So on the 5th (two days ago on a Thursday) I went to Hakuba again to see Dede. This time I stayed two nights, because last time one just wasn't enough. I felt like I hardly saw him at all.
I arrived at 3.15pm and then took a bus to Iwatake Ski Area, then walked straight to the lodge because Dede hadn't quite finished work yet. I waited and waited for him, but he didn't come until after 6pm! The owners had prepared tea and cake, so I ate and drank it all! Eventually he turned up with some friends, so I took a quick shower (to make them wait hehe!) and then we went to Happo.
We ended up going to an Indian restaurant which was so, so yummy. Maybe the best Indian I have ever had! I had the eggplant and tomato curry and it was great. For some reason we never seem to get rice with Indian here though...it's a bit strange. Needless to say we all had a drink or two then headed to a bar/club thing called Refuel.
I didn't like it one bit. It was filled with smoke so immediately my throat started to hurt. Japan really sucks because of the smoking indoors thing. Plus I didn't really like the atmosphere. We had one or two drinks, then Dede and I headed back to the lodge while the others partied on (despite having to work the next day!)
The following day we got up and headed to Iwatake Ski Area. I had my new snowboarding suit on and was feeling good! Got my snowboard gear, and we headed up the mountain! Oh, nearly forgot, Dede's friends Koji and Julia met up with us. I met them last time, but only for a second because I was feeling awful last time. We all had lunch together then started snowboarding!
They were both really nice and I think we all had a great time. We went down the small slope a couple of times like last time, then went to another longer course, called the Hidden Valley. It was perfect for me, because the first part is really flat. I almost wasn't moving but it helped me to practice. Further along it got steeper but still good for me. I was really starting to get a hang of it and able to go faster.
At the end we went up the lift and I successfully dismounted (and I did all day!). If anything, dismounting is one of the scariest things for me! We took a quick break, and by this time it was started to snow heavily and it was difficult to see. It was time to go down the big mountain; the one that I hated last time. Unfortunately, once more, I was so tired that I kept falling down. Being unable to see properly really didn't help either. My knees were killing me so I had to fall every 50 metres or so, my legs just couldn't hold me.
Once again I got angry and sad. I think, this time, if I wasn't so tired I could've done it. But doing it last in the day was not a good decision. And not mine! Before the day had started Dede had agreed we wouldn't go down...oh well...
The last 200 metres or so I got frustrated because I can move fine when I face straight ahead, but sideways goes too fast and I can't control it. I got angry, but Dede explained it to me, and finally I understood it! It took me long enough but whatever. I can practice it another time.
I was the last down the mountain :( Technically I wasn't, but just before the end a group of people had stopped and were talking. If they wanted to beat me they could've. Once again I was worn out, but this time it was difficult to walk.
I waited by a fire for Dede. I expected him to be a long time, because he was last time too. In the meantime a nice lady gave me two madarines, I think I must've looked very sad and lonely.
When Dede finally came I thanked the lady once again and we headed to a restaurant. But it was closed. So we went to the hotel, took a shower, then went into Hakuba. We didn't really want to but we had no other choice. We went to Tanukis at the station like last time. We decided to have the same pizza and nachos. The nachos were amazing! They are what you expect to get back home, but don't! No soggy chips, all nice and crispy, real cheese, guacamole and fresh salsa made from tomatoes and chilli and coriander! It was amazing, so delicious. It almost makes me want to go to Hakuba just for that food. Unlike last time it wasn't filled with foreigners, just a group of Chinese having a good time. So it was pretty quiet and we enjoyed our evening.
After the meal we went straight back to the lodge and to bed. We were so tired! I wanted to help Dede with his Japanese homework but we were too tired.
The next day, today, we got up at 6.30am as the lodge owners had offered to make breakfast earlier than usual, as Dede had to head to work at 7.00am. We had our breakfast, and suddenly he had to go. I was sad. I had to try not to cry. It's so hard. But then I went back to bed, seeing as check out is at 10am!! The bed there is so huge and comfy that I had to! Plus I was still very tired.
