北海道之旅：計劃篇
我不算是日本通，但可以在這裏share一下這次我用的research和booking tools。
機票
去札幌直航機有國泰和香港快運，機票都不平，package就通常都包同一個地方多過一晚的酒店，我覺得不夠flexible，迫住要stay在同一city。ANA有自駕遊package，可選擇天天因應行程住不同酒店，住的酒店又不錯，幾抵。至於用Asia Miles換機票去札幌就最抵，但經常爆滿，要預早成年book。如果不怕轉機，可以分別book去東京，再加一程內陸機去北海道，用的里數一樣，較容易book到機位。
酒店
去日本book酒店很多時都是講個信字，不用落訂。為了不影響香港人的聲譽，book了就千萬不要no show。要找酒店，我會browse www.jalan.net，我覺得它最平和cover最多民宿和不同類型的酒店。因為jalan.net一定要有日本地址才可以book房，我會再去www.travel.rakuten.co.jp看看有無同一個deal。Rakuten雖然有英文版，但cover得好少hotel，我寧願用日文版估估下。估不到的我會用Google translation (http://translate.google.com/#)。在Rakuten訂房是不用預先付款，book完print個booking confirmation就得。如果Rakuten沒有good deal，我會試下直接打電去酒店book。不過一般民宿都不講英文，所以盡可能找個識日文的friend打去book。
租車
在香港可通過電話或上網book車。Toyota的website(http://rent.toyota.co.jp/top.asp)和call centre有最多英文support，不過去到的ground staff一樣一句英文都不會講，所以沒太大語言的advantage。 新千歲機場有很多租車公司的counter，可以去到才shop around 格價。淡季，用visa咭簽賬，生日等等都會有不同的discount，要格價就要有精明眼和耐性。
日本人喜歡開很小的車，細到在香港是很少見到的。去之前我們book了第二細的車，認為車大一點會舒服一點。但去到見慣全街都是細細的車仔，居然到我們取車時覺得我們book的車太大（其實在任何國家都依然屬於很細很細的車），要換細一款的車。揀車size時注意，不要貪大。
在日本差不多架架車都有GPS，入個電話號碼就可以找到目的地，幾小地方都找得到，連地圖都不用看，非常方便可靠。不過英文版本的GPS就不是每一個車款都有，租車前要問清楚。就算租不到英文版的GPS，記緊問職員拿英文instruction，其實加上日文漢字估估下，大約operate GPS 都不會有問題。
旅遊書
我一句日文都不懂，但都覺得日文的travel guide好有用，圖文並茂，看圖識字，有很多local資料很有用。在香港可以去Sogo樓上買，亦都可等到去到日本才買。中文書方面，長空自遊系列的內容夠comprehensive，幾好用。
北海道之旅：新千歲機場（11月14日）
最後一天的早上，我特別眷戀於温泉。今日一別，不知何日可再浸温泉，何時可再有機會享受這一切。我依依不捨，有點感觸。就在這時，浴場內走了一個跟着媽媽婆婆的四五歲小男孩入來，我一見到他就想起蠟筆小新，覺得被他看蝕晒，所以唯有就快快離開我依戀的温泉。
最後一天無行程安排，開車４小時去機場返港。全無行程安排的日子，highlight是在機場shopping。機場shopping mall有賣北海道各地的名產，所有地方限定的東西都買得到。要呃老婆去了某地，其實偷偷去了另一地方，在這兒就可以買到「正確」的手信。各間小店亦有很多食品試食，等上機時最好入去食餐飽。有機場那麼comprehensive的shopping，便不需要在其它地方去visit各品牌的所謂本店，因為其實mass produce的東西，在那裏買都一樣。到到機場先買，起碼可省掉在旅程中將手信搬來搬去。
北海道七日遊告一段落，truly absolutely enjoyable！北海道，I will be back!!!
