piste off my head

Last week I went skiing in Risoul, Southern France. It's the second time I've been skiing and I think I might be somewhat hooked! The alpine vistas, the tranquility and stillness of the mountains (especially higher up) mixed with the exhilleration of whizzing down the piste is wonderful. Just being away for a week has made my already itchy feet even itchier - I'm gagging to go travelling again!

Other than the skiing itself the week kept me amused in a variety of ways. I went with a school trip, thankfully I had little to do with the hoard though. The kids were mostly lovely, except for one (an 8 year old girl) who was a spoilt little madam and I made an enemy of her. The difference between boys and girls of the same age became apparent through a 14 year old boy latching on to me and spewing forth non-stop inanities, curses and 'hilarious' plans for pranks and a 14 year old girl, far more mature in outlook and vocally conservative, but who rather awkwardly had the hots for me!

As seems to be the case wherever I go, peoples obsession with alcohol amazed me. It must be the second most common passtime after skiing or boarding. Every time there was a window of opportunity, most of the group quaffed alcoholic beverages. At night, drunkeness could ensue (drunken skiing is not recommended, it would appear!) Well, fair enough, I just don't get it. I'm sure most of the heavy drinkers would scoff at the intake of any other kind of drug, even if taken occasionally and in moderation. But saturating yourself in booze every night is different, it would seem. Infact, its almost required - I got funny looks indeed when I retired early to read. "Tsk! You're on holiday, enjoy yourself, have a beer!" I know, I am, and I don't like beer.