As we arrived to board the coach at 7 o’clock the rain started, “was this going to be an omen for the weekend” I asked my self. Unlike class, everyone arrived promptly and after some goodbyes from friends and relatives we set off for Snow Valley. Rain, Fridays and 7 o’clock do not facilitate rapid progress and as we crawled out of Blumenau the Friends Video, so thoughtfully brought by Nilda, began. Which had the added bonus of preventing Janete and Tamara commencing the communal singing as threatened. Once again, well done Nilda.
After a brief stop for food we eventually arrived at Snow Valley around one in the morning. As our luggage was transported down a small rocky path to the accommodation, known as ´the hotel´ by those with as sense of humor or the hostel to those with a sense of reality, we followed in the dark as all the torches were thoughtfully left in the luggage. Not an easy walk for some, who coming straight from work, were still in high heels (some = Janete). Still all safely negotiated and straight to bed as we had a big day to follow.
The morning started with an American breakfast at 8 o’clock, well to be honest 8 for the boys around 8.15 for the girls, late as usual. The menu consisted of American pancakes accompanied by the Brazilian version of Maple syrup, a sweet honey like substance and a small introductory talk by our hosts. Luckily the calories would be burned off later, some needing more burning than others by the amount of pancakes I saw them eating. We also had a variety of Brazilian delicacies, if so required.
Before the pancakes had even had chance to settle in the stomach the activities began. Half to the Zip lining, which consisted of 3 rides; the first 300 meters, the second 400 meters and the third 150 meters, strapped to a wire and sliding down it to the bottom. The first is the quickest as the second is so steep it requires a parachute. Standing on the platform looking at the safety net 300 meters below creates emotions of fear, horror and get me out of here. But to paraphrase Neil Armstrong one small step for man (or women) one giant leap for CCBEU kind. After the first time it does get easier and you can begin to enjoy it. The other group was traversing. A mixture of obstacles to be overcome which in themselves are easy except they exist way above the ground in the tree tops. Fear is followed by relief and a sense of achievement as you complete the course only to be confronted with the zip wire. Those who did the zip lining first had the terrifying van ride back to the top. After the van ride the traverse was easy by comparison.
After all the exercise, another American themed lunch, with some nice desserts available. Once you had eaten as much as you liked a little rest period followed to relax before half the group had some American English lessons from our host. (Remember people to keep that finger wet.) The afternoon started with a 1.5 KM nature trail led by our extremely well informed instructors. A gentle walk, if a little tricky, with frequent stops to talk and of course take the obligatory photos. The rest of the afternoon consisted of a quick picnic followed by some games including football, some made up game by the girls and the most popular Archery. I would love to tell you about Ivan’s excellent archery skills but I would be lying, so I won’t.
After a quick shower for the hygienic members of the group we ventured into the restaurant for an evening meal of hot dog and again some excellent desserts, just ask Nilda about them. Then it was time to light the bonfire and enjoy the warmth of the fire, the warmth of the company, the ghost stories of the hosts and the sweet taste of toasted marshmallows. Then we all retired to bed.
Sunday morning started with a later breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast and Tamara lamenting about pancakes. The un-educated from yesterday had their American lesson while the others went on the pendulum. This consists of climbing up to a great height, being strapped to a rope and jumping off a great height, to swing through the air accompanied by screaming (Beatriz wins the loudest scream competition) laughing, from those on the ground and the flash of cameras. Then to calm down a little you could go on the zip line again. All this happens before lunch as it might not be as pleasant after, if you know what I mean.
So finally after a nice lunch we had the prize giving. Normally given to the best student, but as our hosts said and I totally concur with them, our group was so good in trying everything and speaking English to such an excellent standard all weekend that it was impossible to choose, so therefore André and Silvana were drawn and received the Snow Valley T-Shirts. I think André believes he works there now. So after a big thank you to everybody and about 1 million photos it was time to board the coach and depart. Somehow we managed to avoid the community singing again, not sure how but I think I heard Tamara snoring, so maybe that’s a clue.
Nilda, Fernanda and I (Geezer) would like to thank and congratulate everybody on the weekend. Not only on you taking part in all the activities but more importantly the consistency and accuracy with which you spoke English made us all proud of you.
(Autor: Andrew Paul Greenwood)
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