From Otaru to Sapporo

Me and Geri woke up early again so we decided to take a walk around the hotel before breakfast.  We had passed by this place during our walk in the blizzard the previous night and she wanted to check it out.



Unfortunately, we found out that they wouldn't be open until around 10 am and we would be long gone by then.  This was the best view that Geri could get.


We couldn't figure out why these cars were parked like this at the gas station.  Maybe they were waiting for them to open.


We saw these guys clearing the snow.


Otaru Canal


!!!!!!!


Another massive spread for breakfast.


I only took this much.  I was still full from the previous night's dinner.


This is the view from the restaurant window.  How do they drive in the snow? It's so slick.


Around 8:30 or 9:00 we boarded the bus to head back to Sapporo.


We made a stop at Nikka Whisky Distillery.




We imbibed in a bit of whiskey.


Well . . . actually . . . not me.  This is more my speed.


I loved this apple juice.  I bought a carton to take back to the hotel.


After about an hour we were back on the bus.


Our next stop was Shiroi Koibito Park, home to the Shiroi Koibito Factory which is known for its cookies, candies and ice cream.






Next was lunch at Ramen Alley.  I was so, so happy that our guide Ikuko led the way to the alley.  I had hoped that we would get to eat there, and I doubt we would've been able to find it without her help.  It was a really short and narrow alley . . . very easy to miss.


Thanks to Mark and Carol, we found out that this particular restaurant was the one that Anthony Bourdain had recommended.  Score!  So we waited in line with them.


I thought that we would probably need to go inside separately, because the place was really small, but we lucked out and a group finished up and when they left, there was just enough space for the six of us to be able to sit together!






I forget whose ramen this one was. 


But this one's mine.  Oishiiiiii!!!


Next:  Susukino Ice Sculptures