Skiing

For Christmas Simon bought me ski gear, which meant that the inevitable skiing trip was imminent.  I've never been skiing.  When choosing the annual holiday, I have always opted for beach rather than snow.  I have always quite fancied the idea of skiing but it seems a bit cold.

About three weeks ago, all of that was to change and I, dressed up like the Michelin man, sat in a car going up the side of a mountain.  Now the journey itself was pretty scary if you ask me.  I don't know why mountain roads are not wider and there are far too many hairpin bends, (especially when your boyfriend is a fan of hand brake turns, but not a master of them!).

We arrived in a small town called Andalo which was beautiful.  A real Christmas card scene.  

Now the first thing I want to know is why no-one warned me about ski boots.  These things are designed only as an instrument of torture.  Firstly you can't actually straighten your knees once they are on and secondly they crush your feet.  I'm still certain that my particular boots were broken and that not everyone experiences my pain, but I am assured that all skiers have the same problem.

I am then faced with the dilemma of not ever having been on skis before and agreeing to be taught by the ever patient (cough cough) Simon.  He promised that he would be kind and not push me too far too fast.  

So off we trundled up in the cable car and then up again on the chair lift....though I'm sure the bunny slope was where we arrived.  Eventually we found the green runs.  The slopes for beginners!!!!!.  And off I went.  Literally.  Simon was very good actually and was relieved to find me laughing when I landed on my arse rather than sulking.  He taught me to snow plough and how to turn and I had a great time.  I fell over a bit, and chose to sit down quite alot, as it was preferred to going straight down the mountain. 

We had a really good day, and although I didn't progress from the green runs, I can get to the bottom of them now without falling over.  I felt really proud of myself.

If it wasn't for those bloody boots I'd be there again tomorrow.