Well after the relatively eventless day of Tuesday, Wednesday was like an overload for me. 'Cause Wednesday is the day we went to DISNEYLAND!!! Tokyo. Alright so I wasn't overly anxious to go, it was a take it or leave it thing for me to start with. But I have to say I'm am glad I did go, if only for the experience. We took a train, blah blah blah, we arrived and walked in.
The place is so Fairytale like, though I'm sure that is how it is meant to be to give the impression of walking into a different world. Walking in the front doors you are greeted by the well manicured gardens and beautifully clean buildings, much like I'd expect in my fantasy world. So our first decision was where do we go? Well I suggested that like a maze, we should stick left, then we'll find our way out eventually, but Conrad's desire to go "to the world of tomorrow, TODAY!" was overuling. So we took a right instead. We walked down a little alley with different shops on either side selling their wares. Some lovely displays in the windows but completely misleading to what was actually through the door (Merchandising).
We arrived into the world of tomorrow and we were eager to get onto a ride, so up first was the Star Tours!(TM) ride. I thought I could get lifetime membership at the Skywalker Ranch because I noticed that they were using the same font as Star Wars (a registered Trademark of the Lucasarts Corporation). However my hopes were quickly dashed when I found out it was a Disney/George Lucas joint project. Oh well, a Star Wars ride is at least a little cool. So after lining up for about 30 minutes we made it onto the ride (Steven, Conrad, Whitney and I, but didn't want to go on in case it was a rollercoaster, and the signs were a little misleading). It was a moving shuttle/video screen affair, however, as it was all in Japanese I'm not quite sure what the droid flying the shuttle was saying, however I did say to him at 1 point "just stop apologising and fly the damn shuttle". I figured at this point that "rides" in Japan are probably a lot more tame then I'd like/i'm used to.
So after departing that ride we wandered around till we got to a GRAN PRIX RACING ride. WOOOO. Everyone jumped on this ride, though mum and Whitney "shared" the experience. It consisted of engined cars that you drive around a track, however they had a top speed of nothing, and they were technically on a track, however you could steer, within reason. Yay.
Well after some more walking around we made it to Toon Town, where we took a few photo's with us acting the fool and doing silly things, and any ideas to get on one of the rollercoasters was quickly cut down when we saw the 100m long line extending from the entrance. And the wait from the entrance was 40 minutes. So with that idea squashed we headed to another area where we found Alice in Wonderland references, and decided that as it was 12 or so, we should eat.
Walking into the Wonderland themed restaurant was an experience. It was so, surreal. All the way from the entrance to the exit (which was technically the same door) was themed and it really sort of dragged you kicking and screaming into the experience. Although I would have preferred it to be a little Cheshire Cat creepier. After having a roast beef and Caesar Salad though (typically theme park prices, but the quality was at least good) we left and made our way to... dun dun dun... a shop. Whitney wanted to find something to buy, although she already had a pair of Minnie Mouse ears. Well, we walked into the Aristocats store and back out again, and into Fantasy Land, or whatever it was called. Sure, great, except for 1 thing, the huge big castle in the middle of Disneyland, the one they show as their Image, well, you couldn't climb it. Hell they didn't even have "Buy a ticket to see the tower" tours. Disappointment. And if I was any more honest I guarantee I would have jumped the fence and climbed up the stairs to get some shots from the balconies.
Anyhow, as we walked from under the castle we took a few photo's at the entrance, before me Whitney and Mum where asked to pose for a photo with some nice young Japanese girls. Now, I don't mind, I like having photo's with young ladies, even if they are complete strangers. I would prefer it actually, rather then the sideways glances I'm always getting. Sure, blond hair and blue eyes is extremely unique in Tokyo/Japan, but it doesn't mean I am a monster and I really, really don't mind if you come up and say Hi. I'm friendly. I promise. But I digress. A photo or 2 and we are on our way again. By this time we are walking up the main path where the parade is going, and the parade is about to start, meaning 1 thing, the rides will be quieter. So off we go back to toon town to get on the RESCUE RANGERS ROLLERCOASTER!
Well, it was still a wait of 30 minutes, but better then the hour we would have had to wait. I even found out that I can do a pretty good Mickey Mouse voice, thanks to Conrad trying to talk like him. I've always known I could mimic most voices, but Mickey Mouse was new to me. But none-the-less I used this new ability to the full. As we were getting on the ride I said "oh boy" (Mickey Mouse voice), and the 2 ladies (Well, 1 was probably my age, and I think she had her mum with her) started to laugh a little. The ride set's of and as we get to the top, I yell once again in Mickey character "Oh boy, here we go, this'll be fun" and the 2 ladies start bursting out laughing. It's nice to have a new audience. However I can't say the ride was as fun for me and Steven. 30 minutes of waiting and a 1 minute ride doesn't do it for me. Our conversation consisted of "I think you car has more G force then this ride Steven", "Yeah, and it goes faster too", "Yep".
Well the ride ends, and as we roll around the last corner into the station, I look at one of the young guys walking onto the ride, I get eye contact, and say once again in character "Oh boy, this is the best ride ever, your going to love it". This kid just stairs in confusion at me. And we all start laughing. What was I supposed to do?
Right well off the ride, and it's a walk to Westernland, and a pitstop for us all. Wander around some more, over to Adventureland. Swiss Family Robinson house, then we look in a couple of shops, take a River Cruise (the guy driving the boat was speaking Japanese, and everyone was laughing, so I just smiled and didn't understand anything), a few more stores, and it was about called a day. We had a quick peek at the musical that was going on, and after lasting 2 minutes of assault to our ear drums, we walked back to the main entrance area. Whitney and Mum wanted to look in some shops for souvenirs, so us Boyz!(TM) went to a cafe to get a coffee. I loved the Cafe, not for the coffee, but for the full Art Deco interior. Also the waitresses were wearing period clothing, and it looked awesome.
A quick wander out the doors and we were back in reality. We got on a train, and went to Super Autobacs to find Steven some breakpads (they are open till late so, but we were getting drained quickly) so after another hour we were all ready to break. Back to Tokyo station and we stopped at the Sushi place we had gone the previous year. The one where the old guys love to pile on the Wasabi (I love it). A few beers and 8 plates of Sushi and it was time to crash.
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams.
Disney don't make anything, they just "Borrow" ideas.
I "borrowed" one of theirs display, be right back.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, is my blues-day. Where for art though snow?
Well conditions on Monday were a little slushy, with the higher temperatures starting to destroy all the lovely snow, which was fortunate seeing as we were leaving today. We ordered breakfast at 7 and said goodbye to the very nice and polite dining staff, and got our bags ready to get on a bus ride for 70 minutes or so.
Not much to report about the ride to the Shinkansen ("Bullet" train) or even to Tokyo, but we arrived nicely and without much trouble. We sent Mum and Whitney on a bus to the hotel, and Conrad and I set off for the hote on foot, seeing as we had 2 large board bags that wouldn't fit in a taxi anyhow. After walking a large distance, and getting warmer by the minute, we met Steven on one of the last turns before the hotel. Seems he couldn't get the last bag into the Taxi, so he just walked as well.
We made it too the hotel and waited for the Girlz!(TM), and after they finally arrived (the driver said Steven had sent him to the wrong address, but apparently he had to ask for directions for where he was going from passersby) we were told by Center Hotel that book in wasn't until 3pm. And it was 12.30 or so. Not a problem, I mean I did tell them we might not arrive until 3 anyhow. So we left our baggage with them and set off for some food. Mos Burger was the place to go, I had a hankering for a Chilli Cheezburger. Well guess what, no Chilli Cheezburger, but there was a spicy cheeseburger. So I ordered that and a large fries and coke. The young lady behind the counter who helped us spoke fairly good English, and was so bubbly you couldn't help but smile at her. It was sort of funny when I said thank you for my food she had brought me, and as she was walking off she said in a low voice "No Problem". Cute.
We ate our food in a park next to a school that sits behind the hotel we are at, and afterwards set off for the Yaesu mall to show Conrad all the fun that lies below the streets. It is a large mall area with many shops showing off their wares. Well we walked around for a while until it was 3 and then set back for the hotel. We had to check-in and change clothing, as we all felt like hobo's/out of place in amongst the black suits and coats of Tokyo Business Central. So after a shower and a change we headed out for some eats and to explore some more.
We showed Conrad many a cake shop and all the excitement of the Daimaru centre. And after a purchase or 2 we made our way to the Gyoza place I had been craving for the last year.
And they didn't disappoint. They had added a large 2-3 person feed on the menu and Conrad and I went shares in that, as did Steven and Mum, whilst Whitney ordered the Ramen bowl and a plate of Gyoza. So add to that a beer, and then a highball afterwards and another plate of Gyoza (there are 3 types, Pork, Beef and Pork, and Beef made with wagyu, and all different sizes) and we walked out fatter and happier. So were do we go but the local little bottle shop.
When I say little, I mean in size it is smaller, but the range is AMAZING. Plus, they allow you to try 10ml of a bottle for whatever price is being offered. So when I spotted a 32 year old bottle of Blackadder Scotch Whisky to try for 250yen I couldn't pass up the opportunity. And boy did it burn. The taste was so smooth, but rather then burn the throat, it tingled the lips and burnt the stomach, it was that strong and smooth. But at $100 a bottle I couldn't afford anymore. So we got a bottle of Courvousie (?) Cognac and we headed back for the hotel. And that's about it. We walked back, stopping at a supermarket on the way, and settled in to sleep for the night. Apparently I found out today we are going to Disneyland Tokyo tomorrow. Who knew.
I am but a mushroom. They keep my in the dark and feed me *crap*.
I've eaten enough mushrooms this week, in soup.
Soup is the poor man's Scotch Whisky.
Not much to report about the ride to the Shinkansen ("Bullet" train) or even to Tokyo, but we arrived nicely and without much trouble. We sent Mum and Whitney on a bus to the hotel, and Conrad and I set off for the hote on foot, seeing as we had 2 large board bags that wouldn't fit in a taxi anyhow. After walking a large distance, and getting warmer by the minute, we met Steven on one of the last turns before the hotel. Seems he couldn't get the last bag into the Taxi, so he just walked as well.
We made it too the hotel and waited for the Girlz!(TM), and after they finally arrived (the driver said Steven had sent him to the wrong address, but apparently he had to ask for directions for where he was going from passersby) we were told by Center Hotel that book in wasn't until 3pm. And it was 12.30 or so. Not a problem, I mean I did tell them we might not arrive until 3 anyhow. So we left our baggage with them and set off for some food. Mos Burger was the place to go, I had a hankering for a Chilli Cheezburger. Well guess what, no Chilli Cheezburger, but there was a spicy cheeseburger. So I ordered that and a large fries and coke. The young lady behind the counter who helped us spoke fairly good English, and was so bubbly you couldn't help but smile at her. It was sort of funny when I said thank you for my food she had brought me, and as she was walking off she said in a low voice "No Problem". Cute.
We ate our food in a park next to a school that sits behind the hotel we are at, and afterwards set off for the Yaesu mall to show Conrad all the fun that lies below the streets. It is a large mall area with many shops showing off their wares. Well we walked around for a while until it was 3 and then set back for the hotel. We had to check-in and change clothing, as we all felt like hobo's/out of place in amongst the black suits and coats of Tokyo Business Central. So after a shower and a change we headed out for some eats and to explore some more.
We showed Conrad many a cake shop and all the excitement of the Daimaru centre. And after a purchase or 2 we made our way to the Gyoza place I had been craving for the last year.
And they didn't disappoint. They had added a large 2-3 person feed on the menu and Conrad and I went shares in that, as did Steven and Mum, whilst Whitney ordered the Ramen bowl and a plate of Gyoza. So add to that a beer, and then a highball afterwards and another plate of Gyoza (there are 3 types, Pork, Beef and Pork, and Beef made with wagyu, and all different sizes) and we walked out fatter and happier. So were do we go but the local little bottle shop.
When I say little, I mean in size it is smaller, but the range is AMAZING. Plus, they allow you to try 10ml of a bottle for whatever price is being offered. So when I spotted a 32 year old bottle of Blackadder Scotch Whisky to try for 250yen I couldn't pass up the opportunity. And boy did it burn. The taste was so smooth, but rather then burn the throat, it tingled the lips and burnt the stomach, it was that strong and smooth. But at $100 a bottle I couldn't afford anymore. So we got a bottle of Courvousie (?) Cognac and we headed back for the hotel. And that's about it. We walked back, stopping at a supermarket on the way, and settled in to sleep for the night. Apparently I found out today we are going to Disneyland Tokyo tomorrow. Who knew.
I am but a mushroom. They keep my in the dark and feed me *crap*.
I've eaten enough mushrooms this week, in soup.
Soup is the poor man's Scotch Whisky.
Monday March through the Marshes. Or sludge as the case may be.
What a day. As far as last days on the snow go, it was pretty good.
We started out the day with the prerequisite waking, breakfast, morning snowboard dressing ritual, and then busted it out to the slopes.
After missing a large part of Yesterday travelling to the reaches of the unknown (Yokoteyama) we headed straight up the first lift at Ichinose and took the flat run down the back to Terakoya. I was still getting my legs (and my confidence) back after the whole pelvic injury thing that transpired, so I took the first run fairly calmly. After going up the main middle lift at Terakoya we stopped for a quick photo, and then started off down the middle run. I should mention that with temperatures rising at the moment in Shiga Kogen, Terakoya seemed like a good start to the day, as the sun has to rise over the mountain before it starts to affect the snow, as opposed to some areas that suffer direct sunlight from morning till night.
