Yuki Matsuri-Day 2

On the night of day 1, my friends and I were lucky enough to have a really cool waiter at the restaurant where we ate. He was interested in learning English, so he offered to guide us to Tsudome the next day. Tsudome had ice slides and lots of snow activities. There was also a massive dome with food inside and stands with things to see. It was definitely worth bearing the cold to see it. Plus, I got some Starbucks beforehand, the absolute best thing in the world.

Our waiter, me, Carly, and Julie

Yuki Matsuri-Day 1

After wondering through Odori Park and all the snow sculptures, we decided to visit Ishiya Chocolate Factory. There is a really nice view of Sapporo from here. Also, we experienced warmth and relaxation as we sipped on hot chocolate and ate little cakes. Snow fell really often in Sapporo, but I think it was really nice and fitting for this occasion. I couldn't have imagined it any other way.

Sapporo TV Tower

Ishiya Chocolate Factory

The Snowy Streets of Sapporo

Yuki Matsuri-Ice Sculptures

Towards the beginning of February, I went to Sapporo in Hokkaido with about 35 other ALTs. We visited during Yuki Matsuri, Sapporo's snow festival. I'll try to make a few posts about my trip. In this one, I've included the ice sculptures. I'm not exactly for sure what to say about them other than they were really cool. I think the pictures are pretty self-explanatory. I think it's incredible that anyone could make anything like that out of a massive block of ice. While looking at the ice sculptures, we took frequent trips to warming rooms because it was absolutely freezing. I really enjoyed the snow though. If it's going to be winter, it might as well snow. That makes the cold bearable.

Nabe

I think nabe is the best thing on earth. My friends in Japan are very important to me. Being so far away from the people I have known my entire life is really difficult, but I am lucky enough to have made amazing friends in Japan. They have become my family here, and I couldn't live without them. In some ways, I think nabe represents family. You all sit around the table and share food together. I think nabe brings warmness and closeness. Being able to share food together from the same pot brings people closer together.