An Upside Down House in Colombia Lightens Hearts（在线收听）

An Upside Down House in Colombia Lightens Hearts

An upside down house in Colombia is capturing the imagination of visitors looking for fun after months of coronavirus restrictions in the country.

The house is in the town of Guatavita, about 70 kilometers from the capital, Bogota. It was designed by its Austrian owner Fritz Schall. He lives in Colombia with his family.

"Everyone looked at me like I was mad, they didn't believe what I was saying," Schall said. "I said 'I'm going to make an upside down house,' and they told me, 'Ok sir, sure, go for it.'"

Today, visitors from many places enjoy walking on ceilings where floors would normally be. Things like tables and chairs are above them. Everything in the place is upside down.

Inspiration for building the house came from a trip to Schall's native Austria. There he saw a similar house with his grandchildren in 2015.

The COVID-19 pandemic made building the house a little difficult. But it was finally finished at the start of this year, Schall said. "The pandemic slowed us down a bit, but it's done now," he added.

For many people, the pandemic has turned their worlds upside down. This expression means that people's lives have been greatly changed – often in shocking or upsetting ways. But for visitors to the upside down house, the place offers a bit of lighthearted relief from restrictions and other difficulties.

Lina Gutierrez has already made a visit there. She said, after a long period of movement restrictions and other pandemic measures, the house helps visitors like herself have "a moment of relaxation."

Words in This Story

mad –adj. (mainly British) insane; very foolish

ceiling –n. the highest part of a room; the inside surface of the top of a room

inspiration –n. something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create

relief –n. the removal of something painful or unpleasant; a pleasant feeling of ease

moment –n. a short period of time

relaxation –n. a way to rest and enjoy yourself; a way to ease tension