The first run I was trying to get my legs still, but even so Steven and I had time to skip a line through the trees. As this seemed like fun we started trying to spot lines through the trees we could take the second time. But as is obvious nothing goes to plan. Once we set off the top of the mountain any attempts to take a bee-line through the trees was thwarted by the dreaded SKI PATROL (ominous music, "Doom doom DOOooooooooom"). A few boarders who had set off just before me were being told to get out of the out of bounds sections, and me, being the agreeable citizen like I am (Halo appears above head!) decided that it was best to let sleeping dogs lie. So after passing the Ski Patrol, I told Conrad (the Extreme!(TM)) that I wasn't going to attempt the tree adventure, and instead just shot down as fast as I could to the bottom, which I have to admit felt fairly quick. It was nice to be getting my confidence back.
After we reached the bottom (and Steven bragged about taking a trip through the trees regardless of the Patrol, ominous music) we set up the same lift a 3rd time, but with a different course in mind. We shot down towards the far left lift in order to take it up to the back of Higashitateyama. When we spotted that there was a path below the lift we were on we changed plans slightly to see how this path worked. It was a short diversion, and after reaching the bottom and making it back up the lift we headed towards the bottom of Ichinose and over to Yakebitai.
After a few different paths we made our way to the Terrain Park (Jumps and Grinds area) because I had a hankering to try a jump or 2. I still was trying to protect my poor gut, but I didn't want to miss a chance at trying a jump, seeing as I never had the skill/guts to do it before (ha ha ha, Guts, and my guts is hurting). So I led the way, after waiting for Conrad to get into Photographer Extraordinaire Position! and made my way to the first grind box. Nothing special, just rode along it and off, but I landed, and that was a BIG DEAL. I'm sure Steven can tell you how he thinks he went, so i'll stick to how I did for the most part.
I crashed. Alot. But I still had fun, and for someone who has never done jumps before, or even been taught, I feel like it was a good start. Plus I didn't want to wreck my board, seeing as it isn't a park board, and it's still new (and my BABY!). I made a few little jumps, and I laughed (I couldn't help it) when Steven fell over on the grind box straight onto his bum, all you could hear was BOOOM, and seem him sort of bounce a little. Yep, he bounced. Laughs. After 2 runs down we had to call it quits (we had a quick snack of chips/sweet buns after the first run) as we were hungry and we had to head back to Ichinose area for food, as Prince Hotel (North, South, East, West, whatever) are all expensive, and the food's not that great. So after taking the large 8 seater Gondola to the top of Yakebitai it was a stonking fast run to the bottom for me. I went faster then I've gone for a long time, and it showed by how long I had to wait at the bottom for the other 2.
After a diversion (the lifts down the bottom of Yakebitai towards Ichinose were closed) we made it over and sat down at Rocky's to have a beer, Coffee, and Food. By now it was 3 and we knew that once we got up we would only have maybe 1 or 2 runs at best before it was time to call it quits. So we agreed upon taking the Ichinose lift to Terakoya, taking the top run along to Higashitate, and then looping back again to Ichinose. So once we reached the top of Terakoya Conrad and I got out our Video Cameras and started taping some runs. So I've got video of the loop run, if you want to see it, however it's a little jumpy, as you can imagine.
Well long story short, we made it back to the bottom or Ichinose and the lifts were only JUST running, so Steven and I broke away from Conrad to take 1 last run. And it felt good. Taking a trail through the trees and making it back to the bottom, we said goodbye to Shiga Kogen and it's beautiful snow, hopefully not for the last time, and slunk our way back to the hotel.
As we had eaten everywhere else except the hotel for the past week or so, our front desk clerk Ganji was urging us to have food with them, so us being the obliging sort, obliged. Or oblodged...? It was a fairly mild affair, thought surprisingly tasty with Chicken, Beef strips (we cooked ourselves, and they were really nicely marbled) and various vegetables. We called it a night after some packing and had our last little slumber in Snowy heaven....thingamajig.
Snow is cold. But Cold is Cool. So snowmen are Cool-men.
I miss the boarding already.
We started out the day with the prerequisite waking, breakfast, morning snowboard dressing ritual, and then busted it out to the slopes.
After missing a large part of Yesterday travelling to the reaches of the unknown (Yokoteyama) we headed straight up the first lift at Ichinose and took the flat run down the back to Terakoya. I was still getting my legs (and my confidence) back after the whole pelvic injury thing that transpired, so I took the first run fairly calmly. After going up the main middle lift at Terakoya we stopped for a quick photo, and then started off down the middle run. I should mention that with temperatures rising at the moment in Shiga Kogen, Terakoya seemed like a good start to the day, as the sun has to rise over the mountain before it starts to affect the snow, as opposed to some areas that suffer direct sunlight from morning till night.
The first run I was trying to get my legs still, but even so Steven and I had time to skip a line through the trees. As this seemed like fun we started trying to spot lines through the trees we could take the second time. But as is obvious nothing goes to plan. Once we set off the top of the mountain any attempts to take a bee-line through the trees was thwarted by the dreaded SKI PATROL (ominous music, "Doom doom DOOooooooooom"). A few boarders who had set off just before me were being told to get out of the out of bounds sections, and me, being the agreeable citizen like I am (Halo appears above head!) decided that it was best to let sleeping dogs lie. So after passing the Ski Patrol, I told Conrad (the Extreme!(TM)) that I wasn't going to attempt the tree adventure, and instead just shot down as fast as I could to the bottom, which I have to admit felt fairly quick. It was nice to be getting my confidence back.
After we reached the bottom (and Steven bragged about taking a trip through the trees regardless of the Patrol, ominous music) we set up the same lift a 3rd time, but with a different course in mind. We shot down towards the far left lift in order to take it up to the back of Higashitateyama. When we spotted that there was a path below the lift we were on we changed plans slightly to see how this path worked. It was a short diversion, and after reaching the bottom and making it back up the lift we headed towards the bottom of Ichinose and over to Yakebitai.
After a few different paths we made our way to the Terrain Park (Jumps and Grinds area) because I had a hankering to try a jump or 2. I still was trying to protect my poor gut, but I didn't want to miss a chance at trying a jump, seeing as I never had the skill/guts to do it before (ha ha ha, Guts, and my guts is hurting). So I led the way, after waiting for Conrad to get into Photographer Extraordinaire Position! and made my way to the first grind box. Nothing special, just rode along it and off, but I landed, and that was a BIG DEAL. I'm sure Steven can tell you how he thinks he went, so i'll stick to how I did for the most part.
I crashed. Alot. But I still had fun, and for someone who has never done jumps before, or even been taught, I feel like it was a good start. Plus I didn't want to wreck my board, seeing as it isn't a park board, and it's still new (and my BABY!). I made a few little jumps, and I laughed (I couldn't help it) when Steven fell over on the grind box straight onto his bum, all you could hear was BOOOM, and seem him sort of bounce a little. Yep, he bounced. Laughs. After 2 runs down we had to call it quits (we had a quick snack of chips/sweet buns after the first run) as we were hungry and we had to head back to Ichinose area for food, as Prince Hotel (North, South, East, West, whatever) are all expensive, and the food's not that great. So after taking the large 8 seater Gondola to the top of Yakebitai it was a stonking fast run to the bottom for me. I went faster then I've gone for a long time, and it showed by how long I had to wait at the bottom for the other 2.
After a diversion (the lifts down the bottom of Yakebitai towards Ichinose were closed) we made it over and sat down at Rocky's to have a beer, Coffee, and Food. By now it was 3 and we knew that once we got up we would only have maybe 1 or 2 runs at best before it was time to call it quits. So we agreed upon taking the Ichinose lift to Terakoya, taking the top run along to Higashitate, and then looping back again to Ichinose. So once we reached the top of Terakoya Conrad and I got out our Video Cameras and started taping some runs. So I've got video of the loop run, if you want to see it, however it's a little jumpy, as you can imagine.
Well long story short, we made it back to the bottom or Ichinose and the lifts were only JUST running, so Steven and I broke away from Conrad to take 1 last run. And it felt good. Taking a trail through the trees and making it back to the bottom, we said goodbye to Shiga Kogen and it's beautiful snow, hopefully not for the last time, and slunk our way back to the hotel.
As we had eaten everywhere else except the hotel for the past week or so, our front desk clerk Ganji was urging us to have food with them, so us being the obliging sort, obliged. Or oblodged...? It was a fairly mild affair, thought surprisingly tasty with Chicken, Beef strips (we cooked ourselves, and they were really nicely marbled) and various vegetables. We called it a night after some packing and had our last little slumber in Snowy heaven....thingamajig.
Snow is cold. But Cold is Cool. So snowmen are Cool-men.
I miss the boarding already.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday (BEEP) Sunday. Where have all the buses gone.
Alrighty, after the break I had on Saturday to recouperate from my many pains, I was hoping Sunday would be a nice cruisy day. It instead turned into an up and down sort of day. After the requisite breakfast, of which I've been nearly only eating the toast and jam, we made our way to the Ichinose Diamond area. We were considering going to Yakebitai for a little while, then heading over to Yokoteyama, seeing as we had never been there. But as a bus was arriving shortly we decided to wait and just head straight to Yokote.
Everything was going alright, it was taking a while to get there, but otherwise things were fine, until we got off the bus. My RFID ticket for the Bus/Lifts was playing up and not registering on the machine. The bus driver was probably the first one I've ever met that didn't speak any English, and I can't speak any Japanese, so a polite lady helped out briefly to tell me my pass had expired... a 10 day pass expiring in 7 days? Hardly. Well after showing my receipt for the ticket, the driver phoned it back to base, and I was told that it didn't work, I needed to pay. So I left the bus 830yen lighter and very unhappy about the situation.
After walking up to the first lift I tried entering but once again the evil RFID chip of DOOM was out to torment me. A few attempts and the helpful man at the gate said there was something wrong, and he would replace it. Well, all I understood was "replace" and he walked off. A couple of minutes later I had another chip, and it worked fine. So 3 monstrously long lifts later we were at the top of Yokoteyama. All 2305 Metres of it. We wandered around and took photo's/video of the area, with a fantastic view on a clear day, and suddenly felt the pangs of hunger. By this time it was around 12 and the bakery at the top was sounding like the only option.
I got a Sausage/Cheese/Capsicum/Tomato/Onion pizza Loaf of some sort, Conrad the same, and Steven bought himself a garlic bread and Mega DOG! It was basically a 30cm long loaf of bread with a large sausage, tomato sauce and mustard. I didn't think he'd get through it, but his gut never ceases to amaze. With a shared bottle of Kirin Classic for good measure we were in high spirits to finally hit the slopes.
Ok, slight hitch. The only way down from the top of Yokote is by a red run, which only Skiers can use. The only other thing up there to do was a little loop run on the back of the mountain, which seemed pointless seeing as we wanted to ride down. So some more video and photo's and we caught the lift back to the top of the 2nd lift we had taken, and proceed to ride the rest of the way down. I fell over and got frustrated because I didn't really want to injure myself anymore then I already had. So after taking it easy and making it to the bottom, I suggested maybe we leave Yokote, seeing as it didn't really offer much in the way of runs, and it takes forever just to get up them. Dang slow lifts. So it was another 30 minute wait for a bus to show up.
This bus didn't head all the way back to Ichinose, or even somewhere around it, so we chose to get off at Hasuike and take the Ropeway across the large gap inbetween. It was a nice view and all, but we were kind of getting anxious just to do some riding, seeing as by now it was about 1 or 2. A quick skip up a lift, across Tanne No Mori, and down the bridge to Ichinose Diamond, to go for a ride in Yakebitai. This was becoming a good place to ride, with a few runs and fast lifts.
So after riding around for a while, and trying not to break our necks on all the hard pack ice that had been made from a Busy Weekends worth of use, we finally returned back to our hotel after all the lifts had closed down. A lazy night followed with us visiting the Victoria Restaurant again for another buffet dinner, replete with platefuls of Steak, then it was back to our room for a quick night cap and sleep.
I done busted my gut. I'm in a rut.
I got Mocha Chocolate coated Almond Nuts.
Nom.
Everything was going alright, it was taking a while to get there, but otherwise things were fine, until we got off the bus. My RFID ticket for the Bus/Lifts was playing up and not registering on the machine. The bus driver was probably the first one I've ever met that didn't speak any English, and I can't speak any Japanese, so a polite lady helped out briefly to tell me my pass had expired... a 10 day pass expiring in 7 days? Hardly. Well after showing my receipt for the ticket, the driver phoned it back to base, and I was told that it didn't work, I needed to pay. So I left the bus 830yen lighter and very unhappy about the situation.
After walking up to the first lift I tried entering but once again the evil RFID chip of DOOM was out to torment me. A few attempts and the helpful man at the gate said there was something wrong, and he would replace it. Well, all I understood was "replace" and he walked off. A couple of minutes later I had another chip, and it worked fine. So 3 monstrously long lifts later we were at the top of Yokoteyama. All 2305 Metres of it. We wandered around and took photo's/video of the area, with a fantastic view on a clear day, and suddenly felt the pangs of hunger. By this time it was around 12 and the bakery at the top was sounding like the only option.
I got a Sausage/Cheese/Capsicum/Tomato/Onion pizza Loaf of some sort, Conrad the same, and Steven bought himself a garlic bread and Mega DOG! It was basically a 30cm long loaf of bread with a large sausage, tomato sauce and mustard. I didn't think he'd get through it, but his gut never ceases to amaze. With a shared bottle of Kirin Classic for good measure we were in high spirits to finally hit the slopes.
