We have just returned from what has become our annual trip to Japan – to Niseko in Hokkaido, to go skiing.  We also went to Korea on this occasion.

Japan first.

Here are a couple of clips of Andrew and Nick skiing:

<.avi files> – Andrew skiing  : Nick skiing.            …… Double-click.

<.wmv files> – Andrew skiing 2  :  Nick skiing

We were in Niseko, as previous years.

Over 2 metres of snow fell whilst we were there.  The skiing was good, therefore, but the visibility poor.  Some great times, though.  Great restaurant meals and good family time.  Andrew came up with a good new description of the way our family runs: “Our family is a democracy, but Mum has three votes, and decides on all ties”.

Great food, some superb restaurants, including “Kamumura” and “Iki”

Previously I have known little of Korea.  A little from M*A*S*H, a little from other sources, but really not much.  Now I know a lot more, and have a great appreciation for the Korean overall.  A culture which seems to blend the best of Chinese and Japanese, although Koreans might say that they were the originals, with some justification.

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There are many old buildings found even in the centre of Seoul, as this view (of Gyeongbokgung Palace front gateway) shows.

The history and culture are terrific, and the scenery beautiful even in the middle of winter.  This view was taken in the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a day outing from Seoul, and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We also visited the “DMZ”, or Demilitarized Zone, between North and South Korea, and learned how 85% of all Koreans want re-unification (although at least 20% want some adjustment of economic status first!).

The scars are still raw, it appears.  This is a steam locomotive stranded in the DMZ at the cessation of hostilities.  Actually there are over a thousand bullet marks in it from before firing ended, and I think it is unlikely to move again under its own power ….