December 21, 2008

Skiing

I went skiing at Grouse Mountain with my friends 2 days ago.I had been far longing for this day to come,being my first skiing experience in life.



Although I'm a totally beginner to kick-off in this sport, I can assure myself that it would be so much fun despite the lack of skiing skills because I've always enjoyed snow. I went to rent a ski pants the day before since I expected myself to fall at least 10 times for a new sport like this.

I was right.



Skiing was difficult to a first timer like me. It was nothing like ice-skating, where you could still hold on to the wall at the side for balancing, I had to make good use of the poles to balance myself. Another exhausting thing about skiing was that I needed to carry the ski all the way up and put them on before sliding down again.It only took me 5 seconds to slide down and fall, but 5 minutes to climb up the hill, which could be really tiring after a few attempts.

On the other hand, my friends tried snowboarding. It seemed to be easier, but I might underestimate the underlying challenge of snowboarding as well, since I have not gotten my hands on them yet. I only concentrated on skiing for the first time.



After a few rounds of warm-ups and practises, we decided to challenge ourselves to move to a steeper hill, where we could get a peak of the Vancouver night view. Considering my skiing skills, I wasn't tempted at the idea initially. However, I failed to stick to my thought and followed the majority who were all so excited about the night view.

Well, just fall all the way down while enjoying the spectacular scene. Perhaps it could be a joy sitting on the snow watching the view , I thought.

" It's a long long journey......."

I was one of the few ones who were far left behind, but it didn't bother me much. I wouldn't give up until I reach the end.

"So I went down a slope after a slope, a slope after a slope, a slope after a slope, a slope after a slope...."

How many times have I mentioned the slope? I even lost count myself because I couldn't see the end after passing so many slopes, this was certainly no joke. I started to get tired as I spent half the time skiing and another half walking with the skis and poles clutched on my arms. There was no turning back, because it meant to be a tougher path to climb up than going downhill.



It was far exceeded the 1.5 km I was told for sure, and the steepness was nothing I could handle as a new skier.There were times where I just sat down and rested while enjoying the snowy atmosphere.I smiled to myself, for the courage in me to take on this challenge, since I was the only girl among the group of us who went skiing/snowboarding. The rests of my partners used up their energy as well.What made matters worse was the freezing air that deteriorated our determination.So we supported and encouraged each other throughout the entire journey.

One thing that kept me going on was the attractive night view, with all lights brightened up the city. It was really tranquilizing.



I believe every city has its side of beauty, which is differently defined by all of us.To me, the beauty of Vancouver is its tranquilizing effect and stress-free environment. I need not to hold my handbag tight 24/7 while I'm in the crowd; I receive smiley faces from people everyday. I enjoy living in this friendly community where I can fully relax myself outside school. Yea, I'm actually glad I'm in Vancouver, despite some rate it as a dull and boring city.

Finally after an hour plus, I reached the end and took the cable car up to the mountain where our point of origin was.I was urged to yell out loud as I just unleashed my mind power subconsciously to achieve something which seemed to be unattainable to me.

I just realised the guy side of me, which could be so strong and determined. I dislike being treated like I'm a fussy girl in which everyone has to tolerate and take special care of me due to my gender,and I always believe in equal sharing and support.



19.12.08 was such a special day, I just coloured my personal experiences with something new and adventurous.

My friend asked me if I were to try on skiing the next time.

Definitely. There are 3 more Winters for me to improve on it!!

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