For the first time since I arrived in Norway, Kristiansand is covered in snow and its here to stay (finger crossed). Almost 2 weeks ago now it was my 21st birthday and what a day. I woke up after spending the night in a self made shelter to a wonderful birthday breakfast of chocolate porridge. The day was jam packed full of odd jobs in preparation for our ski course the next week as well as the arrival of my mum and dad! Thank you to everyone who sent cards and presents out with mum and dad.

I spent the weekend showing them around Kristiansand and the university and we were lucky enough to have a sprinkling of snow the day before they were due to leave. We decided to catch the bus to a nearby town called Vennesla where we somehow managed to find an old Log Flume that had been ‘restored’ and was now a walking path.

After waving good bye to mum and dad on Monday morning we caught the bus to Evje just over an hours drive from Kristiansand, where we would be based for the coming week of skiing! The first few days of the ski course I think I spent more time in the snow than skiing over it, I have never fallen over so much in my life! Below is a picture of me ruining a perfectly lovely view.Our days were filled with new skiing techniques and lots of practice and our evenings were filled with lectures on waxing skis, first aid and packing day bags. On our final evening we had a Ceilidh. This is where everyone gets together around a fire and sings and dances. Being outdoor education students we sung and danced but also played a range of silly games from various countries.

Next week brings climbing and life saving practice as well as starting our lectures on children in nature. During this week we will also be planning our self organised ski trip on the 21st of Feb. And finally it also brings the arrival of Ryan to Norway and another weekend of fun and adventures!