I learnt a lot this week. It was the second week of the Sportferien. We decided this year not to go away for a ski week in the mountains but to do a ski camp for the kids closer to home - at Brunni Alpthal. This small ski area is great - perfect for kids and beginners. A few blue and red runs, about 45 mins drive from Zurich. We went there twice on a weekend in Jan / Feb and the boys and I got a private lesson each to warm up and remind ourselves that we could ski! I was very apprehensive - I didn't ski last year, did a bit the two previous years and before that, it was 25 years ago! I was proud of myself for doing it anyway and had the nicest teacher. She was so empathetic, gave me confidence and pronounced me at Red Queen level!

My other apprehension was driving alone with the kids in a rental car, back and forth 3 times. I have no issues driving alone and am a good driver, it was suddenly the fear of driving up into the mountains, alone with the kids, without my navigator mr.ncot! But actually, it was fine. The kids had a brilliant 3 days skicamp - learnt loads and passed their levels - Markus is now a Red King (ie has overtaken me) and Patrick is a Blue King. I practised during the 3 days and now feel inspired to keep learning and improving. It reminded me that learning something new, and/or improving a skill is hard work and it can dent your self esteem. But it feels good once you see the progress you're making - however slow or small!

On Monday we also took Chris, Tamsin and Drew with us - and cousin Drew (10) had his first lesson snow - and loved it. Afterwards there was some epic tobagonning! Photos below...



And again I've learnt how much I gain from spending a night away, by myself, talking to no-one! my introverted self loves it. I think my thoughts, write my notes, hide in the steam rooms and snooze on the water beds. And come home renewed.