Arai

I caught a bus up to Lotte Arai today to hang out with the Pilkingtons and learn to ski. At first I was really worried as it took a fair bit to load up on the ski gear and equipment, walking backwards and forwards really tired me out and I hadn't even started skiing yet. I had originally dressed in full thermals but quickly stripped down to just a shirt with the jacket as it was quite hot out in the ice. Yos gave me a couple of basics and stayed with me to make sure I could at least get in and stand up on my skis, which I am very grateful for as otherwise I felt very lost.
I kept doing the basic learner run for most of the day as it took a fair while for me to become accustomed to using the skis. After a while I figured I would give the higher (still green) slope a go and I honestly don't think I was quite ready for it but had already committed. By the time I had completed the run though I got a nice sense of accomplishment from it and felt spurred on to do more.
I did another Gondola green run and was able to catch-up with Nathan and Sienna on that run but was still slightly slower than them on the dip.
Did a couple more runs on the basic course before having to hand my gear back and then headed to Yos and Nathans room to check it out.
Ended up relaxing in a jazz bar before heading back on the bus to my hotel. They were playing a lot I was able to singing along to but vibed on Tin Pan Alley by Stevie Ray Vaughan.
I jumped in a van hopefully to take me back to the train station, I talked to the driver for a bit as I was tipsy and asked him how his night was going and that my day has been a lot of fun, all in Japanese and he seemed to enjoy the conversation. My new phrase, I'm here until February "ni tsuki made koko ni imasu".
I tried one of the container restaurants and asked for an omakase (chefs choice) dinner. As far as I could figure out it had a Cesar salad, snow crab, beef stew and a soup with bread. But I got some sake to go with it and to help with the tipsyness. It was really delicious and I made sure to thank the chef properly as I left.
They had a smokeless fire in the corner of the room which I think was pretty amazing and added to the jazz vibe.
I even played the piano a little in the train station on the way back to the hotel as I figured why not...
I then headed back to the hotel for a late night onsen for the muscles, hopefully they can take the walking planned for tomorrow.Read more