北海道之旅：サロマ湖﹣石北峠﹣層雲峽温泉（11月13日）
船長之家的早餐又是一餐海鮮餐，雖然沒有晚餐般誇張，但份量都是大到沒可能吃得完的。煮蠔仔，好鮮味，比大蠔更好味。
民宿對面有個魚市場，去到我就知為甚麼我們的meals份量那麼多但民宿都不會蝕本。原來魚市場價錢非常之平，所有list的價錢，你以為是for 1 kg or １條魚，其實全都是一箱箱為單位。成板海膽才980円，超抵[...]
北海道之旅：知床﹣網走﹣能取岬﹣船長之家蟹大餐（11月12日）
在日本每一朝早我都會浸温泉，是最好的wake up call。在知床Daichi酒店的露天温泉，我終於達成在雪中浸温泉的夢想。我一直都很嚮往在天上飄雪的時候，浸在暖笠笠的温泉中，呼吸着冷冰冰的空氣，特別醒神。我坐在温泉，遠眺海景，好舒服好舒服好舒服，我想，到底我上一世做了甚麼好事，這一世可以這般幸運，有機會享受到這一情景[...]
北海道之旅：硫黃山﹣屈斜路湖﹣知床（11月11日）
一起身望出窗外，全遍白茫茫，原來晚上下了一場雪， 連我們的車都cover in snow！我沒有預計１１月已會下雪，十分喜出望外！路上的樹全部都好似聖誕樹，雪景非常漂亮迷人。
去到硫黃山，地下噴出熱騰騰的煙霧，四周則白雪片片，一冷一熱，好大contrast。不過因為下雪，所以不可走近看冒煙的出口，只可在外圍映相[...]
Drinks for Christmas
These drinks are traditional winter cocktails. They can be enjoyed as a stand alone beverage or after dinner favourites and are most popular in the winter months. They are easy to make and share some common ingredients.
IRISH COFFEE
(Whiskey based)
1 generous measure (3cl) of Irish Whiskey
12cl hot black coffee
1 teaspoon of brown sugar (optional)
1 heaped dessertspoon of whipped fresh cream
Grated Chocolate for garnish (optional)
Method: pre-warm a stemmed glass. Put sugar into glass and cover with Irish whiskey. Stir in the coffee and mix well. Float cold cream on the surface by pouring it into a teaspoon and letting it overflow on to the surface of the drink. Grate or shake a little chocolate on top.
BAILEY’S (Irish Cream) COFFEE
(Bailey’s based)
1 generous measure (4.5cl) of Bailey’s Irish Cream
12cl hot black coffee
1 heaped dessertspoon of whipped fresh cream
Grated Chocolate for garnish (optional)
Method: pre-warm a glass. Pour Baileys into glass. Top with coffee and mix well. Float cold cream on the surface, as above.
Tip: Don’t over-whip the cream – make it just thick enough to float off the back of a spoon. Grated chocolate adds to the rich blend of flavours.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG)
One of the hidden gems in Hong Kong’s New Territories and one that many visitors rarely see, Kadoorie Farm – a non-profit conservation and education centre lying on the foothills of Tai Mo Shan. Thankfully, having been there a couple of times in the recent past I was able to take some of my Irish contingent along for a visit.
Spread out over 148 hectares the farm is home to woodlands, orchards, vegetable terraces, herb gardens and a myriad of flora and fauna. Conservation and education is the key and this is evident by the excellent displays and information boards posted throughout the whole farm and garden. Every tree species is labeled as are animals. I personally like the idea of allowing the animals to introduce themselves to tell their own little story – many have names, especially the birds and a little story to tell. This is a great way to bring nature closer to everyone making it more tangible and a gentle way to remind people that animals have indeed a right to live a peaceful life in their own natural habitat, and are not just a food source to satisfy the hunger pangs of greedy ignorant people. An information display beside the turtle display informs us of the illegal turtle trade between Hong Kong and mainland China and the figures are alarming. It is quite disgusting how many turtles are killed, mainly in the name of Chinese medicine. Watch out because these animals are not breeding in great numbers so would fit neatly into the ‘protected species’ category.
