Sindy took her biggest ever breath of the fresh mountain air and beamed. “This place is really cool!” Holly and Jasmine agreed. The mountains around the Crystal Peaks Ski Resort sparkled with snow. Old-fashioned chalets lined the village streets under a sky that was the brightest shade of blue. Unbelievably beautiful! It was Sindy’s first skiing holiday with her friends. She couldn’t wait to get back on her skis but was feeling a bit nervous. What if she couldn’t remember how to do it? “Don’t worry,” said Holly. “It’ll all come back to you.” But it was getting late and their first run would have to wait until tomorrow. The…

“Murray! Come back!” Sindy chased after her puppy. Murray was the cutest dog in the universe, but he had not learnt how to stay still for more than five seconds. Sindy was getting super fit chasing her cheeky chum through the park. The excitable pup ran into the pond after the surprised ducks. Murray splashed about happily while it seemed to Sindy she spent all of her time calling him! After a few minutes the naughty dog pricked up his ears. Murray spotted Sindy, forgot about the water and came bounding out of the pond and straight towards her. Sindy braced herself for a soggy cuddle. But Murray was so…

Sindy couldn’t believe she was really there. It was like a magical dream. And she wanted to see everything—the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain. And of course eat tons of pizza and gelato. This was going to be the best fortnight ever!Sindy was in Rome on a college exchange trip and was staying with a girl called Bella and her family. Bella lived up to her name. She was truly beautiful with her long dark curls and sparkling smile. Sindy helped Bella with her English; Bella helped Sindy with her Italian. Perfetto! At first, Sindy felt a little nervous. Bella’s family were clearly well off. They lived in…