Arrival in Sapporo - July 12

On Thursday we spent a leisurely morning with Sachiko-san, again indulging in plenty of wonderful food.  Eventually we took our leave, with tears, appreciation and hopes expressed for seeing each other again.  Then we made our way into Sapporo, noticing with the traffic and driving style that we were no longer in the Hokkaido countryside.  Still, it was mellow compared to Seattle.  

We stayed in a hotel near Nakajima Park, just a couple of subway stops from the city center.  I was relieved to discover that the Hotel provided parking, something I wasn’t quite clear about with the information provided on the internet.  They had me drive Baby Mazda into what looked like a small garage.  Hmmm, I thought.  Not much space in here.  Then I looked up.  OMG!  I’ve heard about these.  Cars stacked on hydraulic platforms who-knows-how-many-stories high!  All automated.  Well, it certainly is an efficient use of space, where real estate is at a premium.  (A little freaky, though, for the unaccustomed!)  

That evening we did a little shopping, ate dinner and took care of laundry.  The Sapporo adventures would have to wait until the next day.