Finally kicking off my 2011 posts. Over the New Year holidays we got an enormous snowfall, and I was basically stranded at home.
It wasn’t exactly a happy time for me, but I’m leaving a record of it anyway.
Right outside my place…
About three days after the snow started, I finally made it outside.
The scenery was gorgeous, but getting around was no easy task. I couldn’t drive until the snow was cleared, so I walked around taking photos. It was the first time I’d ever gotten around this town without a car…
Barely enough room for a car to get through.
There was nowhere for people to walk, so getting anywhere was really tough.
The whole town was completely buried.
The main street
This is the busiest intersection around. Going straight is manageable, but turning left is a real nightmare.
Snow everywhere..
Apparently it was the heaviest snowfall in 30 years.. Since snow is rare here, the snow clearing seemed to be running behind.
The street with the Uniqlo..
I came out to pick up some HEATTECH at Uniqlo, but it looked kind of flimsy, so I kitted myself out head to toe in Mizuno Breath Thermo from the sporting goods store next door..
A bit pricey, but I’m very happy with it. I’m still using it back in Korea. To this day I’ve never actually bought a single thing at Uniqlo..
On the way to buy rain boots..
While the snow was falling it was still okay, but once it started melting you couldn’t even walk without rubber boots. The drains couldn’t keep up, so the streets were flooded 20 cm deep.. So I made an hour-long round trip to Juntendo for boots.. and when I got there, they had exactly one pair left..
Scenery…
This experience really changed how I think about snow..
Looks great, though..
Still, it was warm, so the snow melted pretty quickly..
Scenery
The sky
Indifferent and clear.
Downtown..
Lake Shinji
Shimane Art Museum
The snow is slowly melting.
Luckily I made it back safely, but getting there was anything but easy. I never want to go through that kind of ordeal again..