (I do hope the others will agree with me) although we all have completely different beliefs and interests.

Friends have been asking if I get on with anyone in particular and I can honestly say I feel I get on with all of them - though some better than others.

Chris is a true gentleman, is always content and willing to help others - and he absolutely adores his family. Lloyd is a great laugh and probably more like me than any of the others. A little bit mad, loves fashion and people. Carly is a typical 17 year old who isn`t afraid to make her views known. This probably gets her into trouble at times, although she often doesn`t realise what she's said and really doesn`t like upsetting people. I love Carly to bits and I do hope she doesn`t find me too bossy. Her swearing has made a few people cringe, but usually a quick disapproving glance from me makes her more aware! I love teaching this age group at my Academy as you can really mould them to be excellent therapists and turn them into proper polite young ladies. If she lived closer to me, I'd definitely take her on board and give her a crash course in customer care and etiquette. Carly - there is a spare bedroom here if you fancy it!

Abul has a heart of gold and is so excited to be on the programme. He's really eager to learn more about Wales and its culture and we love sharing and comparing our life experiences. I`ve been invited to meet his family after the programme has finished, so it'll be nice to experience some of his wife's wonderful cooking.

And then there's Kate. She only lives about ten minutes away from me - but we have completely different personalities. She moans constantly (though she is getting better I must say) and I don`t enjoy moaning (though I have started to since appearing on the programme!). I am just hoping that I don`t end up turning into Kate and she into me! Besides the personality clash, we do actually get on very well, I think. If she moans, I'll tell her and vice versa without being malicious to one another.

I'm extremely passionate about Wales whereas she doesn`t realise what all the fuss is about. Fair play though, she has mentioned that she would like to start learning some Welsh - and Abul is also starting to pick up some words. If all of us Welsh speakers tried our best to help the non-Welsh speakers with a few little phases or words maybe more and more people would be keen to learn.

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