Forsaken

Snow, snow, where for art thou snow? Everwhere but bloody Tokyo! Snow is a gift that comes but once or twice a year in Tokyo, and only if you are really lucky does it stay around long enough for you to pick it up, compact it and throw it into the face of a friend. Only if you are really lucky do you get enough that it stays around for days and eventually gets dirty by the side of the road, allowing you to break off a big piece and kick it down the footpath in the tradition of Snow Soccer. Such wonderful memories I have of snow. But alas, this winter it snows everywhere but Tokyo. The winter chill here has been more bitter than usual and only bearable with the promise of those glorious white flakes falling from the sky. But God forsakes us Australians in Tokyo and gives his snow to those who want it not.

In fact, not only does he give it to those who do not ask, he gives it to them by the metre. Not one or two, but THREE metres in some places! There have been record snowfalls in many places all over Japan and in some northern areas, the snow is such a problem that they are calling for volunteers to come and assist in the removal of snow from village streets and rooftops of houses to prevent their collapse. But for work I would be there in a flash! Although I'm not sure I could control myself and would probably end up constructing snow pyramids and igloos instead or focussing on the job at hand. I think they would tell me to go back from whence I came and not come back until I'm ready to act like an adult. I'm not sure if I could handle such a frosty reception... I think I'd like to live for a year in a place that gets heaps of snow, just to get all the excitement out of my system. Having to shovel it out off my driveway and off my car every morning, and having to make tunnels to my front door might help to cure me of my disorder. Come to think of it, better make that three years.

This is a picture of a recent avalanche at a ski resort. Local authorities have issued avalanche warnings in areas where 5 or more houses are at risk should an avalanche occur. So far, the total number of these avalanche risk areas is in the thousands.

So, I guess if the white glory doesn't come my way, I may just have to venture North and seek out sub-zero amusement by myself. Anyone wanna come?