Kadoorie Farm originally started out in 1956 as an Agricultural Aid program funded by two brothers. Effective and profitable farming techniques were taught to mainly refugees whose produce contributed greatly to Hong Kong’s food supply and its people. And when framing in Hong Kong declined in later years attentions turned to the environmental problems in the territory. So from 1995, a new mission was unveiled and Kadoorie Farm as it is known today was born.
A visit to Kadoorie requires at least 3 hours to enjoy the setting and appreciate the place for what it is – a little gem. The farm is essentially two parts, the lower areas housing many fauna (animals), vegetable gardens, a romantic stream, ponds and a small museum and shop. The higher areas are filled with tropical vegetation, little waterfalls, and several key attractions, like the Raptor sanctuary, Orchid Haven and Butterfly garden. The highest point is Kadoorie Brothers’ Memorial Pavilion, located at 602 metres. The second highest (552M) is Kwun Yum Shan Summit. There are spectacular vistas from both summits and great places to unwind, with nothing to distract you except the beauty and the sounds of nature.
Some tips for visitors:
If you are prepared and kitted out for a good walk in the outdoors then you can amble all over the place, all the way to both summits. Don’t underestimate the slopes however, they are challenging, so bring plenty of water and the usual stuff you might take on a hike – hiking poles are not necessary as the trails are either stepped or proper road surfaces. To see the farm and both summits allow at least 4 to 5 hours; if you like to read everything on display boards and ponder to take photographs then you could easily spend all day meandering.
If your time is limited or you are visiting with young children or elderly people then I suggest taking the ‘free’ shuttle bus tour (approx. 80 mins), departing from outside the main gate. It will take you at a leisurely pace to five main spots in the farm and gardens, including the two summits mentioned above and the Orchid Haven and Butterfly garden. Time is allowed at each place and the option to walk off by yourself is there at all times; a safe bet is to hop off at the Raptor Sanctuary as this allows for a very nice easy amble back down the slope before reaching the farm once again. The admission is just $10 for adults (free for elderly and students); and you’ll be asked to sign a register; get your shuttle bus ticket when you purchase your entry tickets and buy a map ($5) which aids navigation as you saunter around the park. Maps are also located at various points around the park. When you are finally leaving the park you are required to sign out.
The farm is located along Lam Kam Road about half way between Tai Po Market MTR and Kam Sheung Road MTR. Bus number 64K goes between Tai Po Market and Yuen Long, stopping at Kam Sheung MTR so you have the option to approach from either the east or the west. Taxis are a convenient option from nearby MTR stations.
A visit to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens is a breath of fresh air, especially for those in need of a little escape from the urban sprawl!
北海道之旅：阿寒町國際鶴類中心﹣阿寒湖﹣川湯温泉（１１月１０日）
阿寒町國際鶴類中心在１１月至３月期間會有丹頂鶴飛到那裡。鶴在雪地上翩翩起舞，吸引國內國外攝影發燒友和熱愛自然生態的人慕名而前去。因為只是１１月上旬，飛到中心的丹頂鶴並不多，而且都是遠離觀察中心很遠，用望遠鏡才可以勉强看得到，近距離可見的就只有飼養區的幾隻鶴。雖然如此，我都很enjoy參觀鶴類中心介紹有關丹頂鶴的資料，原來丹頂鶴有120cm高，和我小學一年班時一樣高呀[...]
北海道之旅：札幌-帶廣（11月9日）
在北海道的第一個早上，一心打算開開心心去玩，點知Alan因為遺失了他放在銀包多年的相片，好depressed地話是凶兆。之前我又聽說下雪開車會有一定危險，令到我都真的有點驚。好彩奇跡地我們在之前一晚去過的１０５円店的垃圾桶找到張相，化凶兆為喜兆。Alan已寫了相關的blog，在這裡我不多說。整件事真的太神奇， 要是那間店舖會每天開舖前清理垃圾桶，那張相就已經被丟掉。 要是那間店舖繁忙多人一點，便會有其他人丟垃圾，摭着相張。就算無人用過個垃圾桶，要是張相不是面向上，我們也不會見得到。這件事證明了，屬於你的東西始終是你的，無需强求，世事往往都有着奇妙的安排。失而復得，令我們更加懂得珍惜所有[...]
