Clifton High – Creative Writing Workshop (Prose) 2nd March 06 with YEAR 4

Fiona Hamilton, Alison Dobson, Librarian and Year 4 teachers

Around the World in a Year and a Bit
I decided to take the plane from Bristol to Venice on a dark and stormy night – why? Because all the other flights were cancelled. To my amazement, I saw a dragon rider flying by. This turned out to be the first of my many adventures. I kept a diary of places I visited which I want to share with you.

13th December 2001: Venice
I arrived to find a gingerbread city spread out before me – war-torn. It is hot and smoky and I can taste the bitterness of smoke and fire on my tongue. I feel dehydrated like a shrivelled leaf. There are dragons everywhere.

28th February 2002: Switzerland and the Alps
I have been skiing down steep jagged mountains. Fell and landed in snow like a cushioned mattress – I sank in and felt safe. Avalanches crashing down the mountainside. I’ve seen snowboarders jumping, skiers gliding. I can smell hot chocolate from the lodges and the icy air tastes like ice cream.

16th October: Sweden
Went skiing down steep dark mountains and saw girls on bay horses galloping by.

30th November: Australia
Have seen glittering dolphins rainbowing in the clear blue sea and kangaroos bouncing on the roadside. Can hear monkeys chattering in the forest. Yesterday heard elephants stomping in the forest – I jumped back out of their way.

31st December: New Zealand
All around me is soft white snow perched on top of mountains. I am stomping footprints, making snow angels, and snowmen in fluffy crystal snow. Have smelled fresh flowers in huge fields, and felt rough golden sand wriggling in my toes.

I got back to Bristol feeling worn out, exhausted and excited. I remembered the tingle of mosquitoes sucking my blood, and the terrifying sound of a crashing avalanche. I remember the cool blue sea. I lay down and fell asleep, dreaming of adventures.

Around the World in 80 Days
I’m standing here staring at £20,000. I can’t believe I won my bet. I did it! Got round the world in 80 days! I remember the smell of the coconut trees. Sometimes I wish I was still in Hawaii. I kept a diary of where I went on my amazing journey.

2nd March 2006: Madagascar
It is sunny, a humid heat that must be over 35 degrees centigrade. I am on a golden beach with mosquitoes biting me. I can see a huge hurricane spiralling with unbelievable force, and sea spouts pumping water out of the sea like colossal sea snakes or the Loch Ness Monster. I have been into a jungle full of wild animals and seen spiders the size of dinner plates.

4th April: Dubai
Here, the sun bounces off you like a netball. There is a blazing baby-blue sky stretching its arms to the ends of the world. I feel sand blown by the wind brushing against my face. I see people in bright-coloured T-shirts. I love diving into light turquoise sea off this wooden yacht.

8th April: Australia
In the background is the bellowing of rugby fans chanting and singing. I can hear the never-ending chat of the kookaburra as well. There are kangaroos pouncing and high palm trees swaying and waving in the breeze. Yesterday whistling sand rushed past my ears in a sandstorm.

23rd May: Hawaii
These islands are like a collection of stones set in a patch of blue sea. I lie on the beach feeling relaxed and sleepy. There is golden corn in the fields that parts as I walk into it.

2nd June: Italy
There are birds everywhere chattering and twittering, the rustling of wind blowing through the leaves. I can hear traffic rumbling in the distance and the gentle lapping of the sea. I feel warm and relaxed.

Now I am back in London and £20,000 is mine. What shall I do with it?