ski fail.

Earl falsity # 892345: Skiing is just like ice skating.

Today, I hit the slopes for the first time ever. I figured that since I'd never been skiing, what better place to learn than on the Swiss Alps, right? While the snow here might have been the 'perfect powder' that everyone talks about in a landscape surrounded but snow covered pines and ski lodges, it's also important to consider the other side of this picture: skiing is not vacation, it's what you DO here. Actually, I'm pretty sure most of the Swiss population was skiing before they could walk. For those of you who know me well (or even for those of you who don't, I'm sure it's still pretty evident), I'm a huge klutz. So I'm sure you can picture it-little old 5'10'' me, flailing about, trying to slide on my backside rather than fullon somersault down the slope as I'm being owned by 2 year olds zooming by. The funny thing I learned about skiing is that most of the movements are actually exactly like skating. Problem is, when you start to lose your balance, you try to move your feet to compensate but then realize there are giant 4 foot poles strapped to your 3 pound plastic boots. Not like skating. So whether the skis get crossed or you start sliding off (backwards or forwards, just depended on my mood at that moment) uncontrollably down the slope, my best option was usually to throw myself to the ground in hopes of avoiding running over small children or becoming a tree hugger in the most literal of senses. I actually managed to make it down the so-called bunny slope (either the Swiss have very different definitions of bunny's capabilities or it was most certainly NOT a bunny slope) from the very top twice, and I had even learned how to stop by the second time! The rest of the afternoon was spent learning how to turn, snowplow, pizza, stop (eventually), and whatever else it is you do on skis. Luckily, I went with the British family from across the street, so my impromptu instruction was not in French, although at that point, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't have made much difference. All in all, I think the afternoon was a grand success. Perhaps after a few more tries, I'll be able to compete with my fellow 3 year old debutants.