asia

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Asia

April 4, 2018 to April 25, 2018

Departed from San Francisco Airport at 4pm Arrived Haneda Airport (23 min south of Toyko) at 7:10pm the next day Flight Time: 11 Hours 10 Minutes

Japan Airlines Boeing 777er-300 business class is the way to travel

Barbara didn’t sleep on the plane so after being awake for 23 hours she was anxious to climb into bed.

Tokyo Hotel Metropolitan

Thursday April 6th Tokyo Our guide for the day

First stop: The government building. 3rd tallest in the city but with the most spectacular observation floor.

Unfortunately, it was not a clear day for viewing. Tokyo is the largest city in the world. 38 million

Beautiful architecture

On the way out of the building we spotted one of the last cherry trees still in bloom. We were told the cherry blossom season came unusually early this year and we had missed the display. So we were thrilled to get a photograph of this late bloomer.

Shinjuku National Garden

So what we thought was the last cherry tree in blossom turned out to be fake news.

These blossoms are so dramatic because they are huge and there are several blooms on each branch.

Lunch They bring a large metal bowl filled with broth and set it on a hot plate embedded in the table. The bowl is divided so you can have two kinds of broth. Once the broth is boiling you add your selected vegetables and meat.

Once suitably cooked you dip in with your chopsticks, grab some morsels and move them to your little white bowl to begin eating. What does this look like to you? Apparently double dipping is allowed.

I became alarmed when I couldn’t operate the chopsticks or pick up any of the food. This was clearly going to be a diet opportunity.

After lunch I made a trip to the restroom. Contrary to pre-trip scare tactics from friends, there were no holes in the floor to squat over. In fact the facilities were amazingly modern and clean compared to US public restrooms. Just don’t push any of the buttons on the commode or you might get an unwanted surprise.

I was a little frustrated after washing my hands and there were no paper towels. Mystery solved when I spotted a hole in the front of the sink and upon inspection it started blowing hot air.

Entrance to the Meiji Shrine. This is a Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji. This is the first gate to the shrine. It’s a massive structure with special symbolism. It’s about a 15 minute walk on this gravel path to the shrine to quiet and calm your spirit. You must not walk on the middle of the path.

Along the path we came upon this display of colorful objects. The sign says they are straw Saké barrels donated by the Saké manufactures in gratitude for the Emperors support to the industry.

This is the final gate. When you cross its threshold your spirit is fully cleansed and centered.

Before entering the shrine we stopped at the cleansing station where you dip into a communal water tank and purify your hands and mouth. Close up photographs of the actual shrine are prohibited so I found this one on the Internet.

It’s basically a large rectangular empty room. To pay our respects we were taught to bow our heads twice, clap twice, and bow once more.

Raise your hand if you recognize this Japanese torture bench. Actually, it’s more comfortable than than US benches. The angle just fits your natural spine.

Tokyo Day 2 On our own Our hotel is right next to the Tokyo Station, a massive hub for trains, subways and buses. It’s totally unnavigable by foreigners but it didn’t take us long to find this wonderful Starbucks.

Thanks to Barbara's navigation skills we found the Imperial Hotel in plenty of time for our Tea Ceremony appointment.

We arrived early for our tea appointment so after exploring the hotel we sat in the lobby and watched the activity.

We saw at least 3 wedding parties taking pictures in the lobby and learned that there would be 17 weddings in the hotel this day.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony was in a room on the 4th floor. To our surprise it was private just for us. We were ushered into this vestibule to prepare for the ceremony.

At the entrance to this little room we had to take our shoes off

Inside we sat on straw mats in front of a pot of hot water and we were served a ball of sugar.

Let the ceremony begin. We watched in silence as the tools were cleaned and the tea prepared

It’s not clear to me why anyone would drink this tea. It’s very bitter; hence, the sugar ball to offset the bitterness. I learned the ceremony is not about drinking tea, rather it is about inspiring harmony, respect and tranquility with your guests.

This is the main gate to the Imperial Palace compound where the emperor lives. Since it’s his residence we couldn’t go past the gate.

This palace is surrounded by several moats and a formidable rock wall. On the corner is a refurbished guard post.

We joined a walking tour of the palace garden. First our guide talked about the history and current emperor. The garden walk was cold and windy so no photos.

We were thrilled that Tokyo had a Hop On/Off Bus

We did hop off to visit the Tsukiji Fish Market. The fish market was closed but we enjoyed walking err…shuffling down the street market.

Barbara can find a friend anywhere!

Squid jerky anyone? It’s probably good but at $15 a handful I'll pass

A little further down the street Barbara is checking out the Kabukiza Theatre

The show had already started but we could buy a ticket for only 1,000 yen each for standing room only. Here's our ticket.

