3 Guesses, where are we?
I’m so glad to have had the chance to spend more time with Alexandra and meet her family. The more time we spend together the more I like her. She says “Gorgeous” and “Behbeh” like those are everyday words. As women, then couples, and then as a family we all hope to find a “match”. Someone with whom we can be ourselves with without worrying that they’ll call the police on us or have our kids taken away or just plain judge. That gets harder and harder to do as time goes on. This photo was taken their last night at the resort. We had 2 more nights to go. I am a little worried to be out of my “drinking” league, but the good thing about hanging with drinkers is as some point it doesn’t matter. People think I don’t like to drink, but that’s not true. I like to drink; I just don’t like to vomit. We had a great last night together, and I don’t know how, but they managed to get up bright and early the next morning for their journey home. I’m convinced they must sleep in hyperbaric chambers like Michael Jackson to party like its 1999 and stay fresh.
Christmas
We had a lovely day skiing. At this point, everyone is still falling, but we are able to get up faster. Knowing how sentimental Cliff is, I know he is feeling disappointed that the 3 of us are sitting at a hotel bar drinking and eating bar food Christmas night (see Dec 25th Blog entry). So I feel compelled to turn to him and say, “I had a great day and this is a great vacation.” And he just nods, and I know he’s thinking of Christmases past. “Hey,” I add, “There are a lot worse ways to spend Christmas.” One of the things I have noticed about spending Christmas in a non-Christian country is that it’s almost completely commercial. It’s devoid of religious meaning and seems lackluster no matter how many light shows shine and Christmas songs get played. I’ve been listening to Fox News again and the reports are always the same this time of year. How people are trying to kill Christmas or make it less offensive. So silly. I have always believed and taught Chase that there is no shame in loving. Be it Allah, Christ, Buddha, or whatever. I wish people would just appreciate the beauty in that. Any who, I digress. I’ll get off my soapbox now.
By the time it was time to leave, we were ready. Three people staying in 1 room and skiing 3 days in a row for people who don’t ski regularly is hard on the mind and body. Chase has his school ski trip coming up March 6th, 2012, so at least he won’t be completely “green.” On our way back to the Airport we stopped at the mushroom restaurant again, but we also stopped at another resort to pick up more people. I got off the bus to stretch my legs and when I went inside I saw this:
Unfortunately, the potato drink stand was closed, but that scary looking tree next to it talked and reminded me of my Koi. The minute I saw the potato drink stand I was instantly reminded of a friend I’ll call “Debra”. She is one of my many super smart, motivated, beautiful friends who had way too much time on her hands and way too much ability to stay at home (she has since quit working pro bono for her family). Anyhow, when we were brainstorming possible venues for her to channel all her energies, I suggested a Water Bar. I mean, who knew we would have to get in a car to get coffee, tea, smoothies, juice?!?!? I feel like the trend towards “designer waters” is so obvious. I suggested that she open up a water bar, but of course, this did not happen. If anyone decides to steal this idea, I am hoping to get a piece of the action by documenting in this blog. Don’t fight me, just give me 45% and I’ll leave you alone.
While in Hokkaido, I learned it is a town famous for its potatoes, milk, corn and ramen.
Speaking of ramen, Cliff was obsessed with having some Sapporo Ramen. Every town in Japan is known for some kind of food or experience and Cliff was not going to miss out. I thought we were going to miss our chance because we arrived at the airport late, but then we encountered this:
That white hair is like a beacon in the night
Living in a foreign country and traveling makes every trip feel like “The Amazing Race”. Evidently the poor weather had delayed a whole bunch of flights (including ours) so we had plenty of time. We found a row of Ramen restaurants on the 3rd floor and Cliff ordered the most popular dish.
If you are thinking, “Hey, that looks like a big pat of butter on that pile of ramen!” you are correct! BTW, don’t miss the big pile of corn there either! This is not your mamma’s ramen. This is Sapporo Miso Style Ramen. He said it was the best ramen he’s ever had in his life. This just goes to prove my theory that everything is better with butter and corn.
We finally ended up on a later flight and managed to get into Haneda Airport only 2 hours after our original time. When we got home, Chase opened up his gifts, and Cliff and I were able to unpack a little bit and start planning our next vacation.
The End
Until next time…
