Chasing the Perfect Fuji shot.

[drron29]

It certainly wasn't cold. Maybe they have new non smoking rocks.😉

If they do they would obviously be cheaper than smoking rocks.

[drron29]

The next day was Yokohama. Very close to where we will be staying the next time we arrive in Yokohama.

 

 

 

We were able to escape the turmoil by setting out on an in transit tour. We were off to the Kawasaki Daishi temple and the Sankien gardens. Unfortunately not the best weather. Overcast with periods of rain.
This is wher we were docked and where the tour starts.

 

 

 

 

And past Haneda.

 

 

The bus parked at this Edifice and a walk to the actual temple.

 

Over a railway line.

 

Past vending machines for meals.

 

 

 

Then turned into a shopping street. lots of sweets. Some quite suggestive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

And then into the temple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had free time here so I made sure I saw as much as possible and Rojaan stayed with the group.

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went out the back gate and did a bit of exploring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was time to go back to the bus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A different sort of vending machine outside Pizza Hut.

 

 

Back on the bus to drive to the other side of Yokohama for the gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We arrive at the Sankien gardens. Unfortunately the weather gods weren't smiling and it began to rain. At first quite light but gradually got heavier.

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

There were several couples having wedding photos taken.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certainly not peak blooming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I felt sorry for those on the photo shoots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

I climbed up to the pagoda.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

 

A wedding reception at the Residence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

Now back on the bus to the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

We decided to go to lunch before too many of the new passengers had boarded, I had been disappointed with the lunches at the Grill and didn't feel like pizza so despite Mrsdrron's protests we went to the buffet at La Terraza. After that I still don't get why it is so popular. The sashimi was watery and tasteless. Kaiseki is much better, The Sushi rolls were OK but they are made in Kaiseki.
So a pictorial of the buffet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unny a blue cheese on the buffet when i was told a few nights before in La terraza that there was no blue cheese for the cheese plate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

In Yokohama my sister and her husband boarded. this was their first ever cruise. so that night we shared dinner in Atlantide. So much to catch up on so no photos of the meal. I did have the filet which my sister also had and we both thought it excellent. however the reason I ordered the filet was because it was not on the menu but it is on the in room dining menu and anything on that can be ordered in the restaurants. So that was the practical demonstration that it can be done. The lesson was even better as our waiter was on his first contract and said we couldn't order the filet so I suggested he go to the kitchen and ask. He did and we had our filets. If he hadn't I would have asked for the maitre'D. He hasn't been in the position long but will do virtually anything to make the pssenger happy. Unfortunately his current contract finishes on May 1st.

The next morning we were in Shimizu. As usual we had our breakfast in the Arts Cafe. Simple but nice and no temptation to overeat. My sister and her husband had breakfast in their suite every day. A little treat that they thought was excellent.
Shimizu is known for it's views of Fuji so I was looking forward to this day. It was cloudy but appeared to be clearing as we set off on our excursion to the Mt. Fuji Sengen shrine followed by a sake brewery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But already the clouds were getting worse plus mist appearing at higher altitudes.

 

 

Well at least the cherry blossoms were nice. But this gate normally frames Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[drron29]

 

 

Now to the gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

[drron29]

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.

[drron29]

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.

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

Views from the Muse in Shimizu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

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.

 

 

Edited April 21 by drron29

[drron29]

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.

 

[jpalbny]

10 hours ago, drron29 said:

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.

 

Good to know for our next visit! We have not really gotten to that part of Tasmania yet.

 

Glad to hear that Ann's fall wasn't worse! Hope she's all recovered by now.

[drron29]

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.

 

 

[drron29]

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.