Some friends of mine have a habit of surprising me. Their latest was dragging me to Switzerland on a skiing holiday. As I am the type of person who hates the cold, am afraid of snow and ice and I get vertigo if my feet leave the ground by more than 6 inches this did not seem like a particularly good idea, certainly not to me anyway! But, unfortunately, no amount of excuses would budge their resolve to ‘widen my horizons’.
Therefore, on the 20th December, after farming my dogs out to my boyfriend, issuing strict instructions to my son who was looking after the house, and ensuring my daughter would keep a close eye on my elderly mother we set off on what I felt, could be my worst nightmare. As far as I was concerned the fact that we were driving there was also another negative. The reason for driving there was that we were taking their dog, a crazy, lovable cocker spaniel, who also loves snow as much as her owners. Right from the start, she decided that she was sharing my bed for the holiday, no matter what I thought or said although if I’m truthful I didn’t put up much of a fight. I knew that she wouldn’t allow me to stay snug and warm in the apartment, whilst I dog sat her when my friends were skiing. Oh no, I knew she would insist on dragging me outside if only to play in the snow.
The journey was as long and tedious, as I had expected it to be, but eventually, we arrived at the pretty village of Villiers, where our apartment was situated. Whilst we were driving halfway up the mountain I was glued to my seat neither looking left, right, up nor down. It was too frightening for a scary cat like me! The village was like a fairytale. There were twinkling lights strung across the street and wooden chalet buildings looking like pictures you get on boxes of chocolates or in glossy travel brochures. There were markets with open fires in drums, all different types of scents and smells. Santa was on a real sleigh on Christmas Eve and friendly, smiling people who were always happy and willing to help us.
The apartment was cosy and warm. We spent our days up to the mountain, my friends skiing and me and the dog walking, often long distances, but it was so peaceful away from the ski slopes. We also spent time playing in the snow or sat drinking coffee in the brightly coloured cafes on the slopes when we got tired. The sun shone nearly every day and despite walking in the snow it was reasonably warm. The evenings were spent relaxing in front of a log fire, we had no TV, just a selection of favourite music and board games. Unfortunately, I missed my family and pets and after speaking to the family on Christmas Day I became unsettled and very homesick counting the hours until we returned home.
Despite this I still enjoyed the experience. My friends have since gone to live in France in the very centre of the ski region, a fitting place for them, but I will decline their kind offer of a free bed, especially in winter, as next time they may decide to strap skis on me or something equally bizarre. With these friends, you never know what they might think up next but I wouldn’t change them for the world.