Ah yes, another manditory TASIS travel week. As faculty we get to spend a week in Crans-Montana in the French speaking area of Switzerland, taking ski lessons and enjoying winter activities. We do have some work to do. We are required to be on duty for a shift of a day as well as to chaperone an activity or two. So for example I was on duty on Sunday -the day we arrived - and I had to take part in Snowfest for the 9th Grade. We had a huge snow ball fight outside at night and then walked to a restaurant for hot chocolates. Tough life. I hung around to do evening check in, did lights out and was out of there at 11pm. Then I was done for the rest of the week and could pretty much do as much or little with the kids as I wanted. Our ski passes were paid for so all we had to pay for was equipment rental which was discounted to CH100 for the week. I rented a locker as well to save myself shlepping all that gear up and down the hill. It's really tiring! I think the hardest part of skiing is getting your gear on and together.
We had great weather 3 days and not so great weather the other couple, but it was a good time. Tiring for sure, but lots of fun. Most of the faculty stay up in the center of town in one hotel (which we don't pay for either!).
Though James made the decision to skip the skiing, I couldn't pass up the chance to give it a try. Over the week I took advantage of a couple of the morning lessons. I was in the Never group and basically hung close on the bunny trails till the last day. Then I dared to venture onto a beginners trail down the mountain. I was fairly terrified but thanks to my good friend Charlene, I made it with no major injuries and only a handful of clumsy falls.
Charlene and Keith - two of our good friends here who we spent alot of time with
Amy, Joanna and I on skis - Amy was helping the two of us out a little!
We ate fondu on the mountain, went tubing at night and even had a chance to watch a movie in English at the local theater. One night a bus had been organized to take the teachers and some 12th graders to some thermal baths. My aching body was more than grateful for the soak. We also had a lovely faculty dinner one night and much socializing on the other days including crepes and hot chocolate.
Other fun bits were the faculty vs student ice hockey game. So many people who have hardly ever played or never played just got up on the ice and had a great time. I was happy to watch! I don't think anyone needs to see my lack of grace on ice.
The night tubing with the kids was also great fun. We tied many tubes together and headed down a fairly long track. Of course there had to be hot chocolate to follow!
James and I at the hockey game
Tubing - I was on the end of this crazy train of students!
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