When we entered there were to samurai soldiers on stage discussing the big battle expected the next day. I only know this because the lady in front of me had a translator. We only lasted 10 minutes

We couldn’t take pictures so I found this one on the Internet so you see the inside

I did get one decent photo out the bus window. 30 million people requires lots of highrise condos. Japan builds cool boats

During our walk I spotted this funny looking shoe This shoe probably has some traditional significance but I think Japanese women just want to be taller than the men.

Tokyo Day 6 Today is our big Amazing Race tryout. Your assignment is to make your way to the Sumo Stable via Tokyo subway. There you will sit with your legs crossed (soles of your feet pointed at the fighting ring is sacrilegious) shoeless in complete silence for 2 hours. And you must resist any urge to challenge a sumo. In the end if you do not pass this test you will be detoured to riding the subway standing up sandwiched between 2 sumo wrestlers. The last couple will be sent home on United Airlines in cattle class.

I’m thinking piece of cake. All we have to do is find the subway station and the right train to the stable. What's that address again…

Hummm… This may be harder than I expected. Now which way?

We reached our subway exit on the outskirts of Tokyo and made our way down this narrow alley. Now I’m starting to feel nervous and lost. Half way down the alley this mafia looking guy jumps out of the doorway and Barbara asks him “where is the Sumo Stable?” He points to a very old building with no sign.

After taking off our shoes we are escorted into the stable and we assume the cross legged sitting position. The sumo wrestlers are already warming up.

At the end, Barbara couldn’t help herself and challenged one of the sumo. Needless to say, we did not qualify for Amazing Race No bruises. I think she liked being sandwiched between 2 sumo on the metro.

Ueno Zoological Gardens Zoo

Ueno Zoological Gardens Zoo Saw the Giant Panda mooning us

When I got out of the shower this morning, I was amazed to see a clear spot in the fogged up mirror. Obviously some kind of heater in that spot. Our room at the Hotel Metropolitan has been outstanding Notice how cleverly I hid my naked body:

WED 11APR18 Transfer Nrt-Hnd Airport/Yokohama Ship Guests 1,2 WED 11APR18 Sail from Yokohama, Japan 8:00pm THU 12APR18 Sea Day FRI 13APR18 Amami Oshima, Japan 12:00n 8:00pm SAT 14APR18 Naha, Japan 8:00am 6:00pm SUN 15APR18 Sea Day MON 16APR18 Shanghai, China 8:00am TUE 17APR18 Shanghai, China 6:00pm WED 18APR18 Sea Day THU 19APR18 Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan 8:00am 5:00pm FRI 20APR18 Busan (Pusan), South Korea 7:00am 4:00pm SAT 21APR18 Hiroshima, Japan 8:00am 2:00pm SUN 22APR18 Scenic cruising Inland Sea of Japan SUN 22APR18 Takamatsu, Japan 12:00n 8:00pm MON 23APR18 Osaka, Japan 8:00am 6:00pm TUE 24APR18 Shimizu, Japan 2:00pm 8:00pm WED 25APR18 Debark Ship Yokohama, Japan 7:00am WED 25APR18 Transfer Yokohama Ship/Nrt-Hnd Airport Guests 1,2

Cruise Itinerary

Excursion on Amami

A pause to enjoy the view. Barbara & Mischel Postas

And inspect the Cascades Plant. The seeds from this plant can be ground and made into porridge. At the end of WWII it was the only food on the island available for over a year. It saved the lives of the islanders.

Barbara and Mischel queuing up to tour the Oshima Tsumugimura silk factory.

This factory is unique because it is located in an area with trees that have deep rust colored fibers

The wood is chopped up and boiled to extract the liquid dye.

Then the strands of white silk are dragged through the dye bath multiple times to obtain the different shades of red color. Surprise (to me): The silk is imported from Brazil.

After an hour of waterboarding the guide still wouldn’t tell us how they get deep black and the alternating white/black pattern silk strands.

This guy is hand dyeing specific silk strands according to a pattern.

This lady is fixing individual strands of silk.

Here’s an example of the finished product.

The main ingredient is brown sugar cane grown on the island and rice

Tour of the Amami Oshima Shuzo (rum) Factory

The best part of this tour was the tasting room.

Shopping wasn’t bad either.

Shurijo Castle

At least they had a bench to sit on. Most places don’t have benches.

This castle was destroyed during the WWII battle of Okinawa. Partially restored in 1992.

Do you really want to go down there? Let’s go…there might be some bargains.

Boy! There’s some great stuff here.

Sorry Mischel, they don’t allow dogs on the airplane anymore.

Yes, Shanghai is smoggy; however, it wasn’t as bad as one hears in the media. Maybe it’s because China is making great progress in reducing its emissions. For example, they are quickly converting combustion engines to electric. I estimated that 70% of the motorcycles use batteries.

Only 1.5 days in Shanghai. Barbara arranged a private guide..Rita who took us to popular spots and explained Chinese society to us.

Is this fire hydrant an improvement over the US design or safety hazard?