Ok, slight hitch. The only way down from the top of Yokote is by a red run, which only Skiers can use. The only other thing up there to do was a little loop run on the back of the mountain, which seemed pointless seeing as we wanted to ride down. So some more video and photo's and we caught the lift back to the top of the 2nd lift we had taken, and proceed to ride the rest of the way down. I fell over and got frustrated because I didn't really want to injure myself anymore then I already had. So after taking it easy and making it to the bottom, I suggested maybe we leave Yokote, seeing as it didn't really offer much in the way of runs, and it takes forever just to get up them. Dang slow lifts. So it was another 30 minute wait for a bus to show up.
This bus didn't head all the way back to Ichinose, or even somewhere around it, so we chose to get off at Hasuike and take the Ropeway across the large gap inbetween. It was a nice view and all, but we were kind of getting anxious just to do some riding, seeing as by now it was about 1 or 2. A quick skip up a lift, across Tanne No Mori, and down the bridge to Ichinose Diamond, to go for a ride in Yakebitai. This was becoming a good place to ride, with a few runs and fast lifts.
So after riding around for a while, and trying not to break our necks on all the hard pack ice that had been made from a Busy Weekends worth of use, we finally returned back to our hotel after all the lifts had closed down. A lazy night followed with us visiting the Victoria Restaurant again for another buffet dinner, replete with platefuls of Steak, then it was back to our room for a quick night cap and sleep.
I done busted my gut. I'm in a rut.
I got Mocha Chocolate coated Almond Nuts.
Nom.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday Slumber, sourced on the seat and table.
So I was in pain on Saturday. But not as bad as Friday night. The night of sleepless pain didn't help either. I used some Heatpacks with Arnica, at least that's what I think they were. Anyhow, it seemed to relieve some of the pain and discomfort I was feeling in my pelvic/ab region, but I knew if I pushed myself Snowboarding today, I really might regret it. So it was a very laid-back day for me. Got up at the usual time, give or take 20 minutes due to not getting any sleep, and made my way down to breakfast. (On a side note, I think the food is causing problems with my stomach, because I believe the un-holy beings I keep creating in the toilet smell worse then the sulphur streams around the area).
After breakfast we lazed around playing on the computers, and catching up on some more episodes of Chuck (I'm now up to S02E19, just about to meet Chucks dad), and generally being sloths. By 12 we went to lunch at ROCKY'S (Eye of the Tiger starts playing, da da da da....da da da...) and I ordered the Pasta with Cream sauce. It was "alright" but apart from not being a SUPER big fan of pasta, I've noticed that the Japanese serve far to much Spaghetti, and not enough sauce. It's like a 1 to 4 Ratio of Noodle to Sauce, and I love a 2 to 1 ratio of Sauce to Pasta. But anyhow. I ordered a Cappuccino and was pleasantly surprised, although it was weak (as is the norm here) it was still rather tasty. And after lunch I ordered the Mont Blanc cake, I'm not sure what it was, but I'm guessing some white Chocolate and White Bean Paste were involved.
After lunch Steven and Conrad left to board (I was in tears... not literally) and Mum, Whitney and Myself pottered around the shops, seeing what tid bits they had to offer. I bought a few gifts for people, I won't say what or for whom, suffice to say some are funny, others are cute. I also bought a rather cool Smiley face, which is fluffy and round, and when squeezed, it laughs and shakes. I cracked up laughing so I bought it. It wasn't too expensive. And I also got Steven a little Hamburger Coin ....purse, for lack of a better word. He's been using a Cat Purse, and it's extremely girly, so to protect his masculinity I bought him a Hamburger... Purse.
I should mention I also slept a little bit today, in the "Bar" area of the hotel, head down on a table and sleeping quite happily after the dozing I missed last night. I didn't even drool. Though I'm not sure if I snored or not. But it was alright, except for the big red mark on my forehead when I woke up. But the table is definitely more comfortable then the pillow or my bed. Dang.
Alrighty, so after we bludged around all day, the Boyz!(TM) came back, and we had dinner at HERE! It was a noodle affair again, with some Beer's thrown in for good measure. After all the doing nothing, I was tired, and by 9 it was lights out.
If teleportation were a reality, I'd teleport a comfy bed to the hotel.
And a comfy lady.
I'm kidding about the Bed.
After breakfast we lazed around playing on the computers, and catching up on some more episodes of Chuck (I'm now up to S02E19, just about to meet Chucks dad), and generally being sloths. By 12 we went to lunch at ROCKY'S (Eye of the Tiger starts playing, da da da da....da da da...) and I ordered the Pasta with Cream sauce. It was "alright" but apart from not being a SUPER big fan of pasta, I've noticed that the Japanese serve far to much Spaghetti, and not enough sauce. It's like a 1 to 4 Ratio of Noodle to Sauce, and I love a 2 to 1 ratio of Sauce to Pasta. But anyhow. I ordered a Cappuccino and was pleasantly surprised, although it was weak (as is the norm here) it was still rather tasty. And after lunch I ordered the Mont Blanc cake, I'm not sure what it was, but I'm guessing some white Chocolate and White Bean Paste were involved.
After lunch Steven and Conrad left to board (I was in tears... not literally) and Mum, Whitney and Myself pottered around the shops, seeing what tid bits they had to offer. I bought a few gifts for people, I won't say what or for whom, suffice to say some are funny, others are cute. I also bought a rather cool Smiley face, which is fluffy and round, and when squeezed, it laughs and shakes. I cracked up laughing so I bought it. It wasn't too expensive. And I also got Steven a little Hamburger Coin ....purse, for lack of a better word. He's been using a Cat Purse, and it's extremely girly, so to protect his masculinity I bought him a Hamburger... Purse.
I should mention I also slept a little bit today, in the "Bar" area of the hotel, head down on a table and sleeping quite happily after the dozing I missed last night. I didn't even drool. Though I'm not sure if I snored or not. But it was alright, except for the big red mark on my forehead when I woke up. But the table is definitely more comfortable then the pillow or my bed. Dang.
Alrighty, so after we bludged around all day, the Boyz!(TM) came back, and we had dinner at HERE! It was a noodle affair again, with some Beer's thrown in for good measure. After all the doing nothing, I was tired, and by 9 it was lights out.
If teleportation were a reality, I'd teleport a comfy bed to the hotel.
And a comfy lady.
I'm kidding about the Bed.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday is a Harsh Mistress. But the Chicken is good.
Alright, i'll start by saying that by Friday end, I was in pain. ALOT of pain. At least top 10, if not top 5 pains I've felt in my life. But I didn't cry, and I don't.
So we started out reasonably well on Friday morning. Breakfast, got ready, and we were on the slopes by 8.40 or so. The pains I had gathered from the day before had subsided, my stomach was fine, my arm was fine, I was, for lack of better words, fine. We took a Black run at the top of Ichinose and discovered fairly quickly that Conrad doesn't like the steep descents. Not surprising it being his 4th day of snowboarding. It was sort of funny in some respects because I was watching from further down as he sat on his heel edge, and when that didn't seem to slow him down (he had good sideways pace) he fell over and slid on his butt for about 20 metres before coming to a stop. Having realised that heel edge wasn't giving him the desired effect, he slid down the rest of the way on his butt, until he got to the red section and then went slowly on his feet. He didn't get injured, not that I know of, but maybe his confidence was a little worn out.
Off to Yakebitai-yama. We had barely touched this area last time we came, only doing 1 run, so this time we were making a concerted effort to explore as much of Shiga Kogen as possible. So we crossed the road from Ichinose to the bottom of Yakebitai, and made our way up the first lift. After realising we didn't have the right angle to take the green run we planned on, it was a quick trip to the bottom via a red run, not too difficult at all, and back up an appropriate lift to try out the missed Green run. Waste of time nearly, as it was just less angled then the red we had taken, so to allow for novices to get to the bottom. Not worth the lift ride up.
So after getting back to the bottom, we took a big lift to the near top of Yakebitai, and proceeded to take a few runs to reach the bottom. WOO! Conrad was in much better form on this mountain, transferring from edge to edge extremely well, and keeping up with Steven and I in some areas. WELL DONE CONRAD!!! He is getting the hang of this Snow-thingy quite well. Once we reached the bottom we took a nice comfy gondola ride to the top. Well, the top wasn't much excitement, probably offering a few hundred metres of extra ride from where we exited the last lift. Not a bad thing though as the ground here was fairly fluffy and must have somehow avoided the onslaught of many a ski-schooler. Even though they are only green/red runs.
Having arrived at the bottom we were getting hungry. 20 to 12 and we stopped at Prince Hotel (something or other, apparently there is a north south east and west Prince hotel....?) to order some food. Not very good price, and the Chicken and French fries Steven and I ordered were a little dry, no doubt sitting there for half an hour before hand. I'll be honest though, 2 of the girls they had working here were quite cute, so I'll let them go this time, but I still don't like dry fries.
Alrighty fueled up and ready to go, we made for the gondola again, but not before a toilet break. We had seen on the map something labelled "Terrain Park" and wanted to go and see what kind of jumps and stunt areas this held. Well wouldn't you know it, after making our way down and across to the lift that connects to the terrain park, we see everyone leaving, and people stuck on the lift. Borked. Fortunately there was another gondola not to far away, and I must say it was quite nice. It held 8 people and looked newer then anything else I'd ridden on in Shiga. Which means I guess it was installed after the Nagano Olympics in '98.
Up the top it would have taken a few Black/Red runs to get to the Terrain park, as opposed to the lift that drops you right at the top of it (the one that broke), and Conrad-chan wasn't up to tackling anymore blacks, so we ran down the same run we had done 2 times already, and thought it would be best to head back over to Higashitateyama area. So after another lift ride, and some traversing, we were back in Ichinose, and making our way back to the Terakoya side of the mountain. We took our regular Green Tree run, and this is were things got bad-ish. I fell over 1/4 the way down, and had barely enough speed to make it throught some flatter sections. I finally caught up to Steven when he had fallen over in the downward hairpin sections.
Now the hairpin sections had been receiving some bad treatment from the ski-schoolers over the past couple of days, and rather then be nice and flat through here, instead it was hollowed out in the middle, meaning doing S turns was EXTREMELY sketchy through here. Steven had already fallen over, and because I had some pace through here, stability started becoming an issue, when, wouldn't you know it, I fell.... HARD. I landed on my back, and it winded me slightly, and because I had tensed my abs for the impact, I tore the same muscle in my stomach that had plagued me the day before. And I was in PAIN.
Making it to the bottom was difficult to say the least, I fell over more times then I care to remember. So having finally made it to the restaurant at the bottom, I grabbed a beer and sat down. I was in pain, but this was only the beginning. After we had all rested up for a while, and gotten some Mocha Chocolate Almonds (they are AWESOME), we headed over the Nishitateyama runs and onto the back of Takamagahara. Now, between the Nishi and Taka sides is a road, with a bridge over the top, and I didn't have enough speed to make it to the top, and because of the angle, I didn't skate across, I shuffled up and over, much to the displeasure of my stomach, by the time we had reached the top of Takamagahara, I was getting seriously sore. After a run through the tree section again, taking things slowly to protect my now collapsing Abdomen, we made it to the Higashitate gondola, and that's when the pain REALLY kicked in. I was having trouble just sitting up for the the tear in my abs/pelvic region (not groin I should add).
We travelled all 3 of us in one of the gondolas to the top of Higashi (usually only 2 people would fit comfortably with their snowboards, however the young man insisted we should all get in, and it wasn't comfy) and I couldn't take the pain much more. Conrad had gone to get a Hot Coffee to warm the cockles of his little body, and I told Steven I'd see him at the hotel. I needed to rest, and badly. I made my way, without incident to the bottom of Ichinose from Higashi, with some grumbling at some people who ran out in front of me, and caused me to skate until I reached a down section, and believe me, skating was the last thing I wanted to do. So I traversed across to the Road, unstrapped, and walked down to the hotel, unloaded my stuff, stopped at the store in the hotel to grab some Canadian Dry Ginger Ale, and went to my room. I poured myself to large Whisky and Drys, and waited till their medicinal effects kicked in.
Now as I mentioned, this was INTENSE pain, definitely top 10 of my life. I couldn't sit up, I could only roll and hope I didn't tense my stomach to get up. It was like this for a few hours, and I used my anti-inflamitory gel to subside the pain, though I believe the Whisky was doing a better job. So after laying down for a few hours we headed out to dinner, at Kimoshika to get some Nipplegreastion food (Nepalese). I ordered the Chicken Tandoori and Chicken Tikka, but it was the beer I really needed. Trying to sit up at a table to eat when your ab is torn is an incredibly painful way to eat. So needless to say I wasn't much fun to be around, that, and everytime I laughed it hurt immensely. So after dinner, I went straight back to the hotel to lay down, and grab another drink. I should point out that as we have no fridges in our rooms we have taken to hanging/sitting things outside the window to keep cold. And that where I grabbed the Dry Ginger Ale from and poured myself a strong one.
The rest arrived back and joined me in a drink, and I got some healing heat packs (they have a smell of deep heat in them) and some weird black little balls Steven had gotten from the guy at the front desk. Now, as I said I thought his nickname was Ganja when we first met him, I was a little concerned as to what these little black things were, if they were hallucinogenic, or if they really would help my muscles as claimed. But I took 3 anyway, and after another 2 whisky and dries, it was lights out. However I didn't sleep very well, and I woke up regularly from the pain. What a bad nights sleep.
Do you trust a guy called Ganja?
Would you eat his little blacks muscle pellets if offered to you?
