Mick and Bernie caught the train to Otaru this morning, using their Japanese Rail (JR) passes they purchased before they left Australia. It is certainly much cheaper to do that, but those passes are only value for money if you actually use them. And they have been doing just that.
While this town is famous for its breweries, the main reason for their visit today was to see a glassworks factory. Mick has always been fascinated by the technique of glass blowing, and he was hoping to try his hand (or his mouth) at it. Otaru has been famous for its glass since “olden times”. The factory used to make glass floats for fishing nets (used to catch herring) and also the glass shades for kerosene lamps.
This canal (Otaru Canal) was completed in 1923, and it is lined with old warehouses, many of which have been converted into shops and cafes.
Sunny, but freezing, according to Mick.
Despite having a map, the brothers went around in circles for awhile before realising that their destination was right in front of them.
During their tour of the glassworks, they each had a turn of blowing some glass. And by the looks of these photos, they both took it very seriously.
Then – their (almost) finished products.
Apparently, their instructor had to keep reminding Mick not to blow too hard!!
Lunch for this pair was at the local fish market, which they very much enjoyed, followed by some sake – as there was a sake brewery in Otaru as well, and of course it would have been silly not to check it out.
Meanwhile, Tom and Emma headed to the snowfields.
Just thirty minutes away, Mount Moiwa Ski Resort, provided them with lots of opportunities to test their skills. There are 10 different ski runs at this resort, and Tom said there were only 15 other skiers there while they were, so they almost had a run to themselves.
I’ve never skied before, so anyone who can stay upright isimpressive
They had spectacular views of Sapporo from up here.
The sun was shining – but they tell me it was absolutely freezing (12 sec video).
That video shows them quite sedately enjoying the ‘run’, but Tom said he hit a top speed of 73km/hr, and had “one high speed mogul crash”. I have no idea what that entails, but he said he was “100%, fine”.
No fish for these two for lunch, instead they selected a meat normally associated with being consumed in France – horse meat.
It was a bit too chewy for them both.
When travelling overseas I am often confused by signs written in the local language, and entertained when I see some of the translations into English. Tom sent me this next photo taken above a toilet indicating I think a fine for certain activities. But what struck me was the size of his shadow!!!
Tom also sent me this photo showing how the cars are parked at the hotel. The cars move up like a vending machine.
That’s one of the highlights of travelling, having the chance to see something so very different to what we are accustomed to.
Tomorrow is their final day in Sapporo, and their trip is almost over. Mick and Bernie will head back to Otaru tomorrow on the train to collect their glass masterpieces.
Jane and Mick's Holiday Adventures 