An Israeli backpacker in Kushiro

The week after I had been in Sapporo, Saar (one of the backpackers I met on the town) came through to Kushiro for a visit. He arrived Thursday morning and I took him out to the marshland. it was amazing how much the nature had changed in the 3 weeks since I had last been out. Like someone had scanned the park into photoshop and changed all the vibrant green to faded gold. The foliage was thinning dramatically, and where there had been swaying green reeds, now resembled a golden hay field. And the panoramas had somewhat
taken on the feel of an African Savannah









We took a diversion from the walking trail to check out an archaeological site. What we found was actually a reconstruction. A small gathering of huts melding into the carefully landscaped rolling hills. Totally tellytubbyesque. We poked our heads into a few huts and found a supply of firewood and a smouldering stone hearth in each..obviously the highly visible maintenance staff had been busy. I reckon it would be a great place to go camping with a big carry out and some guitars, though I'll admit it is a bit smoky inside... something akin to a night in a Scottish pub, pre Smoking Ban - oh the nostalgia...

Was pretty worn out later in the day so dragged Saar off to the Cento for a hot bath, in my opinion one of the highlights of Kushiro....Back in the flat had a few vodkas then off to Shyusan for some Karaoke.

Friday night went downtown to check out a few places. Had a good dinner at a very typical Japanese restaurant. Small with a big mama behind a big grill and customers lined up along the counter calling for food, beer and sake. We had all three before hitting the bars. First stop was a reggae bar - we were the only customers but then it was still early...Next ventured into a downstairs venue which was split into 2 bars - English Pub QV and St Andrews Bar. Again we were the only customers but had a couple of drinks anyway and had a good chat to the 2 managers. The woman who runs St Andrews bar is a keen golfer and has been to Scotland many times. She also collects malt whiskeys and has some that are over 50 years old - priced at over 20 pound a nip. The last venue was called Bar Blow...and yet again we were the only punters and chatting to the owner/manager. I asked him where everyone was and he said they would come after 12. By the time we left it was past one and we were still the only people but he did have some good music and played me Primal Scream so I can't complain. But still, I can't get over how dead it is on a Friday night....