[Learning Japanese and funny stories]

Don't say "koko de koroshite kudasai" to the bus driver. The correct way to say "you can let me off here" is "koko de oroshite kudasai". Don't ask how I know the difference.

 

Good advice above about plunging in as being the best way to learn Japanese.

 

Good luck

[Best online ski vids?]

The Rory shots at sunset are incredible. The first one is about half way through the video. Awesome camera work!

[sleeping in the car]

Great advice here. More about the pee bottle. Make sure it is something with a wider lip than, say, a coke bottle. You really don't want an aim issue to arise at 3 o'clock in the frosty morning.

 

A big, thickly-drawn "X" on the side of the bottle, and another on the cap is useful, to help make sure your car pal doesn't take a sip. Yes, it's difficult to see the x in the middle of the darkest nights but it's visible when there's moonlight or street lamps nearby. Coupled with a verbal warning before going to sleep and it should be enough to avoid an unfortunate mistake...

[Helmet or Not to Helmet]

Quick solution to online shopping problem.

1. Go to Alpen or Himaraya or other big store and try on all helmets. Find model and size right for you.

2. Check out rakuten

3. Buy from the cheapest place

 

This approach works for other items, too, of course!

 

Yes, it's a bit of trouble but you'll be hitting the big shops to buy various odds and ends anyway. As far as loyalty to the shop goes... well, most times their prices are obnoxiously high; they can use the online competition.

[Your top 3 resorts]

1. Lake Louise (when there's snow)

2. Sunshine (lots of reasons, including view of Mt. Assiniboine off Great Divide)

3. Norquay (cos nobody skis there)

 

Japan

1. Nozawa Onsen

2. Hakuba

3. Shiga Kogen

The above Japanese resorts are the only three I've skied.