I left work a couple hours early on Friday afternoon so that I could meet up with the rest of the church youth group to leave. It was nice to see a little bit of the Brussels countryside before it got dark. We passed through Luxembourg on the way to France, stopping in a gas station (this is where the 5 kg tubs of Nutella were found). I had fun sitting next to Daniel on the way down and hearing about all of the differences in the multiple European school systems and where he was in school (American - 10th grade). I think he could have talked to a brick wall, but it was great to have such a friendly companion for so many hours. We arrived at the chalet we were staying at for the weekend, owned by church members, Chris and Ann, at about 1 am.
Our first morning in Praz sur Arly was filled with a great breakfast (including porridge) prepared by Ann, and a trip to the ski hire shop to get everyone suited into boots, skis, poles, and helmets. Brett (one of the other adults) and I were paired to ski together since both of us were beginners. The youth group leader took us down the bunny slope and the green slope a couple times in the morning before we had an hour and a half long beginners lesson. It was really nice to have someone show me how to really stop and turn and put my weight on my downhill ski and look ahead and all kinds of other things. Chris and Ann then served us a fantastic picnic lunch at the bottom of the slopes - I had no idea how hungry I was until I started eating!
After lunch and a few more times down the green slope, Brett and I met up with some others from our group who were heading further up the mountain to come down some blues (that were promised to not be that bad...) All this to say, we made it up the long chairlift and found that they were maybe not that easy. After a few tumbles we ran into some of the rest of our group. Chris ended up very kindly and patiently guiding me down the mountain (about half of which was done with me as a human sled on my bum). Overall the day was fantastic though, sunny, and just cold enough for the snow to not be slushy, but not too cold that it was icy - and the views, absolutely breathtaking.
Day 2 was even better. With renewed energy and confidence we went to the other side of the mountain for some other green slopes. They were gorgeous, easy slopes through wooded areas that were spectacular. The tricky part came in getting to the other side of the mountain, which meant taking a button lift (essentially a long metal pole with a round "button" on the end that you put between your legs as it pulls you along on your skis). I actually sort of like the button lifts because they allow you to be on your skis without the worry of skiing, but this one was long and steep and after a number of falls by different members of our group - it took a while to get where we were going. However, the other side of the mountain was completely worth it. To cross back over, we had to take a red and blue slope which were both challenging, but lots of fun!!!
The weekend was not without it's fair share of falls and learning, but it was so much fun. I got to know some great people, learn a really fun new sport, and relax - I didn't have to think about what was being cooked, all I had to do was eat. As I was skiing on Sunday morning, realizing that it was Sunday, I thought, what better way to be worshipping God than to be enjoying his creation on such a beautiful day?!
Going back a couple days - I got to meet the US Ambassador to the EU at the cocktail reception that we hosted for him. I actually ended up meeting him through his assistant's intern (another American who is my age, another person to hang out with :)) It was pretty cool to get to meet him!
In my pictures, you'll see a couple with lots of foam. This was a riot that happened nearly right outside my office - for the full story on what was going on: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1245200/Foam-party-Brussels-covered-foam-firefighters-protest.html
Pictures absolutely cannot capture the beauty of what I experienced this weekend, but I hope you enjoy looking at them.
What a great weekend! It makes me want to go skiing. I, too, am a green slope skier and have been told many times by the bold, "O this blue slope isn't bad at all." It's never true. I know Daniel feels honored that you preferred talking to him over an actual brick wall, but hey, he was probably enjoying the conversation also. When you said there would be a picture of a couple with lots of foam and it was a riot(how I read your sentence), I was thinking, "are they coming out of Starbucks? Do they put more foam on the drinks over there or what? Why was it so funny?" The pictures helped to clear things up for me. You are so much fun to read. I actually clapped my hands when I saw you had another post. Please keep posting and keep enjoying your life there. I love you and miss you.
ReplyDeleteThat foam thing looks so crazy! Did you have to slog through any of it? I never have been to the Alps but it always looks SO beautiful to me in photos. I know what you mean about not quite being able to capture the real beauty of it with a camera. But you'll always be able to remember how it really looked. I want to ski now too! I'm glad you've discovered it and enjoy it. It is SO much fun. Do keep the blogs coming.. we're reading! Love you.
ReplyDelete