Leisure

The Treehouse has many modern conveniences like a refrigerator, a hand mixer, a vacuum cleaner and – rumor has it – even a highly sophisticated espresso machine.

All these inventions were created by Professor Challenger, who is unstoppable when it comes to increasing the quality of living on the Plateau. But so far he has not been able to bring cable, DVD players or a functioning DSL connection for speedy internet access to the Plateau. Unlike us and our many readers the explorers don’t have the luxury of most couch potato leisure activities.

They focus on indoor activities that stimulate the mind, like reading, keeping journals, or arts and craft.

Veronica spends much of her time painting, especially portraits of missing loved ones. She also designs jewelry, a hobby she started when her leather-stone armband became a great hit with the Zanga women. She also loves perusing the journals of her parents or Ned Malone. Journals for her are a way how to stay emotionally connected to people who abandon her to pursue their destiny or find themselves.

Marguerite is a classic bookworm. She is hardly seen without a book, whether it’s the breakfast table, an expedition, a search party for a missing expedition member or a romantic trip to the Inland Sea. Since the selection of the Layton library is rather limited, she frequently reads books several times. She also includes scientific and private journals in her reading material. A true bookworm cannot resist the written word in any form. The only exception she makes are the three cookbooks the Layton’s brought to the Plateau. “Why would I need to read a cookbook?” She always asks when someone recommends that as a last reading resort. Only once did Lord Roxton try to answer this rhetorical question. He is a man who learns from his mistakes.

Speaking of Lord Roxton – he is also an avid reader, he favors the classics and poetry. He also enjoys reading history books and the few books the library has on Buddhism.

Asked about his other leisure activities he nudged Miss Krux and said with a wink “Building sand castles with a charming companion…”. While Miss Krux was obviously amused by this comment, we have no idea what he was talking about.

Ned Malone gave us another tip about Lord Roxton’s leisure activities. While not giving us all details he shared that the English nobleman spends considerable time at local spas.

Mud baths, massages and herbal wraps are his favorites. As Mr. Malone said: “I guess at his age you need some extra work to look good. Of course I don’t need this kind of thing.”

Mr. Malone then went on to share some information about his leisure activities. His writing takes up a lot of his free time, he has filled dozens of journals with his insightful observations. He revealed to us that he also dabbles in pottery, his plates and vases are highly artistic according to Veronica. He is also one of the best cooks in the Treehouse. He learned many great recipes from Professor Summerlee and his absences are sorely felt at the Treehouse, since Marguerite usually takes over his cooking duties.

George Challenger and Arthur Summerlee are men, who are very focused on their scientific work. But they know how important a few hours of recreation are to stimulate the mind for brilliant scientific work. When Professor Summerlee still lived in the Treehouse, they spent many hours playing bocce (also known as lawn bowling). While playing they discussed scientific phenomena, weather patterns on the Plateau and placed bets on how long it would take for Roxton and Marguerite to admit their love for each other. Professor Summerlee’s disappearance took a big toll on Professor Challenger. He tried to teach bocce to the younger Treehouse members, but they had no patience for the game or the accompanying scientific discourse. Sometimes Challenger stands on the balcony, looking out into the jungle and mutters: “Summerlee, where are you, old boy?” We would like to know that ourselves.