okayjizo

There's a tiger between his legs.

Jizo Bodhisattva is a much beloved figure in Japan, Korea, and China. Jizo is a special protector of children, travelers, and women. Jizo is also known to help those who are working with a life problem or physical affliction. Jizo is the bodhisattva who plunges fearlessly into any place or situation to help those in need. Jizo's qualities include unflagging optimism, fearlessness, and gentleness.

Unflagging

Optimism

Fearlessness

Gentleness

Cricket symphony.

Coffee, ice cream, beer. Zen.

Racing gear check.

Boarders without borders - Nozomi, one of my brother's co-workers, and her Japan-born Swiss-raised international man of love, Greg, tinkering with toys while we wait for our curry lunches.

Ninjer ski mask.

Victory poses.

Guests are encouraged to wear these yakatanas (traditional robes) before and after onsen and also around the lodge.

Guests are NOT encouraged to get loud and blinkered or harass the waitresses for their phone numbers for a little one-on-one english lesson.

Girls gone mild.

Akiko, Paolo, Hamish, Greg, Nozomi, Me.

Someone got a little pooter spray happy.

Happy feet.

Day two. All smiles.

Early morning onsen, yummy breakfast and powpow for dessert.

Snowballs

A trail crossing from one ski area to another - long flat areas and two or three uphill stretches. We wound up hoofing it most of the way.

Small figure in the middle of the pic is my brother on the other side of the valley, my destination. It was a gorgeous trek but sadly the area we hiked to wasn't as fun - icy and super windy.

Passing time until the shuttle arrives to take us back to the ski area where we started out.

The lift back to the lodge. Bye bye Nagano.

Konichiwa smelly armpits.