Hokkaido 2015 - Jay Makes Glass

Date:  Dec 17, 2015

This year, we engage a private tour guide to bring us around the way we never knew how.

One of the stop, she arranged two person to learn how to make glass.

Both Jay and Kayden will learn from the glass master to make glass today.

We were here last year.  And we are glad to be back again.  But this time, we sent Jay Jay to learn how to make glass.

Gea Gla is located around Lake Toya.

He is the owner of Gla Gla.  But he was not in that day.

His glass artists makes a lot of unique hand made glass wares.

There is also a movie was shot at this Gla Gla location.

Yup!  Jay Jay is the chosen one.  He is going to make a glass with bubble on it.

That is the big furnace and that is where you get the molten glass from.

Kayden is going to go first.

After that, it is Jay’s turn.  I have the full 15min video at the bottom.  Now, let’s see some of the highlights.

First the master gave some tutorial again.  After seeing Kayden does it, Jay already have some idea what is going on.

So, first step.  The master got some molten glass out.

Jay will have to roll it.  He has to put one hand behind and then roll the molten glass.

Next, he has to blow air into the molten glass.  So to make it hollow.

After blowing the air, he has to roll.  Like this, blow and roll blow and roll.  At this point, he has to use his right hand with the clamp.

He has to use a stick to push the molten glass so to make a handle place.

It also involve some polishing., etc.

Then, you have to flatten the bottom.  So, keep rolling Jay.

And more air needed.  Blow blow blow.  Careful Jay, don’t place your hand on that table.  It’s hot!

Then, you make some bubbles by sticking some glass powder on it.

Keep rolling Jay!  The instructor now will try to make the handle to hold the glass.  By sticking a molten piece on to the bottom and then cut the top part open.  Wow.  It is like magic.

Quick.  Blow again.  And then use the clamp again to shape the glass neck.

Now, you have to make the opening.  The glass has slowly come into shape.

Let’s open up the glass opening.  The glass is now tends to be harden.  And it is done!

The master did some final touch up.

And flatten the base.  And it is done.  

This is the full video coverage of Jay Jay learning how to make glass.

It is a wonderful feeling and an unique experience Jay will never forget.

Let’s take the photo with the glass making master.  A job well done boys!

The Snow Rides

Date:  Dec 18, 2014

During our vacation, there are many things to do.  Including picking up icicles. 

 

Enjoying the beautiful winter scenery.

Taking good pictures...

All geared up.  The next ride is going to be exciting for the kids.

Yeap!  We finally try the snow mobile.

Kay Kay finally old enough to sit behind me.

It is a very short ride.  15 minutes.  But it is cool.

Jay & his ride.

Taking photo with the ride.

On the third day, we went up for another kind of ride.  The old uncle give us a lift using his snow mobil.

Yeap… Dog Sleds ride.  Of course, daddy is the first one to go to test the ride to feel the ride to see if it is fit for the kids...

Lukas mommy goes next...

Sleds… The kids are now under training for handling the sleds...

And here come the dogs...

Nice doggie...

Are you ready Jay?  Here comes another dog.

Let’s go!  Go go go!

Jay dog sled ride.  He felt down half way.

No worry, get your feet up and ride back.  He has so much fun!  Here is the coming back ride...

It is a one round ride.  But good enough for the kids to feel the speed.

Jay Jay loves it!

Louis up next.  And he did it splendidly too!

The blizzard is cooperating.  We have not too strong snow storm that day to take the ride.  Here comes Lukas daddy.

It was a beautiful day.

And here comes my wife.

Here comes Lukas.

Kay Kay still too small size to stand on the sled.  So, he gets to sit down.  And enjoy the speed.

Weeee… Here goes Kay Kay.

This was my wife rides.

We all enjoyed the dog sled rides.

Snow Ball Fights with Snow Ball Maker

Date:  Dec 18, 2014

This is the snow ball maker.

You can buy it at Hokkaido for S$16 or S$30 depending on where you get it.  They usually sell it at the Snow Activity Store.

Or you can get it from Taobao for CNY$16.  (They are cheaper one too).

http://s.taobao.com/search?q=%D1%A9%C7%F2%B9%A4%BE%DF&js=1&stats_click=search_radio_all%253A1&initiative_id=staobaoz_20141227

No matter where you buy it, it’s worth while to bring it all the way to Hokkaido. 

Of course, you need the “mommies” to do the hard work.  Let them be the one to “make” the snow balls.

Very easy to do.  “Kiap” the snow together, and the snow ball is formed.

These are the snow ball bullets.

First you must train the kids to throw properly.

Just outside the Rusutsu hotel back door, you will see a lot of all these round round sign board.  That will be the kids training targets.

Of course, the women make the bullets, the kids throws them.  And what does the men do?  

Well, we are the “moving targets”.  Yeah!

Let the snow ball fights begin!

The kids will sure had a lot of fun!

The only risk is the camera.  Let’s fight.

Incoming….

What a fun thing to do… after lunch...

More incoming...

What a fun fun day!