Tea Ceremony

We went to a traditional tea ceremony, but I'm not sure of what each piece of the ceremony meant because the woman didn't speak english.  I wish we had changed into traditional Japanese clothing, but maybe at a different place!

VERY sweet treats before the actual tea.  I think I have 3 cavities from these things.

Handmade cavity - with a bean paste center.  Sweets done J-style.

My tea, in my beautiful bowl.  She changes the bowls according to the season.

Chinatown

I went to Chinatown again yesterday.  What difference six months makes!  Since I was able to walk without fear of melting from the heat, I got a totally different view of the place.  I didn't take too many pictures, but there is a shrine there decorated for the Chinese New Year.  Any guess as to what year it is??

Otaru Snow/Candle Festival

More snow.  This time they light it up with candles.  This was in the town of Otaru, it's not too far from Sapporo, but it was SOOO much colder!  I got a snow facial scrub while I was there - well really it was just hitting me in the face.  :)