The Return to the Mountain

English activities at altitude was the concept. Two days in the mountains on an English retreat. Great.

Mince pies in hand (bit early I know!)we set off on the bus up to the mountains.... yes, this is on the same windy road that was only big enough for two cars to squeeze passed each other and we found ourselves on a 50 seater coach.

We got there in one piece to the camp site and after inspecting the cabins and finding them free from cockroaches or worse we set about

sorting out the food for the evening. Delicious food delivered by the catering company including one of my favorites: old clothes (ropa vieja) a stew of chickpeas and veg and yumminess. If this is traditionally poor persons' food then I'm quite happy to forgo some of my luxuries.

That night was also a first for me. I sang karaoke! After listening to the children murder various Lady Gaga and Rihanna songs it was only fair for the teachers to show them how it was done. So, microphone in hand and imaginary leather jacket on, I launched into a Summer Nights duet with one of the other teachers. Students off to bed time for the teachers to get very merry and sing and dance to karaoke songs and attempt to do moves only usually attempted by children in PE class. Not a pretty sight I would imagine for any flies on the walls of the hall.
Next day, Christmas activities. Yes, before my birthday and nothing more than a t-shirt needed still. The activities were great especially the Run Rudolph Run activity that involved the students applying Vaseline to their noses and sticking cellophane red circle on them. Even more amusing when the teachers attempted it!

Time for the walk/hike/treasure hunt across the mountainside. Each teacher in charge of around 5 kids on a walk that would never pass health and safety regs in the UK. I think walking along the side of a ravine and exploring abandoned mines would flag up on some database. But of course, with common sense and a bit of singing, no one got hurt or lost. Well, one group did take the wrong path for a while but found their way back! No harm done and a great opportunity to explore the mountains.

Thank goodness the weekend was approaching!