J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by OldAndy

As Daved says....
Something in the UK first if time. A chance to find out about the bizarre torture that ski boots can be and walking around with 5' planks on one's feet :)
Then definitely ski school!

When?

I have a scepticism in relationship to the French and their interpretation of and how they apply laws. There is a certain croniism and who you know to how laws are enforced which is part of their culture so it seems to me. In fact I wish the UK would learn something from their ability to enforce laws that suit and ignore those that don't. It does appear to me that they are happy to look after their own by ignoring some rules but then apply these same rules to others.
On this issue if the ski instructor is not abiding by the law then so be it. I would like to know that there is a level playing field though.
What I do know is that there are too many tour operators that flaunt rules or try to by-pass them in various ways. Vehicles that are not legal to "trade" in France is an example. Not having the relevant MOT equivalent or insurance to carry paying guests for example.
Employing staff in ways that are contrary to French employment law and getting round this by saying the staff are employed in the UK. French Tax avoidance would be another example.
There are loads of companies that may be classed as "British" that are fully legal and comply with local rules and laws but enough that are borderline or blatantly ignore local laws to cause local officials to be sceptical.
Mind you there are I am sure still an enormous number of French businesses that flout their own rules and laws.
:roll:
I wonder how many resort based staff are working in the black economy? This figure used to be enormous and probably still is. Mind you a good number of locals get away with it year after year.
Much of my scepticism is based on very old knowledge and my own dealings with the French and trying to run a business in France years ago but I do doubt much has changed.
I have personal experience of the phone calls going out when the police were doing their rounds to check for illegal workers, a couple of hours warning gives plenty of time to send home anyone employed on the black.
Similarly with drinks licences and those places not supposed to sell drinks without meals. Easy to avoid trouble when you know it is the day for a check.
My point (sorry for long winded rant) is that I don't think there ever has or is ever likely to be a level playing field for ostensibly British or foreign businesses working in France - just not in the nature of life. I think it really difficult to abide by French rules and regulations and maintain any competitive nature with local businesses.
Hence a temptation to simply try to get away with it! And many people do for years and years.
Basic fairness as I and possibly most Brits would understand it is something that in my view is contra to the French way of doing things. For example; I was in dispute over money when I had a business in France. It went to court. The judge was the brother-in-law of my protagonist! When my lawyer questioned this she was ignored. Not surprisingly I lost the case and had to appeal to a higher court where I won on the grounds that the previous judge had refused to accept us giving our main testament and arguments! Would this happen anywhere else?

I have a petzl tikka - excellent, had it for about 4 years.
But this one....
http://www.screwfix.com/p/ring-automotive-cyba-lite-egg-headlamp/32601
Is brighter and more flexible in type of beam.
Only used it for one week in Africa so far so cannot comment on longevity but battery life is excellent.

Is this look something I should be considering for my new ski wear?

I've seen Felthorpe's libations !!!!
:-)

7th!
Well done Katie, 7th in an Olympic final is pretty damned good.
Wish I was that good at anything :mrgreen:

I predict disasters !!
:mrgreen: