Chasing the perfect Fuji shot

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Finally the last of the gardens. I really enjoyed the show that nature put on.












Now I set off to walk to the shuttle bus. Some lovely trees in the back streets.




I think this has tno be my car park photo of the year. how often do you see stacked police cars?

 

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Crossed a main street on my way to the shuttle bus. Saw 3 different tram types.






Near the shuttle bus stop I came across another couple from the ship. He was in bad shape with back spasms. they were unsure where the shuttle stop was. They had been helped by 4 young fans of the local soccer team who had gone out of their way to help them. They didn't think I was rightv wh I recognised so I signalled to them to comeen I said I knew where it was. So I got them to sit at the corner whilst I went to see if there was the shuttle stop. I hadn't gone far when I saw a sign -Shuttle Bus stop and a couple of crew so I signalled to them to follow me. Just as well I was a good Samaritan as they turned out to have the suite across the hall from us.

A couple of shots from the shuttle on the way back to the ship.




Back in time to have lunch with Mrsdrron in Atlantide. I had a vegetable soup and fish and chips with mushy peas. Nice.




Mrsdrron had the marsala chicken and the Japanese cheese cake. She liked both.

 

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After lunch Mrsdrron and I took a walk around the small park at the port.


The locals were enjoying their Sunday and sakura viewing.

 

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Nothing basically inside this construction apart from a mini version.








Going back on board it was obvious a send off was being prepared.

 

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Indeed they were giving us a send off. Unfortunately sail away was at 5.30pm and I had my golf. about 20 players so I had a bit of time to pop up to 5,watch and listen then back to the golf.


















l
Leaving a Japanese port is unlike any other. Some wonderful send offs.

 

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And they really do mean what they say. The younger ones ran to keep up with the ship.




















The final Sayonara to Hiroshima.

 

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The sun sets as we sail away

 

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Then back to Atlantide for dinner.








I started with the foie gras terrine. Not the best. The Prime Rib though was excellent.




Mrsdrron had the beef tartare again and the lobster tail which she felt was better tonight.


She is also expanding her wine selections and not just sticking to the Sauvignon blanc.


And I had a reasonable wine from the South Australia.

 

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The next morning was Fukuoka. The day didn't look the best. I was feeling much better about deciding not to take an excursion here. Nothing really sounded suitable as we have been here before.

 

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Good view of planes landing.

 

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I caught the 1130 shuttle into town hoping to have a lunch and go to 2 cherry blossom parks - The ruins of Fukuoka castle and Nishi Park if the weather allowed.
Along with the cherry blossoms tulips were everywhere in street plantings.








The shuttle dropped you at the Town Hall. A nice park across the road with a few cherry trees.

 

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I now walked down the main street towards the castle. the rain was intermittent and light.



















At every traffic lights a tune played when the pedestrian lights went green. At the main intersection that meant a long excerpt of "Coming Through the Rye". Loved it.

 

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I was getting hungry and came across an upmarket Convenience store with some nice looking take out meals. The sushi looked nice.




They have a small eat in area.




Which says if eat in is busy please get up and leave when you finish eating.
Back to the walk and I reach the castle ruins.

 

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The rain is starting to get a little heavier. A pity because their Sakura Festival is in full swing.

 

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It is pretty amazing even in this awful weather. Obviously old trees at nearly peak blooming but very few people around. So many stalls and none will make money today.