smostyn

wow, some people huh. I think that was actually an audition for a news anchor job

Awesome, thanks guys. I knew that someone here would know what they were. +1 more thing that impresses me about that country.

Hi guys, When we were in Tokyo a couple of months ago we noticed the yellow lines on the footpaths. What are they for? They seem to be everywhere. Its almost like it a lane marker, but nobody seems to pay any attention to them. Its like they have replaced normal pavers with lines of raised little circles. Then every now and then, they will have another line off to the road. Any ideas?

The way that the media is carrying on at the moment is pathetic. Channel 9 (today show in Aus) said they are forecasting another 7 scale earthquake today.... We are forecasting earthquakes now? Not to mention the nuclear disaster bigger than Chernobyl as well... I feel for the people who have family in the effected areas and have nothing but the media to go on. I am relieved to see the regulars on this forum from Japan who are posting. I am glad you are all safe.

"No Chernobyl is possible at a light water reactor. Loss of coolant means a temperature rise, but it also will stop the reaction," Naoto Sekimura, a professor at the University of Tokyo, says." The only "good" news I have read in the last couple of days.

Really scary footage on telly. I hope you guys are okay over there. It looks like it was heavily populated areas hit by the waves. I hate to think of the lives lost. Be safe over there guys and gals.

That was fantastic! Good laugh. Thanks a lot.

My wife actually has a few snowflakes tatooed on the front of her hip. Its nice. All different shapes.

This is a lie, I saw stinky today serving in the drive-thru at maccas in Brisbane today. The king of cheese lives on.

At the risk of saying something "daft" myself, data does in fact have mass according to the stuff you should know podcasts. So in theory, the dude asking about your iPod getting heavier isnt as daft as one first thought :-)

I watched the Dark Crystal yesterday. I havent seen that in ages.

Originally Posted By: PWL Just a general point but loved the food here on my trip. I agree with you. I loved all of the food I had. I do love my coffee though and that was not good.

Originally Posted By: panhead_pete 4. If you go to other less populated resorts do not expect people to speak English. How's your Japanese? Even at Hakuba, dont expect people to speak English that well. Spend some time learning the basics of Japanese. Then you too can be ashamed of the other Aussies who dont bother and just expect the locals to understand English, to the point of being plain rude.

Hmm nice idea. Thanks

Noce pics. What are those animals? We saw them as well, but didnt get the camera out fast enough. Are they some sort of deer or goat?

We found good coffee in Japan, just not at the snow. In Shinjuku we found a segafredo cafe. That was the only place that I saw a manual machine. They even understood what I meant by "double shot." Had a nice creme and all. All of the other places had automatice machines that made some aweful coffee. By the time we got t oHakuba I had resigned myself to drinking drip filtered coffee in the hotel each morning and cans from the vending machines. Next year I will just have to accept that I wont get good coffee for a few weeks.

Not too much of Happo One has an "open" feel to it. The Skyline run maybe some others. A lot of Happo One is moguls as you have probably read already. the shuttle buses stop at the Happo Gondola and go to most resort areas. My only advise is not to stay your whole trip at Happo One. Try Hakuba 47 and Iwatake. I am told that Cortina has some nice tree skiing. I have not been there, but I am sure others can assist. Have fun

Thanks for sharing, nice pics. I hope you can get back there on a clear day to see the mountains. They are awesome.

Enjoy! I am jealous..

Back on the Gold Coast

Hakuba 47, Goyru and Iwatake Weekdays No wait.

It was. We went to Iwatake again today, I think that is our favourite resort. Hardly any other people and only encountered a queue at the gondola around 11 am but that was only a wait of about 2-3 minutes, maybe. Today was our last day in Hakuba skiing. We are headed home tomorrow, back to the Gold Coast. Please keep the photos up. I couldn't resist showing you folks this one too. It just may be my favourite photo of the trip.

I have been reading the George Bush one for a week or so. I never have thought too much of the guy, and after reading a great deal of the book, I still dont. It is an entertaining read though. I found myself saying "you idiot" out loud a few times. I have read a few of the Lance Armstrong biographies. They are a good read. There is one called "its not about the bike" its a good read.

That was taken at about 930 - ish.

Originally Posted By: Tubby Beaver Originally Posted By: Mamabear Bear Family were there today as well...pretty awesome huh?! Iwatake yesterday ... sunny, but we didnt take the camera...just got maybe one shot on my mobile. Today - took the camera - never saw the light of day...too much fun to be had, and not the best visibility to be taking pictures. Kids are VERY impressed with Hakuba, and it is only day two. better not say that too loud.....they'll never be able to show their face in the Big N again!! Glad you guys are having a ball....wish it was me!! We mo