I think the walls just melted. WEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
So we started out reasonably well on Friday morning. Breakfast, got ready, and we were on the slopes by 8.40 or so. The pains I had gathered from the day before had subsided, my stomach was fine, my arm was fine, I was, for lack of better words, fine. We took a Black run at the top of Ichinose and discovered fairly quickly that Conrad doesn't like the steep descents. Not surprising it being his 4th day of snowboarding. It was sort of funny in some respects because I was watching from further down as he sat on his heel edge, and when that didn't seem to slow him down (he had good sideways pace) he fell over and slid on his butt for about 20 metres before coming to a stop. Having realised that heel edge wasn't giving him the desired effect, he slid down the rest of the way on his butt, until he got to the red section and then went slowly on his feet. He didn't get injured, not that I know of, but maybe his confidence was a little worn out.
Off to Yakebitai-yama. We had barely touched this area last time we came, only doing 1 run, so this time we were making a concerted effort to explore as much of Shiga Kogen as possible. So we crossed the road from Ichinose to the bottom of Yakebitai, and made our way up the first lift. After realising we didn't have the right angle to take the green run we planned on, it was a quick trip to the bottom via a red run, not too difficult at all, and back up an appropriate lift to try out the missed Green run. Waste of time nearly, as it was just less angled then the red we had taken, so to allow for novices to get to the bottom. Not worth the lift ride up.
So after getting back to the bottom, we took a big lift to the near top of Yakebitai, and proceeded to take a few runs to reach the bottom. WOO! Conrad was in much better form on this mountain, transferring from edge to edge extremely well, and keeping up with Steven and I in some areas. WELL DONE CONRAD!!! He is getting the hang of this Snow-thingy quite well. Once we reached the bottom we took a nice comfy gondola ride to the top. Well, the top wasn't much excitement, probably offering a few hundred metres of extra ride from where we exited the last lift. Not a bad thing though as the ground here was fairly fluffy and must have somehow avoided the onslaught of many a ski-schooler. Even though they are only green/red runs.
Having arrived at the bottom we were getting hungry. 20 to 12 and we stopped at Prince Hotel (something or other, apparently there is a north south east and west Prince hotel....?) to order some food. Not very good price, and the Chicken and French fries Steven and I ordered were a little dry, no doubt sitting there for half an hour before hand. I'll be honest though, 2 of the girls they had working here were quite cute, so I'll let them go this time, but I still don't like dry fries.
Alrighty fueled up and ready to go, we made for the gondola again, but not before a toilet break. We had seen on the map something labelled "Terrain Park" and wanted to go and see what kind of jumps and stunt areas this held. Well wouldn't you know it, after making our way down and across to the lift that connects to the terrain park, we see everyone leaving, and people stuck on the lift. Borked. Fortunately there was another gondola not to far away, and I must say it was quite nice. It held 8 people and looked newer then anything else I'd ridden on in Shiga. Which means I guess it was installed after the Nagano Olympics in '98.
Up the top it would have taken a few Black/Red runs to get to the Terrain park, as opposed to the lift that drops you right at the top of it (the one that broke), and Conrad-chan wasn't up to tackling anymore blacks, so we ran down the same run we had done 2 times already, and thought it would be best to head back over to Higashitateyama area. So after another lift ride, and some traversing, we were back in Ichinose, and making our way back to the Terakoya side of the mountain. We took our regular Green Tree run, and this is were things got bad-ish. I fell over 1/4 the way down, and had barely enough speed to make it throught some flatter sections. I finally caught up to Steven when he had fallen over in the downward hairpin sections.
Now the hairpin sections had been receiving some bad treatment from the ski-schoolers over the past couple of days, and rather then be nice and flat through here, instead it was hollowed out in the middle, meaning doing S turns was EXTREMELY sketchy through here. Steven had already fallen over, and because I had some pace through here, stability started becoming an issue, when, wouldn't you know it, I fell.... HARD. I landed on my back, and it winded me slightly, and because I had tensed my abs for the impact, I tore the same muscle in my stomach that had plagued me the day before. And I was in PAIN.
Making it to the bottom was difficult to say the least, I fell over more times then I care to remember. So having finally made it to the restaurant at the bottom, I grabbed a beer and sat down. I was in pain, but this was only the beginning. After we had all rested up for a while, and gotten some Mocha Chocolate Almonds (they are AWESOME), we headed over the Nishitateyama runs and onto the back of Takamagahara. Now, between the Nishi and Taka sides is a road, with a bridge over the top, and I didn't have enough speed to make it to the top, and because of the angle, I didn't skate across, I shuffled up and over, much to the displeasure of my stomach, by the time we had reached the top of Takamagahara, I was getting seriously sore. After a run through the tree section again, taking things slowly to protect my now collapsing Abdomen, we made it to the Higashitate gondola, and that's when the pain REALLY kicked in. I was having trouble just sitting up for the the tear in my abs/pelvic region (not groin I should add).
We travelled all 3 of us in one of the gondolas to the top of Higashi (usually only 2 people would fit comfortably with their snowboards, however the young man insisted we should all get in, and it wasn't comfy) and I couldn't take the pain much more. Conrad had gone to get a Hot Coffee to warm the cockles of his little body, and I told Steven I'd see him at the hotel. I needed to rest, and badly. I made my way, without incident to the bottom of Ichinose from Higashi, with some grumbling at some people who ran out in front of me, and caused me to skate until I reached a down section, and believe me, skating was the last thing I wanted to do. So I traversed across to the Road, unstrapped, and walked down to the hotel, unloaded my stuff, stopped at the store in the hotel to grab some Canadian Dry Ginger Ale, and went to my room. I poured myself to large Whisky and Drys, and waited till their medicinal effects kicked in.
Now as I mentioned, this was INTENSE pain, definitely top 10 of my life. I couldn't sit up, I could only roll and hope I didn't tense my stomach to get up. It was like this for a few hours, and I used my anti-inflamitory gel to subside the pain, though I believe the Whisky was doing a better job. So after laying down for a few hours we headed out to dinner, at Kimoshika to get some Nipplegreastion food (Nepalese). I ordered the Chicken Tandoori and Chicken Tikka, but it was the beer I really needed. Trying to sit up at a table to eat when your ab is torn is an incredibly painful way to eat. So needless to say I wasn't much fun to be around, that, and everytime I laughed it hurt immensely. So after dinner, I went straight back to the hotel to lay down, and grab another drink. I should point out that as we have no fridges in our rooms we have taken to hanging/sitting things outside the window to keep cold. And that where I grabbed the Dry Ginger Ale from and poured myself a strong one.
The rest arrived back and joined me in a drink, and I got some healing heat packs (they have a smell of deep heat in them) and some weird black little balls Steven had gotten from the guy at the front desk. Now, as I said I thought his nickname was Ganja when we first met him, I was a little concerned as to what these little black things were, if they were hallucinogenic, or if they really would help my muscles as claimed. But I took 3 anyway, and after another 2 whisky and dries, it was lights out. However I didn't sleep very well, and I woke up regularly from the pain. What a bad nights sleep.
Do you trust a guy called Ganja?
Would you eat his little blacks muscle pellets if offered to you?
I think the walls just melted. WEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"The Thursday Gambit"... Alternate Title "Let's watch Dean wait".
So the plan was to get to the snow early, meaning up at 7, breakfast 7.30, leave and be on the snow at 8. It's amazing how long getting snow gear on is, when you are in a rush. We made it by about 8...ish, and started off with the Training Area to get Conrad's legs back after the day break we had. So down the Ichinose Green run, we cut onto the other quad lift, made our way over the back to Terakoya, and finally we made our way down Higashitateyama all the way too Hoppo Bundaira. Not bad, we travelled a big distance and it was only 10ish. Time to get a beer.
There was a method to this though. Beer has carbs. Carbs have energy. Energy makes me GO!!! Plus I had to fix my boots up. They seemed to plague me all day though, either being too tight or too loose. Really annoying, seeing as I keep losing finer control. I think I finally figured out this afternoon that it is the top of my boot cutting into my calves. We shall see tomorrow. So anyway, after fueling up, we went back up to Higashitate to do another run down. But here's where it got annoying, as my alternate title suggests.
You see, Steven went to get my beer, but rather then getting me a 375ml can like he got himself, he got me a 500ml can. I still can't fathom why, but he said I shouldn't be complaining. So by the time we had taken 2 lifts to the top of Higashitate, my bladder was nigh of breaking point. Think of Rose and Jack trying to fight for survival to get to the outside of the ship in Titanic, and you'll understand how much I had gushing around. Not fun. So the jumpy, slidey action just made me want to go more, and so I said, "I need to Go", thinking this would indicate my imminent bladder release. How wrong I was. I made it to the Gondola, ran into the bathroom, and let nature take it's course. Meanwhile Conrad and Steven where coursing through nature, and away from where I was.
We both got lost last year in the same place, so I figured "Steven will come to the Gondola, seeing as it is the bottle neck of the area, and the only way back to our hotel side of things". Well, they showed up, after 1 hour. "Hungry" Steven asks, DUH. Yes, I was, only to be informed he and Conrad had already eaten, whilst they were "waiting" for me. A likely story. So we headed up the Gondola, and to the Terakoya side of the mountains to have a looksey at a place we had noticed earlier in the day. Well, we didn't account for Conrad's.... um, how shall I put this, lack of path finding skills. We went down a little run and waited for him. And waited. And waited. I took a ride up on one of the lifts to see if I could find him, only to find out the lift didn't go the way I wanted it to. So back down to wait some more.
Well by now, we were confused, and thought, he must have taken the left path and back down to Ichinose. So that's where we headed, nope, no Conrad. Hotel? Nope, his board isn't there. So obviously, my AMAZING ability to conjure up all maner of images in my head kicked in, and Conrad went through any number of Scenarios. First, he fell off the path, down some trees, and was laying unconscious at the bottom, slowly freezing to death. Next, he had fallen and broken his tree stump legs. Next, he was quite fine, crusing up and down mountains, many a little Japanese lady following him and yelling "KuWAIIII" (that made me mad, where's my cheer squad?).
Alrighty, so I needed food. Seeing as I still hadn't eaten and it was 2. So I went to the Khuls hotel again, and got another mixed Pizza (see Sunday for a description). I kept an eye out the window as I partook of my strange meal and beverage. Couldn't see him, so I sent Steven to the Ichinose information area to see if they could page him (also cause someone was brought down from the mountain and I wanted to see if it was him, minus his cheer squad). Well when I finished up I went down to meet up with Steven. No Conrad still. So we decided that I would go to the path we lost him on, then check out some of the other frequent haunts to track him down. Well after 1 hour I still hadn't found him. So I took my board back to the hotel to see if he had checked in, and to lighten my load. Still no Conrad. By now the front desk man (Ganji? I can't remember) said he hadn't arrived but would call the Ichinose Information area if he turned up. So back I walked again, muchly sore from all the up and down hiking. Well as I neared the Information Centre, who should come tearing down but the giant plum (he has a big purple jacket).
He informs us that he was looking for us, in between practicing on every path between Ichinose and Higashitateyama. Great. Well he was still keen to go, so back again to get the boards and onto the slopes for 2 more runs. My boots were still a little loose, so I was losing some level of control, as well as feeling because the bindings were REALLY tight. But anyhoo. 2 nice clean runs and back to the hotel where I am now, having typed for the last hour and drank a beverage.
We are off to get food now so hopefully some Gyoza and Ramen will make me feel great.
Waiting is Boring. Walking is Tiring.
I need a sherpa to carry my and my things.
Wanted: 1 Tibetan Sherpa, must be willing to travel.
There was a method to this though. Beer has carbs. Carbs have energy. Energy makes me GO!!! Plus I had to fix my boots up. They seemed to plague me all day though, either being too tight or too loose. Really annoying, seeing as I keep losing finer control. I think I finally figured out this afternoon that it is the top of my boot cutting into my calves. We shall see tomorrow. So anyway, after fueling up, we went back up to Higashitate to do another run down. But here's where it got annoying, as my alternate title suggests.
You see, Steven went to get my beer, but rather then getting me a 375ml can like he got himself, he got me a 500ml can. I still can't fathom why, but he said I shouldn't be complaining. So by the time we had taken 2 lifts to the top of Higashitate, my bladder was nigh of breaking point. Think of Rose and Jack trying to fight for survival to get to the outside of the ship in Titanic, and you'll understand how much I had gushing around. Not fun. So the jumpy, slidey action just made me want to go more, and so I said, "I need to Go", thinking this would indicate my imminent bladder release. How wrong I was. I made it to the Gondola, ran into the bathroom, and let nature take it's course. Meanwhile Conrad and Steven where coursing through nature, and away from where I was.
We both got lost last year in the same place, so I figured "Steven will come to the Gondola, seeing as it is the bottle neck of the area, and the only way back to our hotel side of things". Well, they showed up, after 1 hour. "Hungry" Steven asks, DUH. Yes, I was, only to be informed he and Conrad had already eaten, whilst they were "waiting" for me. A likely story. So we headed up the Gondola, and to the Terakoya side of the mountains to have a looksey at a place we had noticed earlier in the day. Well, we didn't account for Conrad's.... um, how shall I put this, lack of path finding skills. We went down a little run and waited for him. And waited. And waited. I took a ride up on one of the lifts to see if I could find him, only to find out the lift didn't go the way I wanted it to. So back down to wait some more.
Well by now, we were confused, and thought, he must have taken the left path and back down to Ichinose. So that's where we headed, nope, no Conrad. Hotel? Nope, his board isn't there. So obviously, my AMAZING ability to conjure up all maner of images in my head kicked in, and Conrad went through any number of Scenarios. First, he fell off the path, down some trees, and was laying unconscious at the bottom, slowly freezing to death. Next, he had fallen and broken his tree stump legs. Next, he was quite fine, crusing up and down mountains, many a little Japanese lady following him and yelling "KuWAIIII" (that made me mad, where's my cheer squad?).
