- 2010.08.02 Monday 21:51 | maria@2010
Otaru begins...
Arriving last night in Otaru, I was greeted by a friendly Masa San and a gorgeous, homely, lived in hostel, with lots of nooks and crannies to explore! Otaru will be my home for the next few weeks, so is lovely to be somewhere I can relax (after a hard morning's elbow grease of course...). An hour later I was listening to jazz with the sun setting over the noted romantic spot of the canal. The evening was filled with the sultry singer's voice carried by the summer breeze, the beer was flowing and I felt excited to be in Hokkaido during the summer (come winter...well I might have to escape to Honshu...but let's not think about that now!)
Today was my first day of work, and it felt good to be earning my keep! A sweaty four hours later, and the day was young. With a friendly new arrival in the hostel, we went exploring in the glass making area, where we watched in awe as a beautiful vase was sculpted for the delight of a budding crowd, with lots of oohs and aahs filling the air, and a polite clap when all was done. Back to the canal, and lots of people jostling to get in the perfect position for that all important perfect shot of the lights shining and the sun setting. Yes, I think I am going to enjoy a peaceful time in Otaru, except perhaps when I am trying to capture my own perfect shot of the canal by night...