tokabochi

You get really moody early mornings over there. Don't seem to get that on this side of the hill. (Though me not getting up early enough might have something to do with it!)

There are many snow festivals in Japan. I was talking about our local one in Tokamachi. It's quite famous.

Tomorrow looks like it will be good weather again. You on for a half-day somewhere muika?

Went to Hakkaisan for the first time with muika when he took those pics. Good place, I liked it. Bigger than it looks when you approach, it's one big long course at a decent gradient with great trees on each side. I am going to go back after a decent dump of snow I think it will be excellent then.

I think if I was laid off, I would be putting priorities on finding work and my future not a month skiing. Good luck with everything pete.

Just noticed, direct comparison time January 16th 06 January 16th 09

This season so far is not what you might call 'normal', not round here anyway. There's much less snow than usual for the time of year. Hopefully a lot will come soon and often, but who knows what we'll be faced with in early March. Hopefully great!

Not as good weather over the hill today muika. I'm thinking of taking the day off tomorrow as well - I'll call you tonight to discuss tomorrows target.

Got plans for more this season mate?

Thats what the people here are saying too.

Some of them are idiots though, so no need to listen

People round me saying end of next week.

Eloquent!

Good if the hotel puts that on, don't know the place myself. Buses up from the station though there aren't that many - though if there continues to be almost no snow everywhere then Kagura will be getting real busy over Christmas.

Oh gosh. Will remember that! Got a classic myself. Shiny cheap looking gold in a round shape, about 30cm tall, 5 angels, a cow, a sheep, lots of moving parts and a silly chime every hour. The height of bad taste, I have it proudly on show in my genkan.

I was really tired and in a bit of a grumpy mood when I wrote that on the train. The Yamanote line was just awful. I simply couldn't put up with that every day that's no way to live.

OK well I got some of this in Tokyo last week. Nice, but I was underwhelmed given the buildup here.

I don't think "everyone" does actually. Well, I don't think I do have a price to get me to live there, no. I am lucky to be fairly comfortably off anyway and I'm not the kind who seeks out material things.... simply don't need to be mega rich. I would rather be scraping by living where I do.

I'm writing this on the Joetsu Shinkansen on my way back to a reasonable pace of life in rural Niigata. What a day. Had a few meetings and did a bit of shopping, but I'm exhausted and I got to admit I really don't like visiting Tokyo now. The train is chocca, the Yamanote at 6:30 was unbearably full - and smelly - who would want to experience that every day? Must be mad if you ask me. Even the shopping has lost the appeal that it used to have because now we can get anything online so easily. Wouldn't live there for 5 times what I earn now. Rant over.

Brightened up a lot this morning on this side of the hills.

Went past yesterday - no snow around there now, just bouncing rain.

I quite like Nakazato - I learnt there. But I would agree. Iwappara is probably the best in the region for newbies.

Morning. Fine weather here too, but cold this morning. Need to get that heater timer sorted.

If Myoko developed a lot it would lose some of its appeal for me. I like it just as it is. Nice place.