Christmas passed quickly, and was followed by a fairly uneventful new year. Less than a month after Christmas the whole of the Arthur's family got in the car, and drove to St. Anton am Arlberg in Austria. This was particularly special trip for me as not only did it mark my first visit to a German speaking country, but additionally our visit was timed to coincide with the world alpine skiing championships.

The family have been visiting the same house in St. Anton for many years - and we were welcomed home with open arms. The house is right next to the main lift up the mountain, yet it is to one side - away from the noise of the main town. It is run by Rosemary, daughter of Rudi Matt, one of the first world champion ski racers who once had a pillow fight with Arthur (then aged about 6) and his sister during one of their first visits.

Naturally, we did not have the place to ourselves. Each morning at breakfast the table next to ours was occupied by the American TV presenters who were covering the championships. In addition, a very beautiful black squirrel would come to the window each morning, to feast on the nuts that Rosemary leaves out.

This was something of a wild week. Instead of skiing with ski-poles (which is normal) Arthur skied with two large flags - one British, one South African. This may sound weird, but it was. The family have been involved with ski racing in the UK for years, and two of their friends were competing in the world championships that we were witnessing. One, Chemmy Alcott, competes for team GB. The other, Alex Heath, lives in South East England, but actually competes for his native South Africa.

Neither of them became world champion that week.

As with all holidays, the time passed too quickly. As we were preparing to leave, Arthur had an idea. He put me on the balcony of the house, and took a photo of me, with the mist covered valley behind. It was time, he said, that I made up a scrap-book of photos of the places I visited and the people I met.

Little did I know where it would lead.

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