Monday, December 17, 2007

17 Dec 07 - Day 1 (Hakodate)

Gathered at the Terminal 2, checked in and boarded the plane around 12+am where the plane took off around 1.10am. Got off the plane at Kansai Airport in Osaka around 8+am, checked out and checked in the luggages. Then went to the public toilet to change into our long johns and pullovers before wandering around the airport and ate lunch at the food court. Boarded the domestic flight to Hakodate around 11.50am and arrived at the Hakodate Airport around 1+pm.

It was snowing and we put on our jackets and quickly went out to the coach. Went to The Trappistine Convent, which was built in 1898 first, took pictures and bought a key ring and a walnut mobile phone accessory as souvenirs before going to a shop nearby to eat the soft cream. Then we went to Goryokaku Tower where we could see the star shaped fort built in 1857. Took some pictures, collected some ink stamps and bought some souvenirs there and BIL bought some chocolate to eat.

Virgin Mary in The Trappistine Convent built in 1898 in Hakodate, our first stop upon arrival

Star Shaped Fort

The next stop was Mount Hakodate and we had to take a granola up to the top where we could get what they called the “million dollar night view” which also topped the best 3 night views in the world. It was only around 5+pm Japan time but felt like 8+pm coz the sky was dark. It was enjoyable coz the view was magnificent. Took some pictures, looked around despite of the cold and then retreated indoor. There were some ink stamps but there wasn’t any paper around to collect those stamps. Went on to get souvenirs, bought two items and only to find out that there was a machine that could make souvenir coins for 500 yen. I didn’t have loose change and Ry lent me the money. Then headed to the restaurant for an all-crab dinner. Didn’t manage to finish all the food coz was eating the kids’ share as well. Drank a bit of sake and then headed to Yunokawa Prince Hotel for the night. Almost slipped and fell while on the way out from the restaurant to the coach.

Taken from Goryokaku Tower in Hakodate on 17 Dec 2007, our second stop upon arrival. Overseeing the star-shaped fort build in 1857

Most of the things seen and experienced were much like what SWT had told me. The hotel room was like those that we seen in traditional Japanese drama series, small and tiny. Ours came with a private open-air bath but sis and I didn’t try.

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