Where will you be in five years time?

Since reaching my twenties I have been asked this question so many times and it drives me up the wall. In an ideal world I would have to have a wonderful successful career, be settling down in somewhere other than York and maybe have even met the man of my dreams. However this is most likely not going to happen and that doesn't bother me so much. I'm in no rush whatsoever to figure everything out right now. What will happen will indeed happen but I have no idea what is going to become of me. For now life is pretty sweet even if I am completely skint after forking out the remains of my life savings on flights and insurance to get to where I need to be but that's ok. Money doesn't grow on trees but you can always make more of it.

I hate people who obsess over there bank balance and stop themselves from doing things because it's too expensive. life is expensive and it isn't getting any cheaper. A year today I went skydiving in Dubai with my brother and it cost me a solid £400 to do it. Now yes I know, that is a lot of cash for something that lasts a few minutes but to say you have done something and experience something as amazing as that it was worth every penny. You don't remember exactly how much you have in York bank everyday however you do remember what you did with the money so what's more important, the money or the memories.

I know that one thing will remain the same as I get older. If you work hard you play hard. So far its been working out pretty well for me. For every awful job I have worked I have been able to afford to work all around the globe in different locations (as you will know from my other posts). So there we go, bring on the next five years and whatever it has to offer. I'm sure whatever happens I will continue to make the most of it.

 

Snow Monkeys

 

If you ever get the opportunity to visit the snow monkeys in Nagano it I highly recommended that you do so. I suggest you visit either early or late on in the day as it can get fairly crowded around noon. The monkeys themselves are so relaxed and chilled out. They don't mind you being there at all however be warned, don't get too close as they may just put up a fight. I was really pleased with how my photos turned out and stayed at the park for around two hours just observing the behaviours of the animals . It's scary how we share such similar characteristics and behaviours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Weeks And A Chalk Board In Japan

I decided I wanted to document my time traveling around Japan with a chalk board. I didn't manage to do one everyday however here were my results. I did all sorts from ninja training in Kyoto to Kayaking in Hiroshima. A more detailed blog entry of what I did coming soon so watch this space...

 

 

 

 

My Thoughts On University

I'm young, working a job I love, traveling the world with virtually no strings attached. I have everything exactly where I always wanted it but I do sometimes worry. I'm not your average cliché 22 year old though, not even close. I have never had the desire to go to university. It's become the done thing. Leave secondary school, go to college, go to university, get a degree and eventually go find yourself a job you will be settled in for the rest of your life. Now please enlighten me, where exactly is the fun in all of that? 

As ignorant as I sound I'm just trying to get across my point and I don't think university is bad for everyone, it just wasn't right for me. My experience with being introduced to the whole process wasn't that pleasant and played a huge role in why I'm so opinionated about the subject. It's rare for people in their early twenties to know what they want to do as a career for the rest of their life yet we are pushed into making the decision so early. We're young, the last thing we want on our plate is that huge commitment to education. Many of friends will be graduating this year and I couldn't be more thrilled but I'm now intrigued more than ever as to where they are all going to end up. 

Over the last three years while they have all been studying I have lived and worked in Canada, Dubai and Japan. What's so great about that you ask? How has that created better opportunities? Well, in my eyes I have learnt a lot more about myself, other cultures and made connections within the ski industry that I would never have been able to do if I didn't branch out and see the world. 

So this is my proposal to any of you that are still reading. Take a gap year, work abroad, go backpacking, meet new people and see new places. I promise, you wont be disappointed. A gap year gives you time to think about what it is you really want to do with the rest of your life. Don't ever feel pressured into doing something your not sure about, instead take a step back and make the decision independently. Seeing how other people from different backgrounds live may just help you figure out how you want to live your life. 

Bye Japan!

So my four and a half months in Japan has regrettably already come to an end but I have had the most incredible time. I'm privileged to have a family and friend base that are so supportive of my never ending love of traveling and working abroad. It's a lifestyle that I have adapted to and become familiar with. So far the only struggle I have faced is missing people which is expected. You'd have though it gets easier, truth is it doesn't. If anything it becomes more difficult, on each trip you meet more strangers who quickly become life long friends. 

Living and working in Niseko was for a ski bum like myself a perfect retreat when my kind of people flourish. The combination of champagne powder and like minded cool people made it somewhat of a paradise. It's so refreshing to be around others that have as much passion for the slopes as you are. To everyone that has encouraged me and pushed me to my limits this season, thank you. My confidence is growing and my desire to get stronger within the industry is even more. 

If you have a passion for the winter and have never explored the slopes of Japan I highly recommend you add it to the bucket list. I have never experienced so much snow in my whole entire life, it's ridiculous. There is nothing more satisfying than receiving multiple face shots as you travel down the untouched off piste powder. Happiness doesn't even cover it, it's such an incredible feeling like your weightless and just floating above the snow. It's the one thing in life that will never fail to make me smile uncontrollably, I adore skiing and always will. 

Japan you were truly wonderful and the last two and a half weeks of my trip have been surreal. Eight accommodations, Two bikes, seven buses, three taxis, fifteen trains, two trams, five flights, countless subway encounters and its time for my next adventure. It's been interesting, living like a turtle with my life attached to my back traveling from city to city and I can't wait to do it again in the near future. Now, where to next..?

