Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
Saturday, January 14, 2017

*MAYA*

This morning's wakeup call was nice and early...minus the nice. Most of us had our alarms set for 6:10am as we were getting picked up to be taken to the train station just before 7am. The prediction for the day ahead was long and boring. We had an 8 hour journey and about 5 changes in trains for travel from Hakuba to Hakkodate.
The first part consisted of 2 trains which were around an hour long rides on. The next one was a grade A Shinkansen. Boy we're we pleased to have our first class tickets. Although with that said, it came to our attention that there was even a grand class which is above first class! Looked pretty damn snazzy. All trains were made in superb timing with no laggers in the group. Even myself and Ashleigh who are the usual culprits had it together. The only evident issue encountered was being bogged on our last leg of travel. The little train just couldn't seem to get out of it but all was well because we almost instantly had another one which pulled up on the track next to it that was ready to go. When we arrived in Hakkodate the weather, like for most part of the journey was horrendous. I'm talking howling wind, mouth full of snow and blurry vision. The hotel was only an 8 minute walk but nehhhhh, taxis were our best bet.
Upon arrival Ash realised she left her phone in the taxi but luckily the front desk was able to get in contact with the taxi company and the driver returned it! After Cal/Ash and Blake/Lou changed rooms because both of theirs smelt like smoke we went out for a little pub dinner across the road but didn't stay out too long because we were all pretty tired. The hotel was really nice with actual life sized showers which I think we all appreciated. There was also the bonus of a little night dress which was oh so comfy.