Back in Japan

So I'm back in Snow Country. I've been reading lots of online articles about the snow in Tokamachi but I really didn't expect what I found when I got home (see also 9th Jan on the snow blog). Inside, my apartment seemed smaller than I remember, I guess because most of the hotels rooms were the same size the my entire flat. I also found a pile of Christmas cards and New Year's Cards. Thanks to everyone who sent one! I promise ot send personal replies soon.
I also found, while trying to make a pot of tea, that my water pipes had frozen so I had no running water. Idiot! I should have left the water trickling while I was away (flowing water doesn't freeze)!! Keiko was very kind and she rang the landlord. He suggested that I open the taps, warm up my flat and wait; hopefully the ice in the pipes will eventually melt and the pressure will push it through.

After a few hours, still no water, so I headed out for lunch (warm soba) and to buy some snow wellies (clearing before in just my walking boots was okay but not perfect) .

When I came back, I could hear the tap running; success!! This is good news because it means a) I can have a cup of tea, b) I can wash my clothes from the holiday, and more importantly c) I can have a shave. Take a closer look at the picture of me and teh snow and you'll see that I grew a beard on holiday. Isn't it a beauty? Anyways, I'm back now and the beast is itchy so it's time to shave it off.

Of course, I might stop halfway to see what I look like with a goatee.