This winter my life is good. I went home to America for some much needed RandR and deep dish pizzas. I enjoyed the company of my friends on a 3 day boarding trip to Hakuba. I have been able to stay warm in my apartment without using any kerosene! As I enjoy all these good things I can't help but look back to my first winter in Nagano.

I actually was looking forward to the cold when I came to Japan. I have always enjoyed winter back in Indiana and North Carolina. I like playing in the snow, huddling under the covers to watch movies, and enjoying the christmas season. However, winter in America is far different than in Japan.

First, not having a car made getting the grocies a pain. My options were biking through snow (I almost slid into a busy intersection and died once) or walk. Seeing how the closest grocery store is about a mile away it made things difficult. Not to mention I could only buy what I could carry. There were often a night when I was deciding between much needed bread or much desired beer. Figuring the beer also contained yeast I went with the beer. Walking in the freezing cold to get groceries or going to school was not nearly as bad as being at the school or my house.

You see - people often say "I'm used to winter. I can handle the cold." Sure, I believe you, but can you handle it all the time? My first winter in Nagano was so difficult because I was rarely warm. My house had holes in the windows and doors so the snow would come straight into my house along with the freezing wind. At night the glass of water next to my bed would be near frozen. I used to spend hours at the cafe near my school just because it was so warm.

Always being cold takes its toll especially after 3 months. By mid-February I noticed the my spirits were really down. I wasn't whistling to school anymore or waking up happy to be in Japan. My thoughts were always "cold. cold. cold." But by the end of February we had a unusual blast of warm weather that boosted my spirits. I noticed that just a little bit of warmth can go a long way.

The first winter in Nagano was tough, but I think a lot of my problems could have been avoided. Obviously, having a car is important, but more importantly spending time with friends and laughing and staying busy is the best weapon to battle the cold. Friends help you to laugh off terrible situations, help you buy kerosene, and good reminder that life here is good. I wish I could go back and tell myself what I've learned now like: get an electric blanket, don't be stingy on kerosene, get a car, stay at a friends house, don't drink alone, fix the windows and doors, keep the house clean, and remember all that is great about this place.

I hope everyone is enjoying the winter and staying warm. Keep yourself in check and spend a lot of time with your friends! Most importantly have fun! This is one of the ski capitals of the world!!!

-stephen

The first snow. In front of my house in Komagane.

Visiting the monkey onsen with friends.