Alrighty, so I needed food. Seeing as I still hadn't eaten and it was 2. So I went to the Khuls hotel again, and got another mixed Pizza (see Sunday for a description). I kept an eye out the window as I partook of my strange meal and beverage. Couldn't see him, so I sent Steven to the Ichinose information area to see if they could page him (also cause someone was brought down from the mountain and I wanted to see if it was him, minus his cheer squad). Well when I finished up I went down to meet up with Steven. No Conrad still. So we decided that I would go to the path we lost him on, then check out some of the other frequent haunts to track him down. Well after 1 hour I still hadn't found him. So I took my board back to the hotel to see if he had checked in, and to lighten my load. Still no Conrad. By now the front desk man (Ganji? I can't remember) said he hadn't arrived but would call the Ichinose Information area if he turned up. So back I walked again, muchly sore from all the up and down hiking. Well as I neared the Information Centre, who should come tearing down but the giant plum (he has a big purple jacket).
He informs us that he was looking for us, in between practicing on every path between Ichinose and Higashitateyama. Great. Well he was still keen to go, so back again to get the boards and onto the slopes for 2 more runs. My boots were still a little loose, so I was losing some level of control, as well as feeling because the bindings were REALLY tight. But anyhoo. 2 nice clean runs and back to the hotel where I am now, having typed for the last hour and drank a beverage.
We are off to get food now so hopefully some Gyoza and Ramen will make me feel great.
Waiting is Boring. Walking is Tiring.
I need a sherpa to carry my and my things.
Wanted: 1 Tibetan Sherpa, must be willing to travel.
Musings of a Wednesday wasted. Well... the monkeys were Cool.
So my shoulder was feeling better after the events of Tuesday. I think the Compression garments are helpful. Though as I write this (I am still getting around to Thursday post... hopefully next) I have a sore stomach. Somewhere around the pelvis and bottom of abs I pulled something. Hopefully it'll be gone by tomorrow. A nice bath will help. So I let you know about Wednesday.
After the first 2 days of being damaged Conrad needed a break, and we were happy to oblige him, poor guy did stuff his neck up from all the falling, and he is a rather big guy. So we decided we'd have a break from Snowboarding and go and see the monkeys. But this time rather then get up lazily and make our way there we decided that it was best to leave after breakfast and get there at a reasonable hour. So following the plan we left early, swapped a few buses and made our way to Yamanouchi to visit my uncle. HA... Evolution makes no sense, I look nothing like, and never will look anything like a monkey.
Well the walk to the monkey's this time was much prettier to say the least. Last year the area was brown and muddy, however with a good season it was lovely and white and I even saw some birdies (yes, I am an avid Birdiographer....? Avianographer? Etc.). So whilst we walked I took random shots of the area, and had to catch up to Conrad and Steven who seemed like they were trying to set a new record for Olympic Power Walking.
When/If you see my photo's they will probably explain more then I can, so suffice to say we walked to the monkeys. However we detoured for a few minutes to buy a can of coffee from a machine up near the Onsen that runs there (where we saw some fairly naked men last time, albeit from a distance). On the way the path looped up on itself so Conrad and Steven (naughty little imps that they are) decided to kick snow down on top of me. I didn't like that George, oh no siree. So when we went back down I try throwing snow at them, however that was failing miserably so instead I threw my empty can of coffee at Steven. I missed, but I made my point.
So, the monkeys. Last year I got ALOT of photo's, but it was hard picking out some really Quality shots. This year I had my dSLR armed with my little 50mm lens and was determined to get some nice monkey shots. I'll shot them to you if you ask, but I feel like I got a few good ones. There is a couple of little monkeys play fighting, and 1 looks like he is power punching the other in the face, then there is another fly kicking another one in the face, and finally 2 hi-fiving each other..... nice. I also managed to wiggle my way down to the photo area next to the pond they are sitting in, and got some nice up close pictures of a couple of older monkeys soaking up the nice warm water. Fortunately these ones seemed to be a little placid (probably from slowly marinating in their own semi-lice infested soup), so they tolerated people getting up close and shoving cameras into their personal area. Plus I got's a few nice shots of the steam rising from the water, with monkey's littered hither and thither (ha ha ha, funny words).
So after annoying the old and wise ones, I suggested to the other monkeys in my troop we should go down the bottom along the river area, a place we didn't visit last time. Here there were mothers and children, some older ones huddled together for warmth, and some that were preening each other. I tried to join in but I don't like the taste of lice. But there were a few little babies running around and I video'd and photo'd some of them, seeing as they are so cute. Well what do you know it, I'm holding the video camera still and one of the little blighters starts climbing up my legs. Now I didn't stare at him, in fact my back was turned to him, and I guess he liked the attention. So after trying unsuccessfully to mount me like a horse and ride me into the sunset, he ran down and started wrestling with another monkey. I got some of it on video, the rest is mainly audio of me going "heeeeyyyy".
Alright, so we made our way back to the little hut that serves as a exhibition gallery and entry point, and got some warmth back into us (as we weren't wearing cold weather gear). I should mention that with all the snow the paths up and down were a little precarious, with some sliding unintentionally involved. At one point I had to walk on the rocky muddy area, right alongside a group of monkeys. I could only hope as I passed them that they weren't attracted to me and looking to make me a forest bride. Maybe it's just me but I don't want to expose my backside as much as them. They have callouses.
Anyhow, so warmed slightly (it was a fairly cold day with a little bit of a breeze running through) we made our way back to the Roman Museum, hoping to grab some of their delicious wood fired pizza we nom-ed on last year. Well, wouldn't you know it, they weren't serving anything that day other then soft drinks, some coffee, and italian breads and cake. Talk about a major let down. It seems that if you should experience something in your travels, you should write and record all that you see and hear, because if you try to emulate it on your next travels, you'll be sadly disappointed. So having died a little inside, we sat down none the less and ordered some espresso's and chocolate cake. I have to say though that this was the best coffee I have had since coming to Japan. Unfortunately with the Americans having bases and docks here for their armies, they brought over their version of Coffee with them. Watered down, tasteless, WEAK!!!! So to get a half decent espresso was a miracle, plus the chocolate cake wasn't bad, but when I am after some lunch food, a little cake won't suffice.
SO anyhow, back we go and stop off at Takamagahara, where there is a "restaurant" that makes Pizza. I got my pizza in the end, and although it was good, the wood firing would have made it that bit more special. So we nom-ed on pizza and beer, walked the 300m or so to get some cup noodles and extra bits and pieces, and then back to our hotel.
It was the cheapest night we've had so far, seeing as the noodles cost 400yen and were a fairly HUGE size. They had 2.0 written on them, so we dubbed them Noodles 2.0 (not to be confused with the lazily named iSnack 2.0.... doesn't there have to be a 1.0?). We had a drink, said our prayers and went to bed, to wake and see what Thursday had to offer us.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
You can ditto Dean in on that too.
Noodles are Noodley.
After the first 2 days of being damaged Conrad needed a break, and we were happy to oblige him, poor guy did stuff his neck up from all the falling, and he is a rather big guy. So we decided we'd have a break from Snowboarding and go and see the monkeys. But this time rather then get up lazily and make our way there we decided that it was best to leave after breakfast and get there at a reasonable hour. So following the plan we left early, swapped a few buses and made our way to Yamanouchi to visit my uncle. HA... Evolution makes no sense, I look nothing like, and never will look anything like a monkey.
Well the walk to the monkey's this time was much prettier to say the least. Last year the area was brown and muddy, however with a good season it was lovely and white and I even saw some birdies (yes, I am an avid Birdiographer....? Avianographer? Etc.). So whilst we walked I took random shots of the area, and had to catch up to Conrad and Steven who seemed like they were trying to set a new record for Olympic Power Walking.
When/If you see my photo's they will probably explain more then I can, so suffice to say we walked to the monkeys. However we detoured for a few minutes to buy a can of coffee from a machine up near the Onsen that runs there (where we saw some fairly naked men last time, albeit from a distance). On the way the path looped up on itself so Conrad and Steven (naughty little imps that they are) decided to kick snow down on top of me. I didn't like that George, oh no siree. So when we went back down I try throwing snow at them, however that was failing miserably so instead I threw my empty can of coffee at Steven. I missed, but I made my point.
So, the monkeys. Last year I got ALOT of photo's, but it was hard picking out some really Quality shots. This year I had my dSLR armed with my little 50mm lens and was determined to get some nice monkey shots. I'll shot them to you if you ask, but I feel like I got a few good ones. There is a couple of little monkeys play fighting, and 1 looks like he is power punching the other in the face, then there is another fly kicking another one in the face, and finally 2 hi-fiving each other..... nice. I also managed to wiggle my way down to the photo area next to the pond they are sitting in, and got some nice up close pictures of a couple of older monkeys soaking up the nice warm water. Fortunately these ones seemed to be a little placid (probably from slowly marinating in their own semi-lice infested soup), so they tolerated people getting up close and shoving cameras into their personal area. Plus I got's a few nice shots of the steam rising from the water, with monkey's littered hither and thither (ha ha ha, funny words).
So after annoying the old and wise ones, I suggested to the other monkeys in my troop we should go down the bottom along the river area, a place we didn't visit last time. Here there were mothers and children, some older ones huddled together for warmth, and some that were preening each other. I tried to join in but I don't like the taste of lice. But there were a few little babies running around and I video'd and photo'd some of them, seeing as they are so cute. Well what do you know it, I'm holding the video camera still and one of the little blighters starts climbing up my legs. Now I didn't stare at him, in fact my back was turned to him, and I guess he liked the attention. So after trying unsuccessfully to mount me like a horse and ride me into the sunset, he ran down and started wrestling with another monkey. I got some of it on video, the rest is mainly audio of me going "heeeeyyyy".
Alright, so we made our way back to the little hut that serves as a exhibition gallery and entry point, and got some warmth back into us (as we weren't wearing cold weather gear). I should mention that with all the snow the paths up and down were a little precarious, with some sliding unintentionally involved. At one point I had to walk on the rocky muddy area, right alongside a group of monkeys. I could only hope as I passed them that they weren't attracted to me and looking to make me a forest bride. Maybe it's just me but I don't want to expose my backside as much as them. They have callouses.
Anyhow, so warmed slightly (it was a fairly cold day with a little bit of a breeze running through) we made our way back to the Roman Museum, hoping to grab some of their delicious wood fired pizza we nom-ed on last year. Well, wouldn't you know it, they weren't serving anything that day other then soft drinks, some coffee, and italian breads and cake. Talk about a major let down. It seems that if you should experience something in your travels, you should write and record all that you see and hear, because if you try to emulate it on your next travels, you'll be sadly disappointed. So having died a little inside, we sat down none the less and ordered some espresso's and chocolate cake. I have to say though that this was the best coffee I have had since coming to Japan. Unfortunately with the Americans having bases and docks here for their armies, they brought over their version of Coffee with them. Watered down, tasteless, WEAK!!!! So to get a half decent espresso was a miracle, plus the chocolate cake wasn't bad, but when I am after some lunch food, a little cake won't suffice.
SO anyhow, back we go and stop off at Takamagahara, where there is a "restaurant" that makes Pizza. I got my pizza in the end, and although it was good, the wood firing would have made it that bit more special. So we nom-ed on pizza and beer, walked the 300m or so to get some cup noodles and extra bits and pieces, and then back to our hotel.
It was the cheapest night we've had so far, seeing as the noodles cost 400yen and were a fairly HUGE size. They had 2.0 written on them, so we dubbed them Noodles 2.0 (not to be confused with the lazily named iSnack 2.0.... doesn't there have to be a 1.0?). We had a drink, said our prayers and went to bed, to wake and see what Thursday had to offer us.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
You can ditto Dean in on that too.
Noodles are Noodley.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
DOMINOES CHEAP ON TUESDAY. Not here. We got Nepalese Curry.
So Tuesday started much the same as the rest of the days so far. Up at 7. Breakfast at 7.30. Conrad was being a little sore though from all the falling on Monday, so he was taking it easy in the morning. Steven and I were keen to hit the snow, seeing as it was day 2 and we still hadn't ridden as much as we would have liked. So we left Conrad to play around on the net, and told him we'd meet up at the bottom of Ichinose when he was ready. That gave Steven and me a few runs down by ourselves. And boy did we BOMB those mountains. It was fairly easy to pick up the skills we had learnt a year before, and we just needed to work out our balance and we were fine. So this being day 2, we were more then ready to go down with some speed. Though carefully. So, it was a few quick runs, nothing major, whizzed between some school kids in training, and we got down to the bottom and met up with Conrad.
Conrad was in much better form this morning, and getting the hang of switching edges, so we thought we would try out some different areas to give the training area a break. Probably a good idea too because the "Ski Schoolers" (all the school kids on winter camp) as we call them, were taking up a lot of the Ichinose area, and getting decent runs done with Conrad was hard due to them weaving around in a big group like some sort of disjointed snake. So off we headed to Terakoya. We had heard there were some nice green runs with tree paths, so it seemed like somewhere easy for Conrad as well.