I got up again at 9am, paid for our time and we got a discount. It's only our second time there but I think they know that we'll be back again, and I think they like us. I really enjoy talking with them. They are both so kind! Their dog isn't (nearly bit Dede, but he did try to pat it after it growled at him).
Jocelyn offered to take me to the station which saved me yet another cab fare; the bus is much cheaper but they don't seem to run very often, which is quite strange considering how many tourists arrive every day. The station was absolutely packed. I usually leave Hakuba at night so I wasn't expecting many people at all. I bought my ticket, then ran to the toilet. I put the ticket between my lips so I wouldn't lose it in my pocket. Leaving the restroom I ripped it out of my mouth. I got to the platform and realised my lip was stinging and bleeding. I looked down at the ticket and saw a big chunk of lip skin...isn't that just awful? Luckily I have tissues wherever I go so I kept dabbing at my lip until it stopped bleeding.
A lady behind me said すみません (sumimasen - excuse me), and I turned and replied はい (hai - yes?). She looked shocked and said あぁ、外人が！すみません (A, gaijin ga! Sumimasen - Ah! You're a foreigner! Sorry!) then ran back into the station looking very embarrassed. I enjoyed being mistaken for Japanese, but I don't like being called a foreigner, especially to my face. But unfortunately that is how all non-Japanese are labelled, so I have to deal with it.
On the train, there was an Australian family who were a little noisy and annoying, but that's okay. The can't help it, and they don't speak Japanese so I doubt they know much about the culture. I think they were shocked with the next thing that happened. The train conductor came through and was checking tickets (also never had that happen to me, I always travel during quiet times). When he came to me I asked この列車にお便所はありませんか (kono ressha ni obenjo wa arimasen ka - Is there a bathroom on this train?) He replied yes, but unforunately it is in the other car (there were two cars, both very full; people standing already). I thanked him and he moved on. I was getting very uncomfortable so eventually I asked the girl next to me if it was okay it I left my bag there and returned after going to the toilet. She said yes, so I went to the bathroom and came back.
After this, the father asked me when we would be stopping in 'Matsumi'. He meant Matsumoto, so I told them that it was actually the last stop. After that he was asking me all kinds of questions. Must've thought I was a Japanese genius or something :p I'm not that good, just good with general topics like transport and the like. Luckily I knew the answers. And I know where McDonald's is in Matsumoto so the kids were very happy, even though I think they were all above 16 years old. One of them was probably my age, but I wasn't sure with all the makeup.
One of the daughters thanked me when the sardine-like train finally stopped in Matsumoto. I headed off, bought some food, then went to the platform for my last train.
Standing there, I felt like I was going from Melbourne to Tasmania. Knowing I was going back to nothing. I have enjoyed Kiso, but after experiencing the excitement of Hakuba it's a little anti-climactic. On the train I just felt a little empty and sad.
Eventually I made it home, and it sucked. My house is so cold, there's no one to cuddle. This is perhaps the downside of being able to visit Dede. At least when he was back home in Hobart I knew he wasn't close and there was nothing I could do about it. Being alone was constant and a little easier to deal with. Now, he's kind of close, but it takes a long time and I can't just go whenever.
Real life sucks.
I've applied for a couple more jobs for the new school year, I hope to hear from them sometime, and Dede has also applied to Altia. If he is successful maybe I will be able to ask if we can be placed near each other. But still, I don't really know where we are going. I don't like not knowing what is going on.
But all in all, my trip was a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting to know Dede's friends a little better, and Dede says that my snowboarding has improved a lot. Imagine how good I could be if I was able to do it two days in a row! Already I'm starting to do toe-edge without being taught. I think that's pretty good. Next time we are doing the mountain first; that's what I want to do. I think I could do it if I wasn't tired. I miss Dede a lot already...obviously. But it's okay, I know I'll see him again
But I begin work again next Tuesday, so it may be a little while before I head up to Hakuba again. It's just so lovely up there!!
