The quirks continue…

Funny Notebook
The quirks continue

I just love it how it doesn’t matter where you go in Japan... you’ll find something quirky & cute. Today I was lucky enough to go shopping at the local stationary shop in Hakuba (yes, I love stationary and if you do too – I highly recommend a visit!). Not only was it jam-packed full of every awesome ‘Japanesey’ stationary item you could imagine, but even the stationary had quirky little English translations… check out this one on a notebook – in case you can’t read it, it says: “Wonderful Time. Do you have a good time? Time is the same for everyone. The rest depends on you. Now is the best time. It’s pretty free time. Dreams for now!” Love it… (and yes, I bought the notebook 🙂

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Pizza night at Luna Hotel

Pizza at Luna Hotel

Pizza at Luna Hotel

Another great night with all the staff last night at Eclipse Restaurant at Luna Hotel. Luna’s new chef Joe fine-tuned his incredbile pizza-making skills and served up some delicious pizzas. Most of us over-ate… The girls did a great job bringing the Eclipse Restaurant back to life after the summer, with flower arrangements and candle-light. Eclipse at the Luna Hotel is going to go off this season!

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First runs of the season

White Horse Crew - Day 1 at Goryu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After rumours of a lift or two potentially opening at midday today, the staff at the White Horse were all buzzing about trying to cram in as much pre-season work as possible, in order to hopefully be rewarded with that much-anticipated first run of the season. And what a reward it was! Gorgeous snow, no people, excellent weather and even though only one lift open at Goryu, it was all we needed to feel the excitement for what’s ahead.  Thanks guys for an awesome first day.

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Beautiful snow in Echoland We had a grea…

Beautiful snow in Echoland
Beautiful snow in Echoland

We had a great dump of snow yesterday – not a huge amount, but it’s a great start to what will be a great season. Watching the snow falling was just beautiful – like little feathers floating through the trees. And the best part… rumours are flying that first lifts are opening today at Hakuba47 at midday!  The team here are all super excited, as you would imagine. Hopefully I’ll get to head up for a ski this afternoon and get some photos for tomorrow’s update.

Enjoy the mountain & we look forward to seeing you at the White Horse and on the slopes soon 🙂

 

 

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Gearing up for a great season…

The White Horse Crew

There’s been an incredibly exciting vibe in the air here at The White Horse Hotel over the past few days as staff continue to arrive with snowboard bags in tow… now we’re really gearing up for a great season!  After a hearty Japanese curry dinner last night (and delicious – thanks Samika & Ryley), the crew’s all hard at work today at each of the White Horse Group’s hotels around Hakuba making things clean, comfortable, warm and ready for you!

Forecasts are saying snow today, so stay tuned…

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There are so many cute & quirky thin…

Gotta love 'em...

There are so many cute & quirky things I am coming to know and love about Japan… one of my favourites is the crazy English translations you’ll find on menus, flyers, products in the supermarket and pretty much on anything that has had something translated. This is one of the funnist I’ve seen in Jusco… a towel that is “not great – but it will do the job!”

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…and we’re back

 

The snow is back in Hakuba
The snow is back in Hakuba

There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of snow sliding off your roof – excitedly peeking out the window hoping that the little dusting you saw coming in last night has turned into something more… and it has! About 8cm or so! The next snowfall is due on Tuesday – hopefully now it’s here to stay 🙂

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Quick update on the weather forecast

Apparently another little tease is arriving tonight, then hopefully something more substantial from 6th-8th… will update you tomorrow!

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  And the food just keeps getting b…

Pari Pari Potato

 


And the food just keeps getting better…
The other night I went out for dinner with Tony & some of the White Horse crew. Amazing fish, sesame chicken wings, whole roasted garlic cloves, and Pari Pari Potato – these amazing, crunchy, curly bits of goodness… look out for it around Hakuba!

 

 

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December is here…

Beautiful day in Hakuba

Beautiful day in Hakuba

And you know what that means… the snow is not too far away! Rumour has it something big is coming around the 8th so stay tuned. As for this week – no new snow has fallen since Monday but these beautiful sunny days are keeping us somewhat warm(er) and providing some breathtaking views around the village.

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