Tea vs. Ice

It's a good thing Ryoko's mom brought some hot tea to the car this morning. After breakfast, the TV was showing images of snow-covered roads. Where was this, I asked. Far away. But we went outside, a small dusting of snow was on the ground, and on the cars (that infamous 23 centimeters long since melted). At the car, the windshield wipers were frozen in. The window covered in a layer of ice. No scraper. They tried using their hands. Didn't work. But then came the steaming hot tear. Poured over key places on the windsheld, it melted away the ice. The wipers finally free from their captivity, they pushed away any snow left over.

The snow has picked up. Weather.com says light snow in Nagoya. I say it's a fricken blizzard. And it's cold. And this was the one day this week I opted to not wear the sweatshirt. Just a T-shit and my read coat. Which brings up a fashion note.

Bright colors, such as red and yellow, are not so much common here. I may be the only person in the entire nation wearing a red coat. Or the only person wearing clothing from Columbia Sportswear.

Ah well, as I've said, I stand out anyway. Today, after a morning English class in which we watched the end of "Waterloo Bridge," a really old movie, I went to a really long lunch. Then, at 4:30, I spoke before 30-some students who will come to OSU in February for a breif study abroad.

That's the day. Then we ice skated (drove) back to Ryoko's condo, in a tower in the heart of the city.

Tomororw is questionable. The students don't have class, but nobody is, apprently, available to do anything.

On Christmas Eve, I shall go with a few friends to an izakaya, or pub. Christmas Eve is a huge day for couples in Japan. They go to firework shows, amusement parks, or nice restaurants. This time they might consider staying in, because of the ice storm.

Single people are left to be creative. Our creativity does not reach further than the pub. I support this. Excellent food. Expensive beer. Merry Christmas.