Well, there was really any tree paths, but there was a LOT of open area. In some areas it was like 30m or so wide and hardly anyone was over there. So we chose the left run and kept going until it branched off left and up a little bit. Conrad had to skate a little to get over the hump, but once that was done it was a smooth straightish run down a quiet path to the top of Higashitateyama. This linked onto the back of another run we are quiet fond of, so it was nice to explore yet another of the many, many runs that Shiga had to offer. After making good speed to the bottom (Conrad was getting quiet good at keeping speed through the flatter sections to avoid skating) we stopped for the required toilet break and made our way back to the top of Higashitateyama and back towards Ichinose. Conrad was getting better all the time, but as he knew the "Training Area" he was more confident to go faster, and therefore he wouldn't just sit on his heels, which hurts ALOT after a while.
LUNCHTIME! And we went to the Nepalese place for lunch. We had seen signs for a tandoori chicken burger and though it sounded good. However, only the lunchtime buffet was being served, so it was just a touch of Curry and Rice (and beer, for "Carbs"). Bloated we settled for a little while before going back to Ichinose for a few more goes. Steven and I had taken to mucking around in powder banks and trees either side of the paths, as it also allowed for Conrad to keep up. Conradical was muchly tired by this point (poor guy, he's not made for all this hard work...?) so he headed back for the hotel, and took my backpack with him. I brought my backpack snowboarding because I thought it would allow for good storage, however the couple of times I have fallen over (usually from going slow to wait up for the others) the weight has pulled my left shoulder, and it has started to get sore. I do love my Skins(TM) though because wearing them for a while my arms feel better.
So me and Steven charged down the red run, and then did a couple of runs down the Training Area. We decided to play "Follow my Line" and at the top I ran around a couple of trees before trying to outpace Steven. Then we swapped and I had to keep up with him, which for me isn't too hard, as Steven has got good board control, and I have good pace. We ran down towards the bottom before going off track and ducking and weaving through some trees. This get's a little sketchy at times because even though the soft powder is nice to ride through, it does make it hard for deft, fast maneuvers. And when you are facing an oncoming tree with a little pace, it would be nice to have more control. Anyhow we finished up for the day and went back to the hotel.
After resting for a little while, we went out to the Victoria Restaurant, in one of the hotels, i'm not sure which one. They had a buffet on, with alot of the school kids running around getting food, so i'm guessing they were staying there. We were told at first they weren't serving anyone else, but give it a few minutes and the front desk guy let us join in. Which was fantastic because it was the first real meat I had gotten since we landed in Japan. They had Yakitori Chicken skewers, some pork something or other, little pork buns, and BEEF! Little bits of Beef that were delicious. So after filling up on that, and being satisfied, we headed out and to a shop to get a few munchies, then back to our room to comatose ourselves.
Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.
I hope I feel Dandy in the morning.
But shoulder hurts.
Conrad was in much better form this morning, and getting the hang of switching edges, so we thought we would try out some different areas to give the training area a break. Probably a good idea too because the "Ski Schoolers" (all the school kids on winter camp) as we call them, were taking up a lot of the Ichinose area, and getting decent runs done with Conrad was hard due to them weaving around in a big group like some sort of disjointed snake. So off we headed to Terakoya. We had heard there were some nice green runs with tree paths, so it seemed like somewhere easy for Conrad as well.
Well, there was really any tree paths, but there was a LOT of open area. In some areas it was like 30m or so wide and hardly anyone was over there. So we chose the left run and kept going until it branched off left and up a little bit. Conrad had to skate a little to get over the hump, but once that was done it was a smooth straightish run down a quiet path to the top of Higashitateyama. This linked onto the back of another run we are quiet fond of, so it was nice to explore yet another of the many, many runs that Shiga had to offer. After making good speed to the bottom (Conrad was getting quiet good at keeping speed through the flatter sections to avoid skating) we stopped for the required toilet break and made our way back to the top of Higashitateyama and back towards Ichinose. Conrad was getting better all the time, but as he knew the "Training Area" he was more confident to go faster, and therefore he wouldn't just sit on his heels, which hurts ALOT after a while.
LUNCHTIME! And we went to the Nepalese place for lunch. We had seen signs for a tandoori chicken burger and though it sounded good. However, only the lunchtime buffet was being served, so it was just a touch of Curry and Rice (and beer, for "Carbs"). Bloated we settled for a little while before going back to Ichinose for a few more goes. Steven and I had taken to mucking around in powder banks and trees either side of the paths, as it also allowed for Conrad to keep up. Conradical was muchly tired by this point (poor guy, he's not made for all this hard work...?) so he headed back for the hotel, and took my backpack with him. I brought my backpack snowboarding because I thought it would allow for good storage, however the couple of times I have fallen over (usually from going slow to wait up for the others) the weight has pulled my left shoulder, and it has started to get sore. I do love my Skins(TM) though because wearing them for a while my arms feel better.
So me and Steven charged down the red run, and then did a couple of runs down the Training Area. We decided to play "Follow my Line" and at the top I ran around a couple of trees before trying to outpace Steven. Then we swapped and I had to keep up with him, which for me isn't too hard, as Steven has got good board control, and I have good pace. We ran down towards the bottom before going off track and ducking and weaving through some trees. This get's a little sketchy at times because even though the soft powder is nice to ride through, it does make it hard for deft, fast maneuvers. And when you are facing an oncoming tree with a little pace, it would be nice to have more control. Anyhow we finished up for the day and went back to the hotel.
After resting for a little while, we went out to the Victoria Restaurant, in one of the hotels, i'm not sure which one. They had a buffet on, with alot of the school kids running around getting food, so i'm guessing they were staying there. We were told at first they weren't serving anyone else, but give it a few minutes and the front desk guy let us join in. Which was fantastic because it was the first real meat I had gotten since we landed in Japan. They had Yakitori Chicken skewers, some pork something or other, little pork buns, and BEEF! Little bits of Beef that were delicious. So after filling up on that, and being satisfied, we headed out and to a shop to get a few munchies, then back to our room to comatose ourselves.
Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.
I hope I feel Dandy in the morning.
But shoulder hurts.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday Monday... so good to me. It really was.
Yay, I'm actually writing a post on the correct day for the post. After the hectic running around of Saturday night and Sunday morning, it's good to be able to get up and have breakfast at my own pace. I went to bed at 9 or so, and had a nice sleep till 7. For some reason either 'boarding or Winter make me lethargic, and 10 hours sleep seems to little. Who knows, but for whatever reason I was woken up by my foot shaking. And realised slowly someone was attached to me and Shaking it. Yes, Steven, everybody's alarm clock.
So after getting somewhat alert and dressed, we made our way down to Breakfast, supplied by the hotel, and ready for us when we got there. A mottled assortment of foods to say the least. Egg roll, cooked salmon, rice, toast and jams, miso, "Coffee", some strange Potato Soup, altogether a decent size. Only one problem, I'm CRAVING bacon, eggs, sausage, grilled tomato, you know, a good english breakfast. But seeing as I'm in Japan, I figure that may be a difficulty.
After our large breakfast us Boyz! were ready for some Big Mountain action. WOAH!!! STOP THE PRESS. I just realised I missed something. On my awakening from slumber this morning we were greated to a lovely sight outside. SNOW! Yes our first day here and there is already some snow falling. Not much, but a small layer coating everything. It continued through much of the day, getting heavier and lighter when it chose. I got some nice photo's, however something occurred to me this afternoon. All the photo's I've taken are of Conrad, Steven, and the Surrounding areas... what about me? Oh well. My ugly will have to grace something else. I'm hoping to get some photo's uploaded to Picasa or Flickr. But i'll deal with that when we come to it.
Back to the Action: So we didn't rush out the door as quickly as we could have, but I have to make sure I don't push myself also because of the Ross River still embedded firmly in my body. Our first ride up and we sat down at the top and buckled in. This year there is 2 long benches at the top of the mountain that they put out during the day, and this is proving a sure fire hit with the likes of Conrad. He is a bulky guy, and he is using flow bindings so he can't sit on the ground otherwise he has difficulty trying to lock them in.
All strapped in and off we went. I left the guys about half way up the mountain, and ran to the bottom on my own. Everything from my knees to my toes was burning so I needed to get out of my board and stretch properly. I think my bindings were on too tight as well so that didn't help the circulation. Once I reached the bottom, board off, and back on the lift to find Conrad and Steven. I decided I might as well take some video on the way down, so I have a 7minute video of me going down the mountain. Cloverfield eat your heart out, this video will make you nauseous. Probably.
I made it to the bottom without falling over, mainly because I went slow for the camera's safety, and found Conrad and Steven had already reached the bottom. So we set off again, this time going on a different lift to Takamagahara. This probably wasn't a good idea as Conrad still didn't feel confident on the board, and Takamagahara Mammoth is basically a 30degree angle straight down, is hardpack and a little sketchy to boot.
We made it to the bottom, and decided, as it was nearing lunchtime, might as well get in early and beat the rush. Beer and Pizza later and we were amped to get back into it.
So we went over the back of Higashitateyama and down our favourite little tree lined run. Conrad was doing better now he wasn't on a red run, but unfortunately at the bottom it can get a little difficult. So with his Confidence shaken, we made our way back to the Training Area (the green run at Ichinose).
First run down and we made it in roughly 20mins, a vast improvement over the first run Conrad did on Sunday which was 1 and 1/2 hours. So down we went, and back up again to try once more. By now Conrad was getting better at shifting his stance from Toeside to Heelside. 1 DAY! He was doing what took us 3 days at Perisher. I'm not sure whether it was because of his natural ability or the fact he had 2 people coaching him. We didn't have a good instructor I don't think.
So with heads held high we made it up again for one last run before retiring for the day. By the end of today we were making 10min runs down the Training Area. I'd call that somewhat of a Success. So we wandered to the store, got a drink, made our way back to the hotel, changed, and then into the Onsen. I'll never understand the Japanese. Public Displays of Affection are awkward with them, not really even kissing in public, however they are fine to nude down and jump into a giant spring water bath together.
Fortunately the 2 guys in there left once all 3 of us guys walked in.
So that's were I am at, typing away, just about to have dinner, though I don't know where at the moment. And the camera has transferred the first of my images across so we'll see what they have to show for themselves. Day is over now. Talk to you tomorrow.
Ice is good to put on bruises. But not impact into at speed.
I wish nature made more sense.
I'm hungry. Burke, FEED ME!
So after getting somewhat alert and dressed, we made our way down to Breakfast, supplied by the hotel, and ready for us when we got there. A mottled assortment of foods to say the least. Egg roll, cooked salmon, rice, toast and jams, miso, "Coffee", some strange Potato Soup, altogether a decent size. Only one problem, I'm CRAVING bacon, eggs, sausage, grilled tomato, you know, a good english breakfast. But seeing as I'm in Japan, I figure that may be a difficulty.
After our large breakfast us Boyz! were ready for some Big Mountain action. WOAH!!! STOP THE PRESS. I just realised I missed something. On my awakening from slumber this morning we were greated to a lovely sight outside. SNOW! Yes our first day here and there is already some snow falling. Not much, but a small layer coating everything. It continued through much of the day, getting heavier and lighter when it chose. I got some nice photo's, however something occurred to me this afternoon. All the photo's I've taken are of Conrad, Steven, and the Surrounding areas... what about me? Oh well. My ugly will have to grace something else. I'm hoping to get some photo's uploaded to Picasa or Flickr. But i'll deal with that when we come to it.
Back to the Action: So we didn't rush out the door as quickly as we could have, but I have to make sure I don't push myself also because of the Ross River still embedded firmly in my body. Our first ride up and we sat down at the top and buckled in. This year there is 2 long benches at the top of the mountain that they put out during the day, and this is proving a sure fire hit with the likes of Conrad. He is a bulky guy, and he is using flow bindings so he can't sit on the ground otherwise he has difficulty trying to lock them in.
All strapped in and off we went. I left the guys about half way up the mountain, and ran to the bottom on my own. Everything from my knees to my toes was burning so I needed to get out of my board and stretch properly. I think my bindings were on too tight as well so that didn't help the circulation. Once I reached the bottom, board off, and back on the lift to find Conrad and Steven. I decided I might as well take some video on the way down, so I have a 7minute video of me going down the mountain. Cloverfield eat your heart out, this video will make you nauseous. Probably.
I made it to the bottom without falling over, mainly because I went slow for the camera's safety, and found Conrad and Steven had already reached the bottom. So we set off again, this time going on a different lift to Takamagahara. This probably wasn't a good idea as Conrad still didn't feel confident on the board, and Takamagahara Mammoth is basically a 30degree angle straight down, is hardpack and a little sketchy to boot.
We made it to the bottom, and decided, as it was nearing lunchtime, might as well get in early and beat the rush. Beer and Pizza later and we were amped to get back into it.
So we went over the back of Higashitateyama and down our favourite little tree lined run. Conrad was doing better now he wasn't on a red run, but unfortunately at the bottom it can get a little difficult. So with his Confidence shaken, we made our way back to the Training Area (the green run at Ichinose).
First run down and we made it in roughly 20mins, a vast improvement over the first run Conrad did on Sunday which was 1 and 1/2 hours. So down we went, and back up again to try once more. By now Conrad was getting better at shifting his stance from Toeside to Heelside. 1 DAY! He was doing what took us 3 days at Perisher. I'm not sure whether it was because of his natural ability or the fact he had 2 people coaching him. We didn't have a good instructor I don't think.
So with heads held high we made it up again for one last run before retiring for the day. By the end of today we were making 10min runs down the Training Area. I'd call that somewhat of a Success. So we wandered to the store, got a drink, made our way back to the hotel, changed, and then into the Onsen. I'll never understand the Japanese. Public Displays of Affection are awkward with them, not really even kissing in public, however they are fine to nude down and jump into a giant spring water bath together.
Fortunately the 2 guys in there left once all 3 of us guys walked in.