I saw a lot of this in downtown Shanghai. My takeaway: China is modernizing quickly; however, some people must resort to the old ways of transportion because they can not afford the license to drive in the city.

The Jade Buddha Temple This is a sacred area in the middle of the city that is packed with locals and visitors.

I hear a lot of noise inside. Let’s see what’s going on.

This temple is surrounded by a huge garden and permanent street fair and it’s very crowded.

Ahhhhhhh

I’m saved ! We can have lunch now?

Sorry, Steve. but, our guide alreay has reservations at a traditional Chinese restaurant. And they have big boy forks!

Jiangnan Silk Museum Factory Store I was fascinated to observe silk production up close.

At the factory store, Barbara bought a bed runner and I bought a silk shirt. Real men can wear silk… right?

A romantic stroll down the French Concession alley

Peoples Square was boarded up for renovation so our guide gave us a picture tour.

Loved the Bund riverside promenade

The promenade is 1.6 miles long

Day

Night

Shanghai is divided by the Huángpu River. We explored West Shànghai yesterday. On the other side of the river is the Pudōng area. We found a tunnel under the river.

25 years ago this area was a boggy farmland. Now it’s a very modern and well designed place with soaring skyscrapers.

Then made our way to the Shanghai World Financial Center. This is the 2nd tallest building with 3 observation decks. Also used as a “bottle opener” icon.

Since this area was built in the last 25 years the roads, subways, pedestrian ways, utilities, etc. are well planned. As an example, here’s a beautiful roundabout for cars AND with a separate raised roundabout for people!

The people roundabout is almost as wide as the streets.

The architecture is simply beautiful and creative

The SWFC building has 3 observation floors. Floor 97 is the bottom edge of the bottle opener with an open glass roof . That’s our ship docked on the far side of the river just to the right of the TV antenna tower.

This is floor 100, the top floor There are glass panels in the floor. Barbara was already nervous from the heights but the mirror ceiling in combination with the glass floor really freaked her out

It’s hard not to take a zillion pictures

It’s time to say something about the smog. It hasn’t been bad but as you can see it does significantly reduce visibility and I've been told this is one of the good days. That being said, it’s much better than 10 years ago. China is making good progress on its promise to reduce pollution.

Fukuoka, Japan Took a bullet train to Kitakyushu Kokura Castle. Average Speed 259 km/hour or 161 miles /hour.

This castle was built in the 1600s. It changed owners many times due to conquering war lords. In 1866 it was totally destroyed. Only this building was restored in 1996.

Inside was an interesting museum.

This is where the king played scrabble. Barbara said she could beat him.

They claim the eyes of this tiger follows you.

I tried it. Do you feel like you’re being watched?

After climbing 300 steps…

You're treated to some nice views

Tsukimi Tei Shrine

Busan, South Korea We signed up for a half day bus excursion. First they took us to the highest point in the city where they had a nice patio with a small museum, restaurant and of course shops. We didn’t go up in the tower.

Everybody lives in a high rise condo. Very expensive. Many get a 2 year lease for $200,000. At the end of the 2 years they get their $200k back and lease for another 2 years. Nobody rents.

Busan version of the locks of love on the bridge.

Next our guide took us to the downtown street fair.

Time to get some comfortable shoes. “Will you take $10 US”? “No, $20 US” Deal !

Tour of the fish market.

I didn’t see any salmon. Hmmmm?

Takeaways 1. Busan is the 5th largest container shipping port. 2. South Korea has no oil resources; therefore, 3. All oil is imported, refined and exported. 4. Gas cost $6.00 per US gallon. 5. Ship building is a big industry. 6. Most food must be imported because there is little fertile ground. 7. Huge emphasis on education 8. Company workers retire at 50-52 to vacate jobs for younger people. 9. Retired people supplement their pensions by starting individual businesses like the ones we saw in the market.

Welcome to Hiroshima, Japan

Excursion to Shukkeien Garden

This stone bridge was the only object in the park that survived the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima has been totally rebuilt. This one ruin has been preserved as a reminder.

Memorial to all the children.

This is the official peace memorial. The names of the 140,000 people who died from the bomb are stored in that chest.

If you’re interested in the history and effects of the 1945 bombing this is the place to visit. Warning: It’s a very solemn experience especially when you realize you are standing at the epicenter of the bomb.

Let’s hope this never happens again.

Our excursion took us to Kochi Castle. Nearby was a street market. Which one do you think we chose to explore?

Those that guessed wrong should leave the room now. This market is just like ours except I was too tall to fit under the canopy and I saw a lot of knifes and swords for sale.

Barbara liked this store but only bought some greeting cards.

An hour later she came back and bought this classy sunhat.

The hat worked great for our walk on the beach.

The Osaka cruise ship dock is a long ways from downtown. We took a 2 hour bus excursion around town. It was hard to understand the guide this time and it all looked the same through the windows so I had a good nap. No pictures