Blossoms, bullet train and beyond: exploring Japan by Land and Sea.

[Quickstatus]

so have a more limited range. Plus a lot more expensive

Better not go to Daiso JPN then.

 

[Seat0B]

Better not go to Daiso JPN then.

They are addictive!

 

[Pushka]

Last night we wanted a change from the Chinese/Japanese fare so walked around to a tiny pizza bar. The businessmen leaving said it was it was very good to which I replied Oisha desu ka. To which they laughed and said Hai. This laugh has been interpreted by some as the Japanese laughing at our attempts, but I think they are genuinely pleased to hear that someone is trying to speak their language.

We walked further and stumbled upon an Indian restaurant. It looked rustic and was pretty much packed with locals and they found us a space. The menu was all in Japanese and no English one and no photos . Thanks to Google translate we managed to select samosas, garlic chicken and coconut chicken with rice and local draught. It was fabulous.





It was a little more expensive at around $70AUD, . Once again we replied it was tasty in Japanese and the chef came out and bowed to us. Seems to be a thing.

We walked back and passed a park that seemed to have tulips ready to bloom in daylight. Ok, returning there tomorrow.

 

[Pushka]

This morning being Saturday we'd planned on a quiet day but still had a list of things to do before the cruise tomorrow. More washing, checking in and doing the safety briefing online, (so much better than the old days pre covid) and then returning to Tulips, checking out how to walk to the port tomorrow and finally - DAISOs return visit.

So if you aren't into spring flowers then pass on by. The spring festival had opened in Yokohama Park. It was a glorious spring today and all the locals were out. So, unapologetic Spring Flower photo spam.

 

[Pushka]

Even parents with their multiple offspring.

 

[Pushka]

 

[Pushka]

One keen photographer had mannequins for his photos. We snuck some pictures of our own in.

 

[Pushka]

This park is part of the Sports Stadium and a game of baseball scheduled this afternoon. Had to check out the merch. I did not buy.



Apparently these hamburgers are either very good or another insta thing. They won't be both.



After that a trip to our desired store.



Where we purchased more cheap glasses, a set of basic chopsticks, a clip on carry bag - my light back pack drives my crazy in my PMR impacted right shoulder. I'm ready to chuck it away. I have a heavier one which is so much better for my shoulder.

After that I wanted to check the gradient to check to the cruise center. It's quite a megastructure.

Viking Venus had left last night and today on the other berth there was this ship:





Never heard of this ship before. Will have to google. So I found this.

The 120th Global Voyage | PEACE BOAT Around the world Cruise

pbcruise.com

We will see the design tomorrow apparently as it doesn't depart until 23rd April. Apparently it's this:




Now watching the crows and I am up to date.

 

[Pushka]

Found out at a pre cruise gathering that the Peace Boat is the former Sun Princess. Sold in 2020.

 

[moa999]

Quite a history or running cruises in a variety of boats - Peace Boat - Wikipedia

 

[Seat0B]

Your flower photos were delightful.

 

[Pushka]

We are onboard and cabin is rather nice. Completely missed the premium section so luggage got put through general. Oops. Still waiting for it. Handed over labeled knives to security.

Cabin is rather nice.



Lots of little freebies. The Effy freebie is simply clever. It’s a container to hold tiny trinkets that are only available at one port for 8 days. I’m hooked

Mini bar included and replenished each day. Beer and soft drink in fridge.



Nice bathroom. Knew about the tub.








And this is the list of Effy things.

 

[Pushka]

The buffet. We had a free lunch but chose the buffet. Wanted pizza. . So many different food stations. And we booked for the Indian feast which is only on one night.

Nice Easter display.

 

[RooFlyer]

And this is the list of Effy things.

Don't wish to rain upon the parade, but I'd be careful about buying any blue diamonds on this day.

 

[Pushka]

Don't wish to rain upon the parade, but I'd be careful about buying any blue diamonds on this day.

View attachment 440155

I've just been googling. It is the jewellery world equivalent of Time Share vacations. You have to sit through presentations of up to two hours, mostly at dinner time, to receive them. . I can just imagine MrP eating alone every night. Actually, he might like that! So the charms are actually free but given at the end of the presentation. Tonight's is 30 minutes. Might try it out. Or not.

The only jewellery I have bought on a ship was a Citizen Eco Drive. It's tiny and delicate and couldn't wear it for years because I couldn't see the dial. Was delighted when the cataracts were done I could wear it again and in fact, now! I had to get the face replaced because sticking it in a drawer killed the whatever solar thingy that charges it.

The other time was a gorgeous bracelet I bought on a cruise with love_the_life and I lost it in the chaos of disembarking at Hong Kong port. . We've been on a cruise with a heavy Russian passenger list, they buy Effy like it's the new gold. Then of course when the raffles are won supposedly randomly, they win all the prizes. .

I love looking in the shops but rarely buy anything.

I just realised the bed is at right angles to the direction of travel. Interesting.

We asked the butler for some firmer pillows. We've found in Japan the beds are so hard and the pillows are those great big poofy ones that collapse into tissue size after five minutes. So when I saw the same on boarding I asked for firmer ones. We now have six to choose from and will try out tonight.

 

[RooFlyer]

It is the jewellery world equivalent of Time Share vacations. You have to sit through presentations of up to two hours, mostly at dinner time, to receive them.

But a diamond (share) or a ‘blue crystal’?

 

[Pushka]

But a diamond (share) or a ‘blue crystal’?

We just have to listen to the presentation about something completely irrelevant to the charm itself. Then we are given it.

 

[RooFlyer]

Oh, I follow thanks. Still recovering from a very long lunch hosting a bunch of friends at home.

 

[VPS]

@Pushka or if anyone else wants to comment.

Some friends just off to Japan and their wise card is loaded with yen but they are wondering if they need any cash before they can get to an ATM? If so, how much? Thanks.