So that's were I am at, typing away, just about to have dinner, though I don't know where at the moment. And the camera has transferred the first of my images across so we'll see what they have to show for themselves. Day is over now. Talk to you tomorrow.
Ice is good to put on bruises. But not impact into at speed.
I wish nature made more sense.
I'm hungry. Burke, FEED ME!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday waits for no man.... or woman.
Alrighty, this is being written Monday morning cause I finally have net and power. Yay for both.
So after waking up from the tiring day before I realised 1 thing immediately. I need more sleep. 7hours isn't enough after a plane ride. So we all hazily woke from our slumber to notice Mum and Steven had disappeared. No great surprise Whitney tells me because they both whisper like a vacuum cleaner sucking a Tuba. HOOOOOOOTTT!!!
We got up and out the door by 7.30 and made a return trip back to the Tokyo Central Station. One young man was nice enough to carry mum's bags up the stairs. All 3 flights. I felt sorry but he was so polite in offering. Probably a good definition of the Japanese.
We made our way easily enough onto the Shinkansen, no racing for us. With 5-10mins to spare we all got some Bento boxes and boarded the train. I do love the Shinkansen. Not just because it is fast, but also because it's for the most part comfy. If I could have the same seat in the Train as I did on the plane then there would be no problem for me getting to sleep. We got some nice moving pictures, and some we didn't get are going to have to stay in our memories, mainly because they were 2 second images in between exiting and entering a tunnel.
Nagano was it's usual cold self, though I am so appreciative of my wool jumper. Scratchy yes, but boy does it keep me warm. Same couldn't be said for my skinny little legs freezing in my Pants. We got some water and boarded the bus to Ichinose, Shiga Kogen. The trip there was a lot different this time to last year. The snow this season is much more consistent, so Nagano was gently draped with snow and looking pretty and picturesque(?). The bus was boiling though so it was a shirts and pants only affair.
After our 40mins, but oh so brief, busride, we arrived in lovely Shiga Kogen, and walked a small distance to our hotel. I'm so thankful we don't have to walk the 200m or so to the other hotel we stayed at. This one is much more accessible, though the accomodation itself is much the same dealy.
Well, by now although tired we were eager to get on the snow. But as i'm learning on this trip, time waits for no Conrad's Stomach. It was food, and water, and NOW! So we walked to the Hotel Khuls, and sat down to have pizza. When I SAY pizza though, I really mean "Japanese Interpretation of Pizza that must include Corn, Daikon Radish, or Cabbage. In this instance is was Corn. A Salami, Crab, Corn, and Bacon (with Cheese) Pizza to be precise. However, although strange, it tasted great. Or is that the Hunger talking?
Alright, let's go, come on, it's SNOWBOARDING time. I've been waiting for the past year now.
So after prepping our boards, and kitting up, we buy our lift passes (40k Yen = $480?) that will see us out the 10 days, and make our way to the first lift. YAY FOR CONRAD!!!!
So halfway up, we see what Shiga Kogen is all about. As we turn around all you can see is mountain tops with cloud floating between them. Such a beautiful sight, and I wish I could have gotten my camera out, but I'm sure there is plenty of time for that over the next 9 days.
I left Conrad and Steven to strap in at the top and took my first tentative slides down the mountain, trying to regain balance and skill that has been going to waste since last time. After my first fall at the top (I knew it was coming, and just wanted it out the way) I slid my way down the Green Ichinose Run. I was doing fairly well. I stack at the top, I got bogged down when I tried going into some deep stuff for fun, and then made it most the way down before realising my nose was runny (it's a constant thing in the cold) and managing to wipe and wipeout at the same time. Nothing broken, so I kept going and made it to the bottom picking up speed and weaving in and out of the Ski School kids. I made it to the bottom, pleased with myself for picking up the skills so quickly, boarded the lift and went back up to find the BOYZ!
So they made it further then I thought, and Conrad, for all his bulk and awkwardness, was doing alright. Falling over alot yes, but doing alright. Steven disappeared by himself and I helped Conrad to keep going, giving pointers and advice, along with moral support. Positive reinforcement helps right? A few more falls, and a few more slides and we made it to the bottom. 1 and a half hours, not bad for a first run down, but would we get another run? Well the lifts were supposed to close at 4.30, but at 5, we managed to get the last ride up. They shut the lift down right behind us, after the Ski Patrol got off, and we strapped in and started down the mountain.
We were making good progress too, would have made it in a third of the time. However it was getting late, and Steven was getting silly. On his way past me he goes to throw a snowball at me, misses, and mid throw flatlines on the ground. I think he flipped, but all I know is he winded himself and ended up flat on his back, with goggles and beanie sitting a few feet away. Laughing ensued. Stack of the Day award goes to Steven with his head flip.
So the patrol turned up on their Snowmobiles, and Conrad got a free ride to the bottom, cause they wanted to go home and the mountain was closed. Steven and I just rode the mountain down, boards off, and returned to the hotel.
Great day, I wasn't sore, and we stowed our gear and went upstairs to change for dinner.
I'm sure if you want to hear about the Dinner you can read steven's blog in detail, but we had Nepalese Curry and Tandoori chicken at the Nipplegreation place (My name for them), made our way back to the hotel, and Conrad and I had a brief dip in the onsen. Fortunately it was devoid of naked Japanese men, much to my appreciation.
So day over, I passed out, along with everyone else, to see what Monday would hold. They promised snow, and I wanted them to be right.
Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest. It's the new sabbath.
Snow where is thy victory, cold, where is thy sting?
So after waking up from the tiring day before I realised 1 thing immediately. I need more sleep. 7hours isn't enough after a plane ride. So we all hazily woke from our slumber to notice Mum and Steven had disappeared. No great surprise Whitney tells me because they both whisper like a vacuum cleaner sucking a Tuba. HOOOOOOOTTT!!!
We got up and out the door by 7.30 and made a return trip back to the Tokyo Central Station. One young man was nice enough to carry mum's bags up the stairs. All 3 flights. I felt sorry but he was so polite in offering. Probably a good definition of the Japanese.
We made our way easily enough onto the Shinkansen, no racing for us. With 5-10mins to spare we all got some Bento boxes and boarded the train. I do love the Shinkansen. Not just because it is fast, but also because it's for the most part comfy. If I could have the same seat in the Train as I did on the plane then there would be no problem for me getting to sleep. We got some nice moving pictures, and some we didn't get are going to have to stay in our memories, mainly because they were 2 second images in between exiting and entering a tunnel.
Nagano was it's usual cold self, though I am so appreciative of my wool jumper. Scratchy yes, but boy does it keep me warm. Same couldn't be said for my skinny little legs freezing in my Pants. We got some water and boarded the bus to Ichinose, Shiga Kogen. The trip there was a lot different this time to last year. The snow this season is much more consistent, so Nagano was gently draped with snow and looking pretty and picturesque(?). The bus was boiling though so it was a shirts and pants only affair.
After our 40mins, but oh so brief, busride, we arrived in lovely Shiga Kogen, and walked a small distance to our hotel. I'm so thankful we don't have to walk the 200m or so to the other hotel we stayed at. This one is much more accessible, though the accomodation itself is much the same dealy.
Well, by now although tired we were eager to get on the snow. But as i'm learning on this trip, time waits for no Conrad's Stomach. It was food, and water, and NOW! So we walked to the Hotel Khuls, and sat down to have pizza. When I SAY pizza though, I really mean "Japanese Interpretation of Pizza that must include Corn, Daikon Radish, or Cabbage. In this instance is was Corn. A Salami, Crab, Corn, and Bacon (with Cheese) Pizza to be precise. However, although strange, it tasted great. Or is that the Hunger talking?
Alright, let's go, come on, it's SNOWBOARDING time. I've been waiting for the past year now.
So after prepping our boards, and kitting up, we buy our lift passes (40k Yen = $480?) that will see us out the 10 days, and make our way to the first lift. YAY FOR CONRAD!!!!
So halfway up, we see what Shiga Kogen is all about. As we turn around all you can see is mountain tops with cloud floating between them. Such a beautiful sight, and I wish I could have gotten my camera out, but I'm sure there is plenty of time for that over the next 9 days.
I left Conrad and Steven to strap in at the top and took my first tentative slides down the mountain, trying to regain balance and skill that has been going to waste since last time. After my first fall at the top (I knew it was coming, and just wanted it out the way) I slid my way down the Green Ichinose Run. I was doing fairly well. I stack at the top, I got bogged down when I tried going into some deep stuff for fun, and then made it most the way down before realising my nose was runny (it's a constant thing in the cold) and managing to wipe and wipeout at the same time. Nothing broken, so I kept going and made it to the bottom picking up speed and weaving in and out of the Ski School kids. I made it to the bottom, pleased with myself for picking up the skills so quickly, boarded the lift and went back up to find the BOYZ!
So they made it further then I thought, and Conrad, for all his bulk and awkwardness, was doing alright. Falling over alot yes, but doing alright. Steven disappeared by himself and I helped Conrad to keep going, giving pointers and advice, along with moral support. Positive reinforcement helps right? A few more falls, and a few more slides and we made it to the bottom. 1 and a half hours, not bad for a first run down, but would we get another run? Well the lifts were supposed to close at 4.30, but at 5, we managed to get the last ride up. They shut the lift down right behind us, after the Ski Patrol got off, and we strapped in and started down the mountain.
We were making good progress too, would have made it in a third of the time. However it was getting late, and Steven was getting silly. On his way past me he goes to throw a snowball at me, misses, and mid throw flatlines on the ground. I think he flipped, but all I know is he winded himself and ended up flat on his back, with goggles and beanie sitting a few feet away. Laughing ensued. Stack of the Day award goes to Steven with his head flip.
So the patrol turned up on their Snowmobiles, and Conrad got a free ride to the bottom, cause they wanted to go home and the mountain was closed. Steven and I just rode the mountain down, boards off, and returned to the hotel.
Great day, I wasn't sore, and we stowed our gear and went upstairs to change for dinner.
I'm sure if you want to hear about the Dinner you can read steven's blog in detail, but we had Nepalese Curry and Tandoori chicken at the Nipplegreation place (My name for them), made our way back to the hotel, and Conrad and I had a brief dip in the onsen. Fortunately it was devoid of naked Japanese men, much to my appreciation.
So day over, I passed out, along with everyone else, to see what Monday would hold. They promised snow, and I wanted them to be right.
Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest. It's the new sabbath.
Snow where is thy victory, cold, where is thy sting?
Alright so it's a hindsight post. I know it's Sunday and i'll post sunday after I have done Saturday. Let's face it
there isn't much to post about.
So got up and ready to leave by 6.30. Conrad (i'll forgive him) was a little late getting to our house. My fault
really, I told him to be there at 6.30, I should have said 4. Anyhow the ride to the Airport was nice and straight
forward, after a brief stop at McDonalds to relieve... our excitement... we were on the road and on time for our
Check-In and boarding. It's the first time I've been to Gold Coast airport, or flew on a plane from there. I guess
there is a reason our flights cost less then half what they did last year. We had to walk to the plane on the
tarmac, and then up the entry ramp. On a positive note I've got a good picture of the front of an engine from 3
feet away.
So flight over was boring. Couldn't sleep cause it was a plane, nothing much happened except for catching up on
some episodes of Chuck, and waited until the flight ended. I did learn that not only is Cornrad a master at de-
meating a chicken with cutlery, apparently he can also eat a meat pie with a knife and fork. Who knew? I just ate
with my hands and it got a little messy, but hey, tomato and chilli relish taste great on a Meat Pie.
So we land in Tokyo and already there is a problem, we've lost Conroy. We all walked out the doors on the front of
the plane (passing "StarClass" as we got, I did ask the guy for one of those seats on the way back though) but
Conrad, not to be his fun loving quirky self, desides to see how the back exit works. I didn't know there was a
back exit, but he found one and dissapeared. So after a few minutes waiting, and a few minutes looking, we found
him and made our trip in "Customs" and immigration. I say "Customs" because Immigration at least recorded my
fingerprints and photo'd me. Customs just took my Customs form, looked at my Passport and wished me a good day. Not
that I mind, nice and easy works for me.
So we walked around to find the train information centre. Got our 4day passes and jumped on a train bound for Tokyo
Central. The ride was dark, with brief pockets of light until we started getting closer, then we went underground
and got to the station. More wandering up and down long corridors until we found the subway train we needed, went 1
station and arrived near our hotel. I should mention that wandering around with suitcases going up and down many
flights of stairs does tire one out more then usual. So when we got to our hotel we were exhausted.
After checking in, the plan was to go to a place called Fritoest (or something like that), a bar selling many types
of German/Belgian beers and snacks. But unfortunately they weren't serving food at that time. Seeing as it was
about 10.30. Also 1 little bottle of Leffe Blonde was 1800 yen, so not cheap at all. So quick wander back down the
street (everyone was starving at this point) and we just walked into a little Ramen shop which had a few guys
smiling at us to invite us in. Ordering in Tokyo is never an easy affair if you want genuine food. Yes there are
places selling generic slap up dishes, and a couple of other places that have english (broken) on their menu's.
Now this place was genuine and had the required no pictures and no English menu. Ok, so it's not such a menu as a
machine at the front, which labels all the food and prices, you put money in make a selection and it dispenses a
little ticket. You go to a seat (hopefully unoccupied :o ) and leave the ticket on the counter, that's your
ordering done. Well we walked in, and people were eating cool bowls of Ramen. So good choice on food. Whilst we are
all scratching our heads I said, whatever, I'm just going to press a button pay the money and hope for the best.
