Yokohama

Yokohama

29^th June 2014

So we’re back in Yokohama; the end of cruise number one and the beginning of two.

Three seems to be my number lately. We are doing three cruises; I have had three desserts these last 9 days; three bread rolls at dinner time (always a huge temptation especially if the service is slow but that’s been excellent); three grissini sticks, three soft serves (enjoyed on tours and paid for – none of the free cones on board YET). Of course we now get a free mini bar in our cabins which we haven’t been able to drink completely but we will be due for another lot; we also get free laundry and have had the equivalent of $100. We haven’t used our 10% boutique discount except for a packet of plasters and a lanyard but that wasn’t a goal!!

Yokohama is a pretty place and being there on Sunday meant everybody was in the parks, walking/ cycling the walkways and watching street entertainers. We saw one guy riding his bike with a pet rabbit tucked under his arm. The pier – Osanbashi – is spectacular, with the decking made of timber and flowing to represent waves but also very functional with steps in some areas, wooden wings giving shade in others then merging into various floors to give viewing areas and the embarkation hall . Everything has been perfectly organised and has run unbelievably smoothly . There are about 1800 passengers on board. Four hundred of us stayed for the second cruise.

The tours , usually dreaded for the long waits and sitting in the theatre to be called, have left on time, occasionally early and returned like clockwork. Some have been 8 or 9 hours long and quite tiring, but very interesting – we certainly have seen a lot of the country.

Back to Yokohama. We lounged round and eventually went for a walk along the waterfront pathway, with it’s lovely tree plantings, rose gardens, fountains and statues – particularly popular – the girl with the red shoes based on a child’s story. There was also an old ship built in the 1930s (Hoppy guessed that right), ferries and shops, a cafe; there are lots of vending machines for drinks – including beer – and ice-creams etc. The Japanese culture is very relevant, modern, and full of characters and monsters which could be equally western. At the end of our energy we wandered up some steps with a huge ceramic dragon working his way down in ponds which was a great attraction for the children wanting to cool off. These steps concealed a pumping station and led through an arched walkway which morphed into a bridge over the highway. The traffic hasn’t been too intense anywhere as yet, although we are expecting that to change in Tokyo. Just beyond the bridge was a doll museum, so we spent some time there before walking back to the ship.

We’ve been able to stay in the same cabin with the agreement of the couple who were originally booked for here, so that’s good news. And so, off on our second cruise.

Soz - my photos take too long to come over so words will have to say it all!! XXXXXXXXXXX