Commuting in Dublin – by any means!
Spare a thought for commuters in Dublin, Ireland. Long lines of slow moving traffic are a well known fact and a common talking point for Dublin commuters, day in day out, and unfortunately, time-consuming journeys have become part of everyday culture. It is tolerated however, so the Irish appear to be a patient bunch altogether or at least a nation that likes cars enough to put up with the tedious long commutes.
You might wonder why commuting takes so long in Dublin – as much as 3 or 4 hours per day is not uncommon for people just traveling to and from work where the route takes them through the city centre or through busy residential areas. The main contributing factor is the heavy dependence on road transportation, perhaps due to the lack of an underground (subway) rail system and the Irish person’s fascination with having a car of their own. The roads are jam-packed with vehicles of all shapes and sizes. It is a bit of a Catch-22 because most people want a private car mainly because they claim that the public transportation system doesn’t meet their description of convenience or efficiency. And while the Dublin Bus fleet is possibly the newest in Europe the fact that buses travel by road alongside thousands of other commuters means that they are relatively slow, and although they have the added advantage of designated ‘bus lanes’ which cars are not allowed use most commuters are faced with lengthy commuting times for relatively short distances, so the urgency to get a car of their own seems like a good option. The journey by private car however, could actually be longer depending on the route but people still prefer the confines of their car (usually by themselves) which is more than likely wired to the hilt with the latest gadgets to keep the driver amused while he/she waits in long lines of traffic guzzling expensive fuel. In case you’re wondering – car-sharing (car-pooling) is not common in Ireland so you end up with vehicles occupied by just the driver.
The bottom line is – if people are going to spend a few hours a day commuting, they will choose the vehicle that suits their lifestyle, their fancy and their pocket. Note that some car owners do opt to commute by bus or train because they find it an easier option, saving them the hassle and expense of parking their car if they work around the city centre, and they get to read a lot; getting through the best part of a book or a newspaper is possible on Dublin commutes. Commuting by bus is definitely a viable option and the only option for some. And there are many who commute by bicycle, a healthy option indeed and a new bicycle rental scheme just launched in Dublin is looking forward to serving those in the city centre itself. And while the obvious advantages of having your own car are always going to outweigh those of a public double-decker bus there are disadvantages to driving a car – parking it! On-street parking in the centre of Dublin is not without its complications – with limited parking spaces, time limits, costly meters, not to mention the watchful eye of the ‘parking attendants’ and the ‘clampers’. Don’t go over the time allowed on your pay-and-display ticket otherwise the good people in the DSPS (Dublin Street Parking Services) will demand Eur80 (HK$800) to unclamp your wheel, known technically as a ‘release fee’. Don’t even get to the tow-away stage where your vehicle is compounded – more penalties are added and they might even charge you an arm or a leg or your first-born child!!
A multi-storey parking-lot is another and good option in the city to park a car. But the parking fees for multi-storey’s can be high and add up over the working week.
There is a bright side and there is light at the end of the tunnel for Dublin motorists and commuters alike. Seeing the gridlock in the city centre loosen and being alleviated by the recent completion of the Dublin Port Tunnel, Circular Motorway extensions and the light rail known as LUAS running from major residential areas directly into the heart of the city. The Circular Motorway known as the M50, jokingly referred to as the biggest car-park in Ireland is currently undergoing road-widening to add two extra lanes to make it a six-lane motorway with a surface as flat as a pancake and as smooth as silk, although the construction works for these extra lanes is having a major impact on motorists. The road goes right round the city, apart from the coastal sections, skirting major suburbs and the airport and is linked off to the new Port Tunnel making access to seaports for container trucks which no longer go through the city centre, quite smooth! Onwards!!