Sapporo Ice Festival-February 6

I told you that we were going to the crab place for dinner.  That was my mission.  The northern area is known for King and Queen crab as they live in the cold waters there.  This time, Caroline stayed behind and Patrick joined us.


Everything on the menu is made from crab.  Carb tempura, steamed crab, crab innards (yes!) etc. You get the idea.  The funny thing is Bill does not eat seafood.  I just got him to eat some fish, sometimes.  He won't go near shellfish.


He bought rice from the local market and ate that while we feasted. 

It was a beautiful restaurant, traditional Japanese.  Tatami mats on the floor.  Take your shoes off.

I ordered the plum wine, very sweet.  Here, I am explaining the virtues of getting a second glass.  There was no photo trickery I could do to make myself look better.  Believe me, I tried!  I was really tired from walking all day in the cold.  But I was very happy.

Bill was tired too.  Maybe he was hungry...

Patrick's "set" came with a hotpot.  It is a soup that you cook at the table.

Patrick did not talk for 5 minutes because he was eating.  He has a great meal.

My dinner, Queen crab.  The top center is the "innards"  I passed, even after two glasses of wine!  I usually will try anything once, but I wasn't up to it that night.  I thought of my brother, Joe.

Patrick's set.  He said, "everything on my tray s made from crab.  Crab sushi rolls, crab leg, crab hot pot...Bill's crabby."  Funny.

Bill wanted to go for another walk after dinner.  It was a beautiful night but I went kicking and screaming.  I knew the sculptures would be lit up, but I was dragging.  Maybe all that rice gave him energy--Go Carbs!!

Bill was right the detail is much different at night. I saw much more depth to the sea sculpture than I did during the day.
I will just share a few shots.  It was about 9 p.m. and the festival was starting the next day.  It was mobbed, I will spare you those pictures.  I was glad to have the park to ourselves.

Just wanted to show the detail one this one.

The view from our hotel room.

I forgot to mention that Caroline and I were interviewed by the local television station on our first day here.  I forgot to have Bill take a picture of it!  It happened so fast and we had already been walking around for hours.  It was fun.  They were impressed with our Japanese.