✖ Trip to Hokkaido & Eid Gathering ✖

# Day 1 (5 October 2012) : Sendai ― Aomori ― Shin Aomori ― Hakodate ― Muroran

It was my first time going to Hokkaido, and so was Alif. We traveled approximately 675 km all the way to Muroran prefecture, which took about 6 hours and 15 minutes overall. We began our journey from Sendai to Shin Aomori by bullet train (JR新幹線はやて11号 ; Hayate Shinkansen) and then transfered to two limited express trains (JRスーパー白鳥11号 ; Super Hakucho). It was my first boarding an undersea train, passing through Seikan Tunnel, the longest and the deepest operational undersea tunnel in the world. The track level is about 140 metres (460 ft) below the seabed and 240 metres (790 ft) below sea level. It travels beneath the Tsugaru Strait ― connecting Aomori Prefecture on the peninsular of Japan Honshu and the island Hokkaido.

As soon as we arrived Higashi Muroran Station, our senior picked us up and we had our lunch at a sushi restaurant (回転寿司ちょいす ; Choice Sushi) that evening. Dila and I stayed at Kak Iva's house while Alif and Dini stayed at Muzani's. I tried to study as much as I can that night, but i was too sleepy and didn't really get prepared for the exam on the next day.

 

# Day 2 (6 October 2012) : Muroran ― Asahikawa ― Kitami 

Woke up early in the morning, tried to read some Physics and Chemistry notes. I took the entrance exam for Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Materials Engineering. Done with the writing exams and my interview lasted for about 20 minutes. After finished our exam, we had our lunch again at the sushi restaurant. Thanks to Kimi, our driver. Seared scallop sushi roll (あぶりほたて ; aburi hotate) is my new addiction, and green tea flavored ice-cream will always be my favourite.

# Day 3 (7 October 2012) : Kitami ― Asahikawa ― Sapporo

The eid gathering was held in Kitami Institute of Technology campus, perhaps in one of the academic block. The menu for the party ― satay, rendang, nasi himpit, lontong, serunding, kek lapis Sarawak, chocolate and strawberry tarts. 

We traveled back to Asahikawa at 2.30 pm. One interesting fact about Hokkaido -- Sapporo Station has the biggest underground shopping mall in the world. We had dinner at one of the restaurant inside the Sapporo Station and managed to catch our train home at 10 pm.  

ライラックセット ; Lilac Set  ￥1,100

# Day 4 (8 October 2012) : Sapporo ― Aomori ― Shin Aomori ― Sendai

Arrived at Shin Aomori Station at 5:44 am and changed the express train to Aomori before took our ride on the newest bullet train (はやぶさ新幹線 ; Hayabusa Shinkansen).