drron29

I have never left a book on a sun lounge. And by that time I had already eaten a stiff cardboard burger at the Grill.

But I have been informed by 3 different restaurant managers and one HD that the policy is to keep 50% of reservations until Embarkation day. So board early and go to your butler or reception and try for the dates you want. I suspect the policy is not always followed. But some sneaky transit passenger may snaffle a few up before the new guests arrive,

Coming around the to the temple there was a surprise bonus. A junior Kendo tournament. The gear. I ended up watching all of this match up. The aim is to strike various target areas including the wrists, top of head and to the sides of the body armour. each competitor has a ribbon on their back. Either red or white. The judges have a red and a white flag. they raise the appropriate flag if they believe a strike has been made. Two of the three judges need to raise a flag before a point is awarded. The winner is the first to get 3 strikes. The two quite young contestants in this were both aggressive and loud. the start position. The fellow with the red ribbon won. I happened to be standing beside his father. the youngster ran to his ddad and high fived but then burst into tears and lay on the ground. He was not expected to win but this win got him into the semi final of his age group. Then to the temple. Donation boxes for the December Noto earthquake and the recent Taiwan earthquake. The site of the bunker where some high school girls survived the blast and got a message out as to what had happened.

The bus has been parked and we now walk to the Castle Entrance Gate. And the famous Eucalyptus tree. it survived the bomb. The koi all waiting to be thrown a morsel. And another famous bomb survivor though this one apparently is on it's last legs now.

The next morning we were in Hiroshima. Rojaan wasn't up to an excursion. We had chosen Hiroshima castle and the ShuKKeien Gardens. We have been to the Peace park several times. The first time in 1984 we could walk through the Dome. We have also been to the castle and this garden before but this will be the first time in Sakura season. So off I set. And when we reached the castle we first went around it in the bus. The reason is that the best view of the Castle is from outside the grounds.

The afternoon turned into a medical drama. Not the fact that I came down with an URTI or that Mrsdrron injured a toe but a real emergency Code Alpha. The ship turned around and steamed towards the Port of Kochi. A Coastguard vessel was sent out to help with the helicopter transfer of the patient. Turned out to be an 85 year old who was resuscitated 4 times by the ship's doctor and crew. A successful helicopter transfer and a week later the fellow was still in Intensive Care but extubated and talking. Fantastic effort by the Doctor. Rewarded a few days later by a second Code Alpha - the only 2 I have ever heard called. This one turned out to be simple. Someone felt extremely light headed in the Hot Tub. That night we went to Kaiseki for a Teppanyaki meal with my sister. It is a $40 surcharge which we were finding it hard to use up. So we paid for the 4 of us. In the end we left $0.47 cents behind. The appetisers are served attractively. You can choose seafood,meat or vegetables. The there is lobster, black cod and waygu. the lighting wasn't much and the cod picture was justv way too dark. Then there is fried rice and finally dessert. Rojaan just had ice cream whilst I had the tempura ice cream. Rojaan had her NZ Sav Blanc the rest of us sake. A very enjoyable night.

After lunch I walked the deck again. One boat drift fishing. Plus a ferry included us in it's harbour cruise. And a barge that would be more at home on the Chao Praya. Back to atlantide for dinner.Rojaan had the scallops appetiser and I the salmon. Then I had the tomato soup again but this time served as they used to do the soups previously with the cheese bread presented in a bowl and the soup added. Rojaan had the fish and I the filet again. And Rojaan had a tart to finish. The next day was another sea day. Lunch at Atlantide. Rojaan had the panini and the fish. She said the panini was excellent. I had the soup which was not too bad and I added some extra spice to the chicken korma.

We awoke about 6 just after the sun. About 7.30 am we were coming into Kobe Port The views as we arrived at the dock. Now this was a day we had been looking forward to as we were booked on an excursion to Himeji Castle and Gardens. We had no interest in the castle as we have been there twice but the gardens are in the top 100 places in Japan for Sakura blooming. But things didn't quite go to plan. There was a big line for Immigration and then customs which as everyone had already entered Japan was a bit silly. We were through the formalities and then Rojaan slipped and hit the floor face first. Not knocked out and only a small bruise above the left eye but big eggs over both patellas. But that ended our excursion. Apparently a bit later another woman also slipped and was taken to hospital but returned to the ship a couple of hours later. So after a couple of hours and no further problems I went walking around the deck. Some of the things I noted. They have an automatic train Identical to the one we rode over the Rainbow Bridge. We then went to lunch in Atlantide. On this cruise the ship is nearly deserted on Port days. I had the spicy shrimp fritters all right but lacking spice. Rojaan had the fisherman's basket. Whilst I had the spaghetti pictured before and after parmesan again. Then Rojaan had the Japanese cheesecake.

We left Shimizu at 1pm and had lunch soon after in Atlantide. I went for the carrot soup. not my favourite. The I had the penne. As it was served. And with nearly enough parmesan. A quiet afternoon but the new team returned to our winning ways. All our previous members had lost so the new team included my sister and her husband, another Australian couple who were in the runner up team on the previous voyage and an English couple who lived in the USA. Although we didn't get high scores we won 2 out of 3 days and second on the others. Even more importantly the team got on very well and had lots of laughs. Golf was also fun. I became known as the professional. Anyone who has played golf with me knows how ludicrous that is. Luck was with me most days. Just a couple of shots from the balcony. That evening was the Captain's welcome and a formal night. The trio were playing but only 2 pictured. There was a horrendous queue to get into Atlantide so we went to Indochine - the first time on a formal night. The fellow in front of us didn't want to wear a tie and a jacket. tore off the offered jacket. Launched into an obscene and borderline racist tirade at the Maitre'd. Reassured the Maitre'D that in no way was he responsible and reported the incident to management. They obviously would know who it was as the first thing you are asked is your cabin number. Once more lots of talking so no menu photos. Rojaan started off with seared beef and I tuna sashimi and then a Pho. Didn't look like a pho but tasted pretty good. Rojaan then had the despiced lobster and I the chilli king crab legs which were delicious. Then we both had the ginger and kaffir lime creme brulee. This was my downfall.

Views from the Muse in Shimizu.

Then back in the bus to head back to the ship. They grow tea, oranges and the best strawberries come from Shimizu. The fish market.

Then it was off to the sake "brewery". It was just a glorified souvenir shop with tasting of some ordinary sakes. Across the road from the brewery it looked like an Ashgrove cow had made tthe journey to Japan. For those who haven't been to Tasmania Ashgrove Cheese factory near Deloraine has a herd of similiarly painted cows in their front paddock. A good stop if you enjoy cheese.

Across the street I spied a few food establishments so over I went. Got a nice local pork bun.

Back to the maybe funnies.