I had a nice chat with Leslie earlier today, and she spilled all sorts of fun information like how Todd was the smelliest person in China. I asked her if she had read any of this blog and she said she kept up for the first week but then stopped because it was getting her down. So come on, people, show her a little love and congratulate her for making her dream come true!!! She said she should be back on the radio on her midmorning talk show within a couple of weeks.
Anyway, the Q&A will be in tomorrow's The Herald. Here are a few of the questions that we didn't have space for:
Q: What was the hardest challenge and what was your favorite challenge?
A: The hardest was the reward challenge with the boats (in Thursday's episode). That was really hard for me. I'm not a combative person. I mean, I'm competitive but not prepared for that. ... I was really surprised at how brutal those challenges were. It was never that bad in other seasons.
My favorite was the balls. I really kicked butt in that one. Even though Ashley got me in the mud at first, I got right back up and attacked Dave and kept him from scoring.
Q: How difficult was it for you to stay modest and keep covered?
A: That was really hard because you're out there and hot in the daytime, you get wet. But then at night, you're cold and didn't want to take your clothes off. It was so uncomfortable for me. I knew my kids were watching. You really had to think about "How am I going to survive." It's not about being an exhibitionist. It's about survival... In the boat challenge, I was wearing a tube top and the buff. I wore the tube top like a miniskirt — it was Courtney's and it was way too tight, I looked like hootchie momma — but I was afraid if I wore my regular clothes they'd rip them and I'd have nothing to wear. It was strategy.
Q: Who will you keep contact with after show?
A: I hope everybody. I was in such a fortunate position because I had a connection with every single person except for Ashley and Chicken. On the show, I was able to connect with both tribes because I was on both tribes at one point.
... We're just playing a hard game. It's hard to separate the two, but there really is a difference between real life and reality tv.
Q: Who is your all-time favorite Survivor?
A: Rupert
Leslie also explained why she shared the clue to the hidden immunity idol with Todd. Hear what she had to say on the audio file (which can be found on The Herald's homepage or by clicking on the link in the "Leslie Speaks!" blog post).
Leslie was true to herself
In spite of some mistakes she made as a tribal member, Leslie really came through as an authentic person who was true to herself and what she believed in. That is what impressed me the most. She didn't compromise what she believed in and she didn't let peer pressure influence what she believed in. I admire her inward strength, as well as how she very tactfully handled the interviews she had to participate in. Bravo Leslie! Character is much more important than winning the game. Well done, good and faithful servant!