Taiwan and Japan

Michael and I had a really fun time in Taiwan and Japan. We ended up staying with an old friend from the DC area who now lives in Taipei, and we also met up with some some friends while skiing (they decided last minute to coincidentally go to the same ski resort). I probably have lots more to say about the trip when I'm not jetlagged anymore. Here are some photos...

There are some nice hikes in Taipei, but unfortunately the visibility wasn't the best on the days we were there. It was nice to be shown around by local expats, and even play a friendly kickball game in the park. On our last full day there we went to Yamingshan National Park and hiked up Mt. Cising, the tallest mountain in Taiwan. At the end of it we got to dip our feet into a thermal pool of water. 

In Tokyo we stayed in a capsule hotel. It was quite comfortable and in a nice neighborhood: Asukasa.

Below was the tatami style common room at the hotel.

One of the oldest surviving temples in Tokyo, below. 

We enjoyed the Ghibli Museum, but unfortunately you can't take pictures inside.

One of the many arcades in Akihabara, below.

I'll have the pile of tomatoes please. This was taken in a McDonald's; I think they mean that's the coast for adding tomato to your burger, but I think it looks funny.

Akiba Owl Cafe was pretty great.

We didn't have the best skiing weather in Niseko, but here are a few pics from our most beautiful day on the mountain. I'd never skied up above the tree line until here. 

It may be hard to tell but this is a one-seat ski lift with no bar. It is not for the faint of heart.

One of several cafes that are actually on the slopes. I believe this one is the highest on the mountain, at the thousand meter mark. We stopped here for a snack in between runs.

Three of my favorite things about Japan that are not pictured here: the toilets, the onsens (thermal spas), and the food. You never realize how inferior toilets are in the rest of the world until you go to Japan. The onsens are super relaxing, but you can't take photos because people are nude. And, if I included food photos there would just be too many. The presentation for every meal and snack is beautiful. From ramen to sushi to donuts, we didn't have single disappointing bite in Japan. 

Our trip ended less spectacularly than it started, with us almost not making it back to Sapporo in time for our flight. The buses were cancelled due to road closures from a snowstorm, but we were lucky one of the owners of the apartment building where we stayed was driving back to Sapporo by another route and offered us a ride. We made it back later than planned so we didn't have any time to spend in Sapporo, but it all worked out. 

Now we're back in Sydney, going from from 21 Fahrenheit to 21 Celsius. We are settling back in and the cats are happy to see us.