sailing the fingers of the dragon

Things I learned by reading the entire Chalet School series in a month (thanks, soupytwist):

• Everyone in the Commonwealth is related to everyone else. No, really.


• If you have your hair shaved off, it may grow back in curly.


• Curling is known as 'shinny' in Canada. (This might be my favourite.)


• Hump your mattress to keep it fresh.


• Having a high fever as a child can make you taller.


• Canadian children grow up faster and are more serious than English children.


• Snow blindness makes you see red.


• Twisted ankles and/or wrenched muscles will not only make you faint but leave you bedridden for months.


• Eleven is not enough children.


• Don't underestimate the possibility of natural disaster.


• Never, ever, ever cross Matron.

I never encountered the series as a child, but as an adult they were - despite being very much a product of their times at points - interesting and enjoyable. But oh, at points they sure were funny.