Yuki Matsuri - Sapporo

Micaela played host for our visit to the famous Snow Festival in Sapporo, timed convieniently to coincide with Sam's birthday. Though the snow was lighter than usual, it was still impressive by Australian standards. The snow and ice carvings were incredible - the biggest one commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese Antarctic expedition, and so featured enormous penguins, whales, etc. (no burger jokes, please). After the lights were turned out at night, teams of ice-carvers and snow-fluffers went to work to correct any changes wrought by the day's sunshine and crowds. A cold, awe-struck time was had by all.

Micaela

Disturbing Meat Products

In the supermarket in Sapporo with Micaela, we were forced to venture into unknown territory - the meat aisle. It turns out that there's no kind of once-animal byproduct that can't be shaped into Mickey or Hello Kitty. Who knew?