Winter Wonderland

Sapporo had it's first snow today. Or, it's first snow that's lasted more than a night. It's officially winter! My Japanese friends don't seem very impressed, but they see this every year. Still, it's beautiful! Nice and thick and puffy. Not quite wet enough for the perfect snowball, but it still works pretty well. I think the international students have more than enough enthusiasm to make up for the Japanese student's lack there of.

We all just finished the first snow ball fight of the season. I am now sitting in my favorite cafe, drinking chai and wishing that I had my camera with me so I could take some photos of the season for you. I won't make that mistake tomorrow, I hope. Maybe it'll snow again tomorow and I can get some action shots for you!

Sapporo has a snow festival in the winter where artists come from all over the world to see giant ice and snow sculptures. Unfortunately, I'll be gone before they start construction. However! I will be around during the German Christmas Festival and the illumination of the park where they put Christmas lights everywhere. That's exciting!

I'm looking forward to Christmas and seeing everyone again.

Love you lots.

Excitment in the Air

I know this isn't a political blog, but I feel the need to say something about Obama wining the election. As I type, I'm sitting in my favorite English speaking cafe, talking to Japanese people and American's alike. The excitement that people are feeling right now is very clear. People believe in this guy. They're excited about him. They're all talking about needing something new, needing a more responsible America. An America that cares about it's own people and the citizens of the world.

I know not everyone who reads this blog will be happy about the outcome, but you can't deny that this is an interesting time to be living in.

Here's to hoping he lives up to the expectations of him.