Whitney pointed at one and said it had meat (YAY) so I got it. A couple of seconds later she says quizzically
"Well, animal of some sort". So here I am hoping I haven't ordered Whale or Cat or whatever hapless pet may be
wandering around the back door. I don't think the Japanese are like that, mind you, but Animal isn't very
descriptive. Whatever, I'm sitting down and hoping for the best. Everyone else just chose something at random as
well. 500Yen or so for a bowl of Ramen, and it's BIG. Which is good because we all have a voracious appetite.
Well, I'll spare you the suspense, my "Animal" was pork. 1 slice, with noodles, drowned delicately in soup, with a
piece of seaweed laid gently on the side. I'm never sure whether to eat the seaweed. I see other people eat it, but
I always think it's missing the rice and fish. So anyhow, we gorged ourselves on the yummy bowls of goop provided
nicely by the strange man with John Lennon glasses, when his coleague arrived. I didn't understand what they were
saying at the time, not being fluent in Japanese in the least, but Whitney told me later that they were discussing
her. Something about "she's so cute" "get lost old man, you are too old for her" "I wonder if one of these guys is
her boyfriend" etc. I have a new appreciation for Whitney's Japanese skills, I never knew she was so fluent, but
that is ok, cause now I know i'm going to put her to work in translations. Wooo HOOo!
Alright so the Ramen was good, but we were all still tired so it was a quick trip back to the 7/11 to get some
beverages. I had something that smelt like off Mandarin and tasted the same, at 7% I couldn't stomach it. I also
got a Chocolate Maltey Beer, though after the citrus sugar thing I had it didn't taste very nice.... too bitter.
Went to the room, drank some of both, put them down and then passed out for the night.
Travelling without moving - I believe teleportation has a lot going for it.
Hindsight is 20/20, if you have good mindsight.
there isn't much to post about.
So got up and ready to leave by 6.30. Conrad (i'll forgive him) was a little late getting to our house. My fault
really, I told him to be there at 6.30, I should have said 4. Anyhow the ride to the Airport was nice and straight
forward, after a brief stop at McDonalds to relieve... our excitement... we were on the road and on time for our
Check-In and boarding. It's the first time I've been to Gold Coast airport, or flew on a plane from there. I guess
there is a reason our flights cost less then half what they did last year. We had to walk to the plane on the
tarmac, and then up the entry ramp. On a positive note I've got a good picture of the front of an engine from 3
feet away.
So flight over was boring. Couldn't sleep cause it was a plane, nothing much happened except for catching up on
some episodes of Chuck, and waited until the flight ended. I did learn that not only is Cornrad a master at de-
meating a chicken with cutlery, apparently he can also eat a meat pie with a knife and fork. Who knew? I just ate
with my hands and it got a little messy, but hey, tomato and chilli relish taste great on a Meat Pie.
So we land in Tokyo and already there is a problem, we've lost Conroy. We all walked out the doors on the front of
the plane (passing "StarClass" as we got, I did ask the guy for one of those seats on the way back though) but
Conrad, not to be his fun loving quirky self, desides to see how the back exit works. I didn't know there was a
back exit, but he found one and dissapeared. So after a few minutes waiting, and a few minutes looking, we found
him and made our trip in "Customs" and immigration. I say "Customs" because Immigration at least recorded my
fingerprints and photo'd me. Customs just took my Customs form, looked at my Passport and wished me a good day. Not
that I mind, nice and easy works for me.
So we walked around to find the train information centre. Got our 4day passes and jumped on a train bound for Tokyo
Central. The ride was dark, with brief pockets of light until we started getting closer, then we went underground
and got to the station. More wandering up and down long corridors until we found the subway train we needed, went 1
station and arrived near our hotel. I should mention that wandering around with suitcases going up and down many
flights of stairs does tire one out more then usual. So when we got to our hotel we were exhausted.
After checking in, the plan was to go to a place called Fritoest (or something like that), a bar selling many types
of German/Belgian beers and snacks. But unfortunately they weren't serving food at that time. Seeing as it was
about 10.30. Also 1 little bottle of Leffe Blonde was 1800 yen, so not cheap at all. So quick wander back down the
street (everyone was starving at this point) and we just walked into a little Ramen shop which had a few guys
smiling at us to invite us in. Ordering in Tokyo is never an easy affair if you want genuine food. Yes there are
places selling generic slap up dishes, and a couple of other places that have english (broken) on their menu's.
Now this place was genuine and had the required no pictures and no English menu. Ok, so it's not such a menu as a
machine at the front, which labels all the food and prices, you put money in make a selection and it dispenses a
little ticket. You go to a seat (hopefully unoccupied :o ) and leave the ticket on the counter, that's your
ordering done. Well we walked in, and people were eating cool bowls of Ramen. So good choice on food. Whilst we are
all scratching our heads I said, whatever, I'm just going to press a button pay the money and hope for the best.
Whitney pointed at one and said it had meat (YAY) so I got it. A couple of seconds later she says quizzically
"Well, animal of some sort". So here I am hoping I haven't ordered Whale or Cat or whatever hapless pet may be
wandering around the back door. I don't think the Japanese are like that, mind you, but Animal isn't very
descriptive. Whatever, I'm sitting down and hoping for the best. Everyone else just chose something at random as
well. 500Yen or so for a bowl of Ramen, and it's BIG. Which is good because we all have a voracious appetite.
Well, I'll spare you the suspense, my "Animal" was pork. 1 slice, with noodles, drowned delicately in soup, with a
piece of seaweed laid gently on the side. I'm never sure whether to eat the seaweed. I see other people eat it, but
I always think it's missing the rice and fish. So anyhow, we gorged ourselves on the yummy bowls of goop provided
nicely by the strange man with John Lennon glasses, when his coleague arrived. I didn't understand what they were
saying at the time, not being fluent in Japanese in the least, but Whitney told me later that they were discussing
her. Something about "she's so cute" "get lost old man, you are too old for her" "I wonder if one of these guys is
her boyfriend" etc. I have a new appreciation for Whitney's Japanese skills, I never knew she was so fluent, but
that is ok, cause now I know i'm going to put her to work in translations. Wooo HOOo!
Alright so the Ramen was good, but we were all still tired so it was a quick trip back to the 7/11 to get some
beverages. I had something that smelt like off Mandarin and tasted the same, at 7% I couldn't stomach it. I also
got a Chocolate Maltey Beer, though after the citrus sugar thing I had it didn't taste very nice.... too bitter.
Went to the room, drank some of both, put them down and then passed out for the night.
Travelling without moving - I believe teleportation has a lot going for it.
Hindsight is 20/20, if you have good mindsight.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Get 'em Out by Friday... But I don't leave till Saturday
Alright, so 100% awake at 6.27 this morning, 3 mins before my alarm goes off.
I don't understand why I could sleep longer, it's not like I had anything planned.
Got the call from Jo this morning to request I drop her at the Hospital. Car's, can't live with them breaking down, can't live without them breaking down.
So I took Jo and Sonali up to the Hospital, 'Nali was making giggly "WEEEEEEEE" noises all the way there because she liked my car going fast (I wasn't going fast, but it must have felt like it to her). That made me laugh, because I have the same feeling when I drive Steven's car, although I must admit I don't need a booster seat. Love ya 'Nali!
I hung around the hospital for a little while, chatting, stayed with Esther whilst Chris and Jo went to their "Education" thing. Esther was funny, but I felt so bad for her because she must be going stir crazy. So much to take in, plus she is outside of her natural environment. I'd wanna go home too. But for a 2 year old she has more strength then some adults i've met.
So after a little while we had to go and take Chris' car to the mechanics, and Jo and 'Nali had to go get some stuff for Esther. I almost started tearing up when we had to leave her. Her little face said it all. Alone in a hospital (for a little while). She started balling, and we made a hasty retreat hoping she would go to sleep. She'd been awake for a while. Love ya Est'.
So took Chris to his house, followed him to the mechanics (His car working fine, my clutch giving me grief again), said 'BYE and went home.
After that it's not much to report. Dithered around, packed some stuff, slept for half an hour.
Now we are getting the hosue clean, packing whatever is left, and seeing out the night with beer.
I need this Holiday.
But that's not to say this Holiday needs me.
Beer. Forget dogs, this is mans best friend.
I don't understand why I could sleep longer, it's not like I had anything planned.
Got the call from Jo this morning to request I drop her at the Hospital. Car's, can't live with them breaking down, can't live without them breaking down.
So I took Jo and Sonali up to the Hospital, 'Nali was making giggly "WEEEEEEEE" noises all the way there because she liked my car going fast (I wasn't going fast, but it must have felt like it to her). That made me laugh, because I have the same feeling when I drive Steven's car, although I must admit I don't need a booster seat. Love ya 'Nali!
I hung around the hospital for a little while, chatting, stayed with Esther whilst Chris and Jo went to their "Education" thing. Esther was funny, but I felt so bad for her because she must be going stir crazy. So much to take in, plus she is outside of her natural environment. I'd wanna go home too. But for a 2 year old she has more strength then some adults i've met.
So after a little while we had to go and take Chris' car to the mechanics, and Jo and 'Nali had to go get some stuff for Esther. I almost started tearing up when we had to leave her. Her little face said it all. Alone in a hospital (for a little while). She started balling, and we made a hasty retreat hoping she would go to sleep. She'd been awake for a while. Love ya Est'.
So took Chris to his house, followed him to the mechanics (His car working fine, my clutch giving me grief again), said 'BYE and went home.
After that it's not much to report. Dithered around, packed some stuff, slept for half an hour.
Now we are getting the hosue clean, packing whatever is left, and seeing out the night with beer.
I need this Holiday.
But that's not to say this Holiday needs me.
Beer. Forget dogs, this is mans best friend.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Thursday I've got Friday on My Mind... Actually Saturday.
So here I am. And Here you are. You have my sympathies, because now I have sucked you in and you are forced to read my TRAVEL BLOG!!
Hopefully I'll be able to Blog my entire Trip whilst I, and the Family (+Conradis Muggetus) are in Japan. Steven did one last year and it was cool so I thought i'd do one as well this year. Except from my viewpoint.
So it's Thursday, and it's my first day of holidays for 2 and a half weeks. "Bludger" I hear you say? Not at all (and who asked you?!). I got up at 7 this morning (ok, so I set my alarm for 6.30, but I thought I'd treat myself to a extra half hour, glutton that I am), and started working straight away. 2 Loads of Washing, washed and hung out, and I played around on the computer for a while till 9.40. Still trying to encode all my Chuck episodes so it'll play on my PSP, however I may have to resort to coding them using iTunes and watch them on my iPhone.
At 9.40 I left for the City to pick up our snowboards from Snowbiz. Shell at Breakfast creek wasn't open, so that wrecked my plans to get fuel and money out so I could park my car somewhere briefly. So that idea was out, and I figured I'd use the loading bay across the road .
Full Tune done on all 3 snowboards. The guy in there said something about hollows, and something needed more work but bring it back after I get back from holidays, blah blah blah. I honestly wasn't listening, my thoughts were on whether i'd overstay my 2min loading bay welcome for my car, and wishing the guy would hurry up and charge my card so I could get out of there. Boards are all waxed up now, so should be sweet to ride. 4 mins is a kind of 2 mins right?
Went and picked up some gloves from Big Steve Walchers house, hopefully they'll keep my hands warm, seeing as they are leather. And stopped by Matthews to pick up a lawnmower. So 2 hours later the front yard has had a hair cut (it's bleeding as well, but I like it to be number 1 on top, so I don't have to mow it again for a while). I'm all dirty and need a shower but have to drop off Conrads board to his MeeMa (Big Bang reference), and take this Mower back.
I thought holidays were all Pina Coladas and sleeping under your hat?
I need a holiday to get over this holiday. Here's looking towards Saturday, kid.
Hopefully I'll be able to Blog my entire Trip whilst I, and the Family (+Conradis Muggetus) are in Japan. Steven did one last year and it was cool so I thought i'd do one as well this year. Except from my viewpoint.
So it's Thursday, and it's my first day of holidays for 2 and a half weeks. "Bludger" I hear you say? Not at all (and who asked you?!). I got up at 7 this morning (ok, so I set my alarm for 6.30, but I thought I'd treat myself to a extra half hour, glutton that I am), and started working straight away. 2 Loads of Washing, washed and hung out, and I played around on the computer for a while till 9.40. Still trying to encode all my Chuck episodes so it'll play on my PSP, however I may have to resort to coding them using iTunes and watch them on my iPhone.
At 9.40 I left for the City to pick up our snowboards from Snowbiz. Shell at Breakfast creek wasn't open, so that wrecked my plans to get fuel and money out so I could park my car somewhere briefly. So that idea was out, and I figured I'd use the loading bay across the road .
Full Tune done on all 3 snowboards. The guy in there said something about hollows, and something needed more work but bring it back after I get back from holidays, blah blah blah. I honestly wasn't listening, my thoughts were on whether i'd overstay my 2min loading bay welcome for my car, and wishing the guy would hurry up and charge my card so I could get out of there. Boards are all waxed up now, so should be sweet to ride. 4 mins is a kind of 2 mins right?
Went and picked up some gloves from Big Steve Walchers house, hopefully they'll keep my hands warm, seeing as they are leather. And stopped by Matthews to pick up a lawnmower. So 2 hours later the front yard has had a hair cut (it's bleeding as well, but I like it to be number 1 on top, so I don't have to mow it again for a while). I'm all dirty and need a shower but have to drop off Conrads board to his MeeMa (Big Bang reference), and take this Mower back.
I thought holidays were all Pina Coladas and sleeping under your hat?
I need a holiday to get over this holiday. Here's looking towards Saturday, kid.
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