Wally's Yamasa Journal: 2004 Jan 12

Wally's Yamasa Journal

2004 Jan 12 (Monday) - What's to say? Let the pictures do the talking
Considering the day was basically composed of six hours of skiing followed by six hours of riding in the van back to Okazaki, there's not much to write about that couldn't be said with the pictures (it's easier too). The day was perfect, the view was spectacular and the skiing was fun though my skill level is still lacking. The resort still had some distinctive Japanese characteristics - the lifts were fast and efficient, the town was cramped with narrow streets and the operators were blasting a lot of old eighties and nineties western music over the speakers (including some pretty crude hip-hop music). Like a lot of ski resorts, though, the food at the lift stations was expensive though we did find a reasonably priced ramen house further down the hill. Speaking of food, I wish my photo of the KFC Colonel Sanders statue on the gondola wearing ski goggles turned out. It was pretty funny.

Youth Hostel at Tsugaike Kogen

Village at Tsugaike Kogen

One thing I'll note is that snowboarding was mentioned to me a few times for this trip, I didn't think this was a good time to try it for the first time, even with lessons. I was happy as it was reacquainting myself with my basic skiing skills. Proving my point, one of my travel-mates had a bit of a frustrating time trying snowboarding out. Still, it was a great day of skiing.

Mind you, it seems that the school has been throwing in a few extra weekend trips for skiing while I've been here but to me, given that my schedule is tight as it is, the six-hour drive back to Okazaki alone is reason enough not to do this again during this three-month stay. I managed to do some reading and journal writing on the way by flashlight, with a couple of rest stops, one for dinner at Mos Burgers. I've been stopping by there once per Japan trip because I like their rice 'buns' (as opposed to bread).

It was a great mix for a four-day weekend but it was certainly long. Good thing it's a four-day work week this week. (By the way, that's my ex-classmate relaxing in the sun at the top of the page, not me).

Panorama view from top View of Gondolas Another Panorama view

Wally's index page

Wally's Yamasa Journal

2004 Jan 12 (Monday) - What's to say? Let the pictures do the talking