Checked out after enjoying a late breakfast and make my way to Nagano. I spent 5.5h in transit with a 20-30 min layover so I had to grab McD's (my second fast food consumption of the trip) and it too wasn't that great as I got something not normally sold in America and it was just smothered with ketchup.
I get into Nagano, find my hostel (Korimitzu hostel) and meet up with Kei. Earlier in Kyoto, I had been trying to find someone to couch-surf with and Kei responded to my request saying he couldn't host me but would love to join me on my adventures so I agreed as I love company. So Kei comes up to the hostel and informs me that there is a fireworks festival a train ride away, so we head that way. Grab some festival food and find a place to watch the fireworks – best show ever! (it should be noted some of these pics I borrowed from Kei who is an excellent photographer)
Video of one of the firework displays
Another example of the awesomeness that is Japanese firework displays
No joke, there were fireworks of all kinds (high, mid, low range fireworks) going crazy as it was a competition among groups trying to outdo each other. One actually had music with it. Had some local girls behind us watching and I have to say, I love how genuinely amused they were and their vocalizations of such. It was nice hearing people's reactions to the fireworks as my reactions are “cool” and “that was nice”. After it was over, we head back to town, being temporarily stuck at a rail stop where the JR train and the private line transfer. We get back eventually and set up the plans for tomorrow before we head our separate ways. I get back to the hostel and hang out with some of the travelers and the owners chatting about a variety of topics before I head to bed.
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| Couple years late but I made it to the olympics finally. |
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| Taking the train out to the countryside towns for a firework show. |
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| Small crowd as we try and find a spot on the ground to call home for the show. |
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| Berry sitting patiently for the sun to set. I feel your pain bear! |
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| Such a beautiful sunset. |
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| I love sunsets but they take sooo long when you are waiting for a fireworks show to start. |
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| Let the show begin! |
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| Looks like Berry is getting really close to the fire. |
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| Blurry Berry likes fireworks. |
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| Soo cool. Love fireworks! |
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| Sparks go boom! |
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| Little variety in this one |
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| The colors duke the colors! |
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| So many colors to see all at once. |
Another example of the awesomeness that is Japanese firework displays
No joke, there were fireworks of all kinds (high, mid, low range fireworks) going crazy as it was a competition among groups trying to outdo each other. One actually had music with it. Had some local girls behind us watching and I have to say, I love how genuinely amused they were and their vocalizations of such. It was nice hearing people's reactions to the fireworks as my reactions are “cool” and “that was nice”. After it was over, we head back to town, being temporarily stuck at a rail stop where the JR train and the private line transfer. We get back eventually and set up the plans for tomorrow before we head our separate ways. I get back to the hostel and hang out with some of the travelers and the owners chatting about a variety of topics before I head to bed.
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