drron29

I felt sorry for those on the photo shoots.

There were several couples having wedding photos taken. Certainly not peak blooming.

It was time to go back to the bus. A different sort of vending machine outside Pizza Hut. Back on the bus to drive to the other side of Yokohama for the gardens. We arrive at the Sankien gardens. Unfortunately the weather gods weren't smiling and it began to rain. At first quite light but gradually got heavier.

I went out the back gate and did a bit of exploring.

And then into the temple. We had free time here so I made sure I saw as much as possible and Rojaan stayed with the group.

The next day was Yokohama. Very close to where we will be staying the next time we arrive in Yokohama. We were able to escape the turmoil by setting out on an in transit tour. We were off to the Kawasaki Daishi temple and the Sankien gardens. Unfortunately not the best weather. Overcast with periods of rain. This is wher we were docked and where the tour starts. And past Haneda. The bus parked at this Edifice and a walk to the actual temple. Over a railway line. Past vending machines for meals. Then turned into a shopping street. lots of sweets. Some quite suggestive.

About time for some more humour. falling down on my job.

It certainly wasn't cold. Maybe they have new non smoking rocks