Saturday, March 24, 2018

Day 39 - Saturday, March 24, 2018 - Fukuoka, Japan

As we awakened I noticed that we were backing into our berth at this new port of Fukuoka. The port facility is very nice with WIFI and covered walkways to the cruise terminal. Two of our group weren't feeling well, so we were down to a group of 6. Our guide, Myami, met us outside the terminal and we took a short walk over to the main terminal building and caught a #11 bus to our first destination, the Tochoji Temple which holds the large carved wooden Buddha (Daibutsu). We also got a first glimpse of the blossoming cherry trees. It's also the burial place of the 2nd feudal lord of the area dating to the 8th century.  

After enjoying some pastry, we took another bus to the Kushida Shrine where we crashed yet another wedding. It was really neat to see a bride and groom dressed in traditional Japanese a wedding clothes. We also toured the local museum and I was fascinated by the traditional weaving being done using punched cards but dating back to the 18th century.  

We then made our way to the Canal City shopping center where we individually chose where to eat lunch. Angela and I chose ramen at Ichiran where you order from a vending machine, sit at an isolation counter (they call it a concentrate on flavor counter), mark on a sheet how you want your order prepared & order a beverage or side order items, and your order is delivered through a little opening before a little door is closed. Then you eat in seclusion to savor the flavors. And I have to admit, it's really good.

After lunch we caugh another bus over to Ohori Park and the Fukuoka Castle ruins. Today was day one of their cherry blossom festival and lots of people were on the grounds and there were hundreds of small vendors selling mainly craft type items. We also visited the small museum and climbed the remains of the castle tower from which we could see 360° views of the city.

We then bussed back to the city hall where 4 of the group took the HAL shuttle back to the ship while Angela and I looked for a handle for our new GoPro Hero 5 camera. I was successful in finding one while she visited the chicken festival. This tiny little camera is pretty good for video and is unobtrusive. I was also able to download the software APPs to link it to my iPhone.

We caught the 4:30pm (next to last) shuttle back to the ship and reboarded around 5pm for our all aboard time of 5:30pm. Everyone was aboard and we departed promptly at 6pm to the accompaniment of a jr. high drum band. I should also comment that while it was mostly sunny, temperatures were brisk in the high 60's Fahrenheit.

After a light dinner, we attended the variety show at both 8pm and 10pm. Naomi Edemarium (concert pianist) and Annie Frances (vocalist) were the billing and were excellent. We've seen Annie multiple times, and she's really good.

Tomorrow is our last Japanese Port (Nagasaki) for this leg of the cruise. We have another walking tour planned. Stay tuned.

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