Tumults of Skiing

Last week we ventured out with our students to the slopes of Owani, a town near our school. Much to everyone's surprise it was our first time skiing for the both of us. So we started as beginners. The first lessons were picked up rather quickly, but it was the real slopes that gave us some trouble.

A slope in Owani; a daunting one!

Not traversed by us--of course

Us and one of our skiing buddy students in the beginner's group, although compared to us we would have put her in the intermediate group!

All four of the beginner's group also known as the English Ski Club (because we don't speak Japanese we made the students speak English, and the Ski Instructor!)

This was also Angie's stance for the whole day unless she was rolling on the ground.

Oh yeah! English Club! (but they were obviously in the intermediate group) Here's to the posse!

We hurt for the next two days......

Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival)

This last week was the snow festival in Hirosaki. Local people and companies build big snow lanterns in the park. At night it's all lit up and quite beautiful! There are also some ginormus snow sculptures, some pretty funny lookin' snowmen, and of course a snow-slide!

Totes for life

Today while doing the weekly grocery shopping we encountered a nice surprise. Usually, we bring our own totes to be environmently friendly, and as in America you have to tell the cashier that you have a bag. Well, starting in February the whole of Japan decided to ditch the plastic store bags. Now the store bags cost extra! and everyone uses totes!! We used to be amoung the few but thanks to the Japanese government (or whoever decided this) we are now a part of the majority. Way to go Japan! So if you read this I hope you will take an extra step to help the environment if you haven't already and use a tote.