Whiskey and Rain

After a solid two months of snow, and being camped in the little resort town of Hirafu, it was finally time to spread my wings.

The first out-of town experience was for my mate G-Banger’s birthday. A polite and civil Yakitori dinner was followed by a session of nomihodai (all you can drink) and Karaoke. It was only a small crew left behind, but we sang or hearts out and drank gin and tonics until the early hours.

For a more cultural experience and to avoid cabin fever in our little town, Ambre and I left for a night to experience the Otaru Lantern Festival. The huge amounts of snow that had piled up on the road sides and footpaths were turned into candle-lit ice sculptures. The scenic town was covered in candles and snowmen. Not usually my cup of tea, but it was actually nice to see a town with a bit of charm and character.

 

Ambre and I also celebrated 1 year of being together, with chocolate cake, strawberries and champagne. Valantines was spent in a Mongolian Yurt, and Japanese Valentines Day was equally romantic. I insisted on celebrating a day late. Why? Because the pizza place was offering half price pizza the day after Valentines! I even offered, romantically, to share the half price bill.

We had a day riding in the nearby resort of Rusutsu. Luckily we timed it perfectly, and got one of the best powder days, coupled with rare blue skies! As it was late March, the slopes were pretty quiet and the untouched powder lasted longer than our legs ability to ride. The snow was even deep enough for G-Banger to try his first serious drop after only 6 days snowboarding. Granted he landed on his back, with his feet in the air, but it was good to see!

 

 Back in Hirafu we had a fun end of season dinner with all the staff. Finished off, of course, with some more high-quality karaoke. We also had the duty of attending some of the bars closing parties. Most notably a bar known for it’s selection of whiskeys, Temperance. The night for a lot of people, me included, ended up with the hugging of a toilet bowl. And from that point on people have slowly started to disappear. Most restaurants in town have closed down and visitor numbers are almost non-existent. Luckily, out of the three sets of guests we have left, one needed some snowboard lessons. So with the ski schools closed for the season, I still have work.

To save a bit of money Ambre and I have moved closer to work and the ski lifts, back into the staff accommodation. Despite the dingy decor and lack of hygiene, it is nice to be back in shared accommodation, enjoying the relaxed end-of season atmosphere.

 

 It was still dumping snowmen in the first week of April, but spring has finally arrived. Most ski lifts are closed, but there is a sweet spring park in the higher part of the mountain. The ride home has been getting slushier each day. There has been equal amounts of sun and rain, but yesterday I managed a little swim in the outdoor pool and a quick sun bathe. Hopefully we will finally have a bbq and and enjoy some beers in the sun…

It is gone for this year but here are a few shots of the endless Japanese pow I have been banging-on about: