to hell and back

There is always something happening in Japan. This week there’s the Matsuri (no idea what it means) and thousands were dancing and jumping and waving giant flags around…

Went to Noboribetsu (South of central Hokkaido, facing the Pacific Ocean) on Saturday… did the hell valley trail walk and got sunburnt (note to self 3:22: stop thinking sun only exists in Singapore, wear sunscreen). And no, that is not a zoo, it happens to be a bear park with duck race where punters win small handkerchief as trophies. Thought it was pretty lame when I saw visitors buying carrots, throwing at and feeding the bears…!!! I mean… WTF!?!!? Bears and carrots??? (revelations 2:78: u lock carnivores up long enough u can nourish them with veg) but… the park has great view of the pacific and the lake nevertheless… then in the evening, it was Onsen (as usual) followed by a splendid display of Demon’s Fireworks at Jigokudani, allegedly launched in wish for happiness and rid people of bad luck.