So, another day has come and gone in the Himalayas. There remains a disappointingly low harvest, with no major injuries to report, but with four days left the local bookies are offering very competitive odds.
I have been asked to offer some thoughts on the food. I took minor offence to this request, but am assured that this is not an indication of waist size. In the proverbial, it has been good. Unless you are a vegetarian, a concept unknown to our friends on the continent. Fortunately, the esteemed leader and her daughter are the only members of the party with this affliction so are the only ones enjoying egg many ways. Between me and thee, it is no surprise that they will have maintained their figures during the trip. The balance of the group are enjoying hearty foods with an Italian slant. Vegetables are scarce. Carbohydrates are plentiful. Children are happy.
The gap students are getting to grips with sarcasm and skiing, to varying degrees. Whilst our colleagues in the EU are unfamiliar with vegetarianism, South Africa clearly has a paucity of skiing opportunities and sarcastic fellows such as Mr. Williams and myself. As fellow beginners I think that I am in a position to say that they are learning well... But the spirit and effort of the pupils in the beginner group has been extraordinary. Of particular note has been the camaraderie, particularly amongst the younger pupils.
The hotel is excellent, and sharing a room with Mr. Brewer has not been the unmitigated disaster that I foresaw. Snow is forecast, and morale is high.
A note to the parents of Jack Buckley: please let him know that things are ok and that he is welcome home at the end of the week. He is concerned at the stony ground upon which his multiple text messages home have fallen.
In good spirits,
Mr. Warde
