3 January 2008 －長野,信州（しんしゅう）

We set off to 美ヶ原高原穂（うつくしがはら）after we had our breakfast. Today’s drive is about 3 hours plus, shorter distance than yesterday.

It was snowing on the way when we reached長野. When we stopped by the traffic, I saw one family clearing the piles of snow in front of their courtyard. It was unbelievable that I saw this real scene. Always saw it from TV…

We diverted a bit and stopped by at tip of 美ヶ原高原穂 to take photos. The scenery to me was nice. Su and his dad said the scenery at the top of 美ヶ原高原穂 is even better. The temperature was about -4℃.

Actually we got lost on our way earlier and Su’s dad’s friend got worried and called to ask us of our whereabouts. On our way to the top of 美ヶ原高原穂ホテル山本小屋, we met Su’s dad’s friend, 宇野さん. , 宇野さん ride the snow mobile and looked for us. He’s so nice! Worried that we can’t find our way there.

The temperature at 美ヶ原高原穂ホテル山本小屋 is -7℃ with strong wind. When I alighted from the car, I was like, oh gosh! The scenery is so beautiful.

We had soba for lunch. It was so delicious! Especially to drink hot soup and tea when feel cold. After lunch, we prepared for the set off. I had to wear宇野さん skiing suit as Maki’s skiing suit is too small/short for me. I had to wear boots, mask and gloves too. Wow! I begin to feel that “yeah, I am really going to ski!”

I sat behind宇野さん on the snow mobile and we drove to the open space at美ヶ原高原穂. The strong wind blow on my face and I felt painful but when I saw the scenery, I almost faint and felt that this is worth it. The land/mountain is filled with snow, all white! I saw mountains (including 富士山) and trees filled with snow. The scenery was totally awesome. I can say it is 絶景. I have never seen such beautiful scenery before and I felt as though I am in paradise.

When we saw the beautiful scenery, 宇野さん told me that those who said work is their life are all lies! Life has to play too! I totally agree!

I stepped on the snow and the snow is up to my knee cap level! I fell down when I walked as I took too big a step. 宇野さん taught me that I have to take small steps so I tried and yeah, I can walk on the snow!

I was so happy that I kept taking photos. But my gloves hinder me, so I took the right glove off to press the shutter. After a while, my right hand got numb and it became so painful! I was so worried and felt as if my hand is dropping off! I put on the glove again but it didn’t work. 宇野さん advised me again to put under my clothes and let my own temperature warm the hand. It worked!

Another stupid thing of me is that the wind was so strong that my face felt painful. It was as if a burning sensation. I complained and the three men surrounded around me to solve the problem. Haha. It was rather funny! They are really helpful and nice.

Anyway, I was taking photos happily. 宇野さん is also a camera lover and he kept taking photos too with his Nikon DSLR (yap, Nikon fan too).

We drove a bit out and we could see better scenery. Su drove quite slow as it was the first time he drove snow mobile. 宇野さん had taught him how to drive. Su’s dad can drive it. 宇野さん and Su’s dad ride snow mobile at this place before.

Su asked me if I want to try driving snow mobile. I replied “Yes of course!” 宇野さん taught me how to drive. It’s very simple! So I tried and宇野さん sat at the back. I drove a few circles and宇野さん asked me to drive alone! Wow! I was so excited! I drove slowly at first but increase my speed gradually. Then I started to speed! It was so so fun! I simply love snow mobile! Much better than skiing I think.

I could not see clearly as the hot air I breathe out fog my spectacles. So I took off my spectacle and started speeding again! My legs were so cold then. We were there for about an hour or so. We went back to the hotel and rest. I got to sit at the entrance to get the warmth from the heater.

We had coffee and chatted a while. There was flock of birds outside the hotel. I took photos of it. So beautiful! I can feel a sense of freedom when I watched the birds fly towards the mountains.

宇野さん asked if I want to try the snow mobile again. I was too cold and felt a bit tired, so I rejected his offer. We bid farewell to 宇野さん as he will stayed there for a night.

I felt a bit sad to leave美ヶ原高原穂ホテル山本小屋as I really love the place. I would definitely come back again!

We headed to 和田宿温泉(わだじゅくおんせん) and paid 300yen for やすらぎの湯。 Then we headed back home. On our way, we had dinner at service station. I ate 釜飯の佐久　(かまめしのさく), a famous dish at 長野. This dish was only eaten by the imperial families and rich people in the past. Supposed to be healthy food. I find it tasteless and don’t really enjoy it.

I reached Su’s home, packed my stuff. Tomorrow will be flying back to Singapore. After packing, Su and I started drinking and watching TV. He was surprised that I like EXILE! Anyway, we drank and chatted while Su’s parents and Maki slept. Su was drawing the New Year cards for his friends. He draws New Year cards for friends every year. He said there are about 50 or so. So each year he spent a lot of time on this. I was hungry and shared a hot dog with Su. Hmm, I wonder why I get hungry in Japan easily.

Maki woke up around 3am and was surprised that we are still chatting. Haha. Well, we seldom have chance to chat. Once we started chatting, it can go on and on.

Su was still busy drawing while I go to bed. Today is the last day in Japan. I can’t bear to leave. I wish I have more time here...