Time is running out

As 25 tired children made their way down for breakfast this morning they were hoping to hear the news that the weather had improved since yesterday....they were not disappointed! Although the sun wasn't shining, the snow storm had passed and the conditions up on the mountain were clearer. Kenny 1 and Kenny 2 - our bus drivers - were thrilled to see us on time! Even Adam and Ayra, who normally "volunteer" to walk at the back of the line, were not going to slow us down today. We were determined to make up for lost ski time yesterday!

Ski boots were put on in record time this morning and everyone (including Andy) managed to pick up the right pair of skis. The groups then set off in their seperate directions, each with techniques to work on. I decided to see how Susan's group had progressed over the week so I tailed after them down the red run that follows the line of the gondola back down the mountain. It's a fantastic ski run with some very challenging turns and a fast finish, almost like a racing track, but the group handled it really well and weren't afraid to pick up some speed at the end (see below).

It looked like they were going to finish the run in style, but then Hala decided to go off piste and needed to be dug out... (see below)

After lunch the group tried their skills on what is known as the "bunny run", a very narrow but short off piste run which requires some fast turning and perfect balance. This time it was Amy who threw caution to the wind and went whizzing round one of the turns too fast, promptly ending up in a heap on the floor...

Our day ended with the presentation evening. All of our ski instructors this week arrived at our hotel to present the kids with their certificates, some had clearly left a lasting impression on their instructors as they had plenty of positive things to say about the effort and committment that all the kids had put in this week. There were hugs, smiles and even a few tears as the kids collected their certificates.

Unfortunatly this laptop is about to run out of battery and its getting late, I have many more photos waiting to upload so I shall return to this tomorrow. Last day on the slopes tomorrow and its going to be free skiing all day. Can't wait!!!

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Pizza photos and more

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Hello readers. Last night ended with some awards for our pupils and a fun filled night at the local disco (more on that later). When asked why he didn't want to go, Khaled replied 'But I am so tired'. To which I replied, 'You don't look tired'. Without batting an eyelid, he looked at me with puppy dog eyes and said, 'But I'm tired from the inside'!

The disco itself was a very enjoyable affair, with a breakdance dance-off occurring between the schools, with Zaid being the sole representative of BISAK. He held his own, until a boy from another school outdid him with breakdancing moves that were out of this world. We later learned that this particular child has been on Britain's Got Talent!

Awards for Wednesday went to:

• Mariana for inventing a new ski technique (the go straight and don't turn move)
• Suzi, making the most new friends
• Ayra - the Queen of losing things (and then finding them again)!
• Martina - The helmet stealer!
• Fay - For being a victim of helmet theft!

Today saw constant heavy snowing on the mountain and conditions were testing to say the least. We are very proud of our pupils however, as they braved the snow storm without a single complaint. Well, until the afternoon that is.... I had the tough decision of calling off the lessons early, and instead we went into town for ice cream and hot chocolate. This turned out to be a good idea, as the children put on their very own Snow Circus in Courmayeur town square.

This evening we went for Pizza at Beppe's Pizzeria, which turned out to be the best pizza the children had ever tasted! And if a whole pizza each wasn't enough, they had chips, drinks and ice cream for dessert. A chilled out end to a chilling day. We are pleased to be sending the children to bed, warm, well fed and wanting to do it all again tomorrow!

The awards for today were:

• Andy the ski stealer (unknowingly)
• Aboudi, braving the cold
• Muneeb, losing his bag then finding it again
• Hala and Carina the snowman builders!

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