YUKI MATSURI! - Part 2

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I woke up bright and early on Friday to set off for Satoland (the family fun area of the festival!) I thought I was so clever planning my trip when all the kids would be at school… what I didn’t realise is that every single school in Hokkaido would plan school trips there! So I had lots of kids coming up to me, keen to practise their English! (“I like cake, I like chocolate, I like ice cream…”)

To start off with, I went down a really long snow slide whilst sitting in a rubber ring… a lot of fun! Then, I tried to find my way through a snow maze and eventually gave up and followed a 4 year old as I couldn’t find my own way out! I had some food there and watched the children making snowmen and skating on bamboo slides - Japanese kids look soooo cute when they’re all bundled up in winter clothes!

Then, I took the subway back to the main site to have a look round the snow sculptures again… I just couldn’t get over how big they were and how carefully they were made! After some food, I couldn’t resist a bit of a shop inside one of the shopping centres - well, I had to stay warm somehow!

Later in the afternoon, Johnny (from the previous day) called me and we agreed to meet up in Otaru as it was the opening night of their snow festival. They had built smaller sculptures along the canal and decorated them with candles - it looked so beautiful at night! I also tried some yummy miso ramen, which is famous in Sapporo.

On Saturday, I visited the old clock tower in Sapporo and had a look around the museum inside. I also had another look around the statues but it was so crowded because so many people had come to visit for the weekend. I had the most delicious baked potatoes with butter and salt for lunch… mmm! Eating hot food outside when it’s cold is always a good plan!

I was so sad to leave Hokkaido on Saturday afternoon but I’m so pleased that I had the opportunity to go and see Yuki Matsuri with my own eyes… it was such an incredible experience and I would seriously recommend it to anyone who ever visits Japan in February!

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Comments

[Lesley]

Hello Heidi - just been catching up on all your news since the New Year. The snow and ice festival looks absolutely wonderful! Makes me wish I could have a go - especially on the snow slide. It's half-term here at the moment - frosty in the morings but dry and sunny during the day. Sorry, have not been in touch. Have been reading your blog though when I can. Congratulations and well done for getting top marks for your teaching Thanks for all the super photos you send with your blog - I quite often call either Terry or Katie to come and have a look. Make sure you cram as much as you can into your remaining time in Japan. Love from Lesley x

[helen]

It's not fair I want to be there. The slides sound so much fun but I do have our mud slide in Forest Schools, if it snows I will be well away. I went ice skating with Rhys yesterday but the ice was to slippy for me, Rhys is fantastic now he can do some wonderful things but I got jealous because I couldn't do them. Holidays and still have to go uni lots of work to do for the end of April and then exams in may, I know how the kids feel now having to do SATS. When I have loads of money like you teachers do I will go to Japan in Feb. Anyway essays need to be done speak soon love Helen

[elaine]

Hi there, I admire you travelling and being a tourist on your own. The photos look great again. I think this is where your future lies - calendars, birthday cards etc. It makes me feel cold just looking at the ice but I agree they are some achievement. How different it looks at night with the candles! Waiting for the next installment. Best wishes from Elaine xx

[sandra]

It gets better all that snow,sliding how great.Reminds me of the times when we had thick snow.Can understand you not wanting to leave the candles looked amazing-magical.Where yo next i cant wait have to be good to beet the ice sculptures.Whereever you go you have fans.Ive relaxed in the garden this week some days have been quite sunny.Carry on the good work and photos for us x