PS: I will post photos once Dede sends some to me!!
I arrived at 3.15pm and then took a bus to Iwatake Ski Area, then walked straight to the lodge because Dede hadn't quite finished work yet. I waited and waited for him, but he didn't come until after 6pm! The owners had prepared tea and cake, so I ate and drank it all! Eventually he turned up with some friends, so I took a quick shower (to make them wait hehe!) and then we went to Happo.
We ended up going to an Indian restaurant which was so, so yummy. Maybe the best Indian I have ever had! I had the eggplant and tomato curry and it was great. For some reason we never seem to get rice with Indian here though...it's a bit strange. Needless to say we all had a drink or two then headed to a bar/club thing called Refuel.
I didn't like it one bit. It was filled with smoke so immediately my throat started to hurt. Japan really sucks because of the smoking indoors thing. Plus I didn't really like the atmosphere. We had one or two drinks, then Dede and I headed back to the lodge while the others partied on (despite having to work the next day!)
The following day we got up and headed to Iwatake Ski Area. I had my new snowboarding suit on and was feeling good! Got my snowboard gear, and we headed up the mountain! Oh, nearly forgot, Dede's friends Koji and Julia met up with us. I met them last time, but only for a second because I was feeling awful last time. We all had lunch together then started snowboarding!
They were both really nice and I think we all had a great time. We went down the small slope a couple of times like last time, then went to another longer course, called the Hidden Valley. It was perfect for me, because the first part is really flat. I almost wasn't moving but it helped me to practice. Further along it got steeper but still good for me. I was really starting to get a hang of it and able to go faster.
At the end we went up the lift and I successfully dismounted (and I did all day!). If anything, dismounting is one of the scariest things for me! We took a quick break, and by this time it was started to snow heavily and it was difficult to see. It was time to go down the big mountain; the one that I hated last time. Unfortunately, once more, I was so tired that I kept falling down. Being unable to see properly really didn't help either. My knees were killing me so I had to fall every 50 metres or so, my legs just couldn't hold me.
Once again I got angry and sad. I think, this time, if I wasn't so tired I could've done it. But doing it last in the day was not a good decision. And not mine! Before the day had started Dede had agreed we wouldn't go down...oh well...
The last 200 metres or so I got frustrated because I can move fine when I face straight ahead, but sideways goes too fast and I can't control it. I got angry, but Dede explained it to me, and finally I understood it! It took me long enough but whatever. I can practice it another time.
I was the last down the mountain :( Technically I wasn't, but just before the end a group of people had stopped and were talking. If they wanted to beat me they could've. Once again I was worn out, but this time it was difficult to walk.
I waited by a fire for Dede. I expected him to be a long time, because he was last time too. In the meantime a nice lady gave me two madarines, I think I must've looked very sad and lonely.
When Dede finally came I thanked the lady once again and we headed to a restaurant. But it was closed. So we went to the hotel, took a shower, then went into Hakuba. We didn't really want to but we had no other choice. We went to Tanukis at the station like last time. We decided to have the same pizza and nachos. The nachos were amazing! They are what you expect to get back home, but don't! No soggy chips, all nice and crispy, real cheese, guacamole and fresh salsa made from tomatoes and chilli and coriander! It was amazing, so delicious. It almost makes me want to go to Hakuba just for that food. Unlike last time it wasn't filled with foreigners, just a group of Chinese having a good time. So it was pretty quiet and we enjoyed our evening.
After the meal we went straight back to the lodge and to bed. We were so tired! I wanted to help Dede with his Japanese homework but we were too tired.
The next day, today, we got up at 6.30am as the lodge owners had offered to make breakfast earlier than usual, as Dede had to head to work at 7.00am. We had our breakfast, and suddenly he had to go. I was sad. I had to try not to cry. It's so hard. But then I went back to bed, seeing as check out is at 10am!! The bed there is so huge and comfy that I had to! Plus I was still very tired.