A Kind Stranger At Shintenoji Temple, Osaka.

I'm going to start off by telling you what happened yesterday afternoon, it was a sunny beautiful day, very different to when I first arrived where myself and Steph were greeted to torrential rain. With my map in hand I ventured out in full summer attire and headed for Shintenoji temple, a short walk from my accommodation. Now, I have seen many temples in variouse city's around Japan however the combination of perfect weather and the beautiful architecture of the complex makes for a pleasing experience. After exploring and being a classic tourist taking photos at every opertunity I sat down overlooking the temple and I was soon approached by an elderly japanese man. 

He politely tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if I spoke English. He soon sat down next to me and progressed to pull out this huge English book from his bag. It was all really random, what an earth was he doing carrying that huge textbook around! He began to flick through the pages and asked me if I could help with some of the pronunciation of certain words. At this point he clearly had no idea of my incredibly thick Yorkshire accent and that half the time people struggle understanding me but never the less we sat down and I tried to help him as best I could. 

We sat at that bench for over an hour chatting and exchanging stories about all sorts. He told me that he has two daughters, one of which is married and the other unmarried who still lives with him at his home in Osaka. I didn't ask if he was married, I assume yes but he didn't mention. He told me how his favourite place he has visited was Fiji but that Japan to him was home and that he wouldn't want to live anywhere else. He has been learning English for the last ten years and has become almost fluent. 

We sat at that bench sometimes in silence as we people watched but most of the time in deep conversation. I just want to say thank you, whoever you are. It was wonderful talking to you and learning about your life. Your country is beautiful and hopefully one day you I'll get the chance to visit mine. 

Three Nights In Tokyo.

Where do I even being to explain Tokyo, it's simply a huge city with so much going on. The first thing I visually noticed was architecturally how the city has been built and put together, it's all completely random. Not even a slight suggestion of order at all for the most part which in all honestly I didn't expect at all. I was under the impression that Tokyo would be and look like the city of the future but I was massively mistaken. In my eyes it is a large city with so much diversity and choice, you can find virtually just about everything here but finding it might be difficult. This leads me on to talk about the subway system.

Now if you don't already know this, I'm from a little city in England called York and we don't have a subway! I'm so thankful that I have been traveling with friends because when it comes to public transport in foreign countries I'm absolutely useless. Luckily the Japanese are on a whole really lovely, kind hearted people that if you do happen to need help they will point you in the right direction. Don't be shy to ask, I know it seems daugnting with the language barriers and such but trust me it's much easier than trying to work it out by yourself. The subway is the cheapest and most convinient way to work your way around the city and I used it numerouse times in my visit. 

As a 22 year old that teaches skiing/snowbording for a living as you can probably imagine, I'm hardly rolling in cash and therefor when it comes to accommodation I'm always looking for a good deal. Two of the most helpful sites when searching for a place to stay we're hostel world, booking.com and air B&B. If your on a budget they are a great place to find cheap rooms for a reasonable price. In all honesty, the only time I was in my accommodation was to sleep. You are going to be so busy exploring the city that by the time you do get back you will no doubt crash out as soon as your head hits the pillow (that's what happened in my case).

What did a do and see you ask? Well shibuya crossing was one of the first destinations I discovered and my goodness, what a place! Im going to put this as simply as I possibly can. People are everywhere, just everywhere! It's simply insane. I could have quite happily sat and watched the crossing for hours on end if I had the time. Im really glad I got to see it for myself, it's one of those tourist attractions that will never get old or out of fashion because it will never change. After seeing the crossing we roamed around the bustling streets for a while and had a few drinks in variouse bars. It's just a cool place with lots of shops, restaurants, bars and more. A must if you get the chance to visit the area. 

I have always wanted to see a sumo wrestling match and I got lucky as a special event at Yasukuni shrine was happening during our visit. We walked from the station to the shrine through a park which was covered in small street food huts. You can get all sorts from scewers of chicken and beef, fish on sticks and traditional Japanese food such as ramen, sushi, tempura and more. When we arrived we discovered that the match would take place outside and we quickly found a great spot sat down on the floor with the perfect view. In all hoesnt I wasn't completely sure what was happening in the beginning, some form of blessing/ prayers before the event began. All of a sudden not just a couple but around twenty sumo wrestlers turn up to the ring and start practicing. It was a surreal experience, they are unbelievably strong. Practice went on for an hour or so and then the real fighting commenced. I would highly reccomed a visit to a sumo wrestling match. It's interesting, traditional and authentic plus when else will you ever get the chances!

During my three day trip I also visited Harajuka, Meiji shrine, Roppongi hills, Tokyo Metropolitan Goverment Building, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise, Ueno park, Shinjuku and Miraikan museum. It's fair to say I have only covered a small portion of this incredible city but I highly reccomed a visit. Tokyo is a city I wouldn't compare to anywhere else in the world therefor if you have e opportunity to see it for yourself you should totally do it, it won't disappoint.