A Japanese cherry blossom cruise.

[Gwaijai]

Looks like you had a great time in Japan, some great photos too - thanks for sharing. It's a fascinating country to travel in, quite unlike anywhere else. Noticed you had a bottle of Yebisu too, one of the best beers !

[drron29]

I had originally wanted to spend a day going to a couple of the islands participating in this art event.Our late arrival into KIX put an end to that but it urned out to be for the best.There was so much to do in Kyoto and I did get to see some of the show anyway.If anyone is interested here are the details-

Place | Setouchi Triennale 2016

 

Now here is the piece that was my favourite-

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A great use of rubbish.

[drron29]

That night it was the Captain's Welcome cocktail party and dinner.At least for this the pre dinner drinks were on the house.Lobster also on the menu.Service was still disorganised.

Stayed in port overnight and the next morning awaoke as we left for the short run to Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku.It was just on sunrise.Interesting sailing amongst the islands of the Inland Sea.One passenger made the priceless comment-"I didn't know Japan had islands."So a few pics-

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[drron29]

Into Takamatsu port.

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A formal welcome by the mayor and tourist officials-

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[drron29]

Then onto the bus bound for Kurashi bonsai village.A couple of cafes with unusual names on the way-

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As well as bonsai the village grows olives-

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[drron29]

A family business so whilst grandpa repotted grandma was doing the pruning-

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[drron29]

It was now time to walk to the second nursery.Even the walk was interesting.

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Now it was off to the Ritsurin gardens.Started in 1642 but completed in 1745.Japanese courtesy shown at the entrance-

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And a famous tree.Crane sitting on turtle-

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[drron29]

Another example of Japanese hospitality.The bride was having several photos taken.The groom noticed us and came over to his bride and motioned to us to take photos.Cant think of many places where this would happen.

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Time to get back on the bus and be off to see the Great Seto bridge-the longest 2 tiered bridge in the world.Though it passes over 2 islands and changes design as it does but still 2 tiers.So pictures from the bus then the bridge-

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[drron29]

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At the view point we indulged in more icecream-a peach and a fig flavour.You had to get tickets from a vending machine,hand them to the woman who then served you your ice cream.After that it was back to the ship for lunch.

After lunch there was a shuttle into town but I walked around the port area as there were a few pieces from the Arts Festival-

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[drron29]

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OK art is in the eye of the beholder but it was interesting.

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[drron29]

At the entrance to the ferry terminal-

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And the site of Takamatsu castle which is no more-

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[drron29]

And now a contribution from the UK-

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[drron29]

A reminder of the festival and the around the port permanent features-

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[drron29]

They were serving free local noodles-said to be found only in this region.I had a second helping-

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The crew agreed that they were good-

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Now it was the turn of the local schools.They were getting us to try our hand at calligraphy.When I did Japanese I was better writing rather than speaking.They got you to copy first-

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I drew friends first and they all said friends for life.Next I chose moon and one had a much better understanding of English saying-I'm not doing that!

Then they got the better paper out so I had something to take home.I don't know where it came from but dreams popped into my head so off I went.At first they were concerned as it looked nothing like any of the examples they had.They all realised what I wrote and I got a round of applause.Even the security guard on boarding said "dreams".So here is the masterpiece-at a distance so any imperfections are not noticed-

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[drron29]

The 2 schools that were there were the champions and runner ups in the Japanese Shodo competition-calligraphy to music and dancing.First the runners up-

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Now the turn of the champions.Obviously older and a more polished performance-

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Edited August 4, 2016 by drron29

[drron29]

So a movie of the performances.First the runner up team-

 

And the winners-

 

Sorry couldn't get the You tube link to work.

Edited August 4, 2016 by drron29

[drron29]

The end results-

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They were all invited aboard and given a little gift as well as a little afternoon tea.Well deserved.

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Time to sail.It was starting to looklike a nice sunset was in store-

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Many had come to see us.Walking the dogs was popular-

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[drron29]

The girls had all bought streamers for us to use.Brings back memories.How many remember ship farewells like this-

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Whilst this was happening they first played Suikiyaki and then switched to I Still Call Australia Home.I admit to more than one tear.

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One fellow even cycled out the walkway to the lighthouse.-