I got up again at 9am, paid for our time and we got a discount. It's only our second time there but I think they know that we'll be back again, and I think they like us. I really enjoy talking with them. They are both so kind! Their dog isn't (nearly bit Dede, but he did try to pat it after it growled at him).
Jocelyn offered to take me to the station which saved me yet another cab fare; the bus is much cheaper but they don't seem to run very often, which is quite strange considering how many tourists arrive every day. The station was absolutely packed. I usually leave Hakuba at night so I wasn't expecting many people at all. I bought my ticket, then ran to the toilet. I put the ticket between my lips so I wouldn't lose it in my pocket. Leaving the restroom I ripped it out of my mouth. I got to the platform and realised my lip was stinging and bleeding. I looked down at the ticket and saw a big chunk of lip skin...isn't that just awful? Luckily I have tissues wherever I go so I kept dabbing at my lip until it stopped bleeding.
A lady behind me said すみません (sumimasen - excuse me), and I turned and replied はい (hai - yes?). She looked shocked and said あぁ、外人が！すみません (A, gaijin ga! Sumimasen - Ah! You're a foreigner! Sorry!) then ran back into the station looking very embarrassed. I enjoyed being mistaken for Japanese, but I don't like being called a foreigner, especially to my face. But unfortunately that is how all non-Japanese are labelled, so I have to deal with it.
On the train, there was an Australian family who were a little noisy and annoying, but that's okay. The can't help it, and they don't speak Japanese so I doubt they know much about the culture. I think they were shocked with the next thing that happened. The train conductor came through and was checking tickets (also never had that happen to me, I always travel during quiet times). When he came to me I asked この列車にお便所はありませんか (kono ressha ni obenjo wa arimasen ka - Is there a bathroom on this train?) He replied yes, but unforunately it is in the other car (there were two cars, both very full; people standing already). I thanked him and he moved on. I was getting very uncomfortable so eventually I asked the girl next to me if it was okay it I left my bag there and returned after going to the toilet. She said yes, so I went to the bathroom and came back.
After this, the father asked me when we would be stopping in 'Matsumi'. He meant Matsumoto, so I told them that it was actually the last stop. After that he was asking me all kinds of questions. Must've thought I was a Japanese genius or something :p I'm not that good, just good with general topics like transport and the like. Luckily I knew the answers. And I know where McDonald's is in Matsumoto so the kids were very happy, even though I think they were all above 16 years old. One of them was probably my age, but I wasn't sure with all the makeup.
One of the daughters thanked me when the sardine-like train finally stopped in Matsumoto. I headed off, bought some food, then went to the platform for my last train.
Standing there, I felt like I was going from Melbourne to Tasmania. Knowing I was going back to nothing. I have enjoyed Kiso, but after experiencing the excitement of Hakuba it's a little anti-climactic. On the train I just felt a little empty and sad.
Eventually I made it home, and it sucked. My house is so cold, there's no one to cuddle. This is perhaps the downside of being able to visit Dede. At least when he was back home in Hobart I knew he wasn't close and there was nothing I could do about it. Being alone was constant and a little easier to deal with. Now, he's kind of close, but it takes a long time and I can't just go whenever.
Real life sucks.
I've applied for a couple more jobs for the new school year, I hope to hear from them sometime, and Dede has also applied to Altia. If he is successful maybe I will be able to ask if we can be placed near each other. But still, I don't really know where we are going. I don't like not knowing what is going on.
But all in all, my trip was a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting to know Dede's friends a little better, and Dede says that my snowboarding has improved a lot. Imagine how good I could be if I was able to do it two days in a row! Already I'm starting to do toe-edge without being taught. I think that's pretty good. Next time we are doing the mountain first; that's what I want to do. I think I could do it if I wasn't tired. I miss Dede a lot already...obviously. But it's okay, I know I'll see him again
But I begin work again next Tuesday, so it may be a little while before I head up to Hakuba again. It's just so lovely up there!!
PS: I will post photos once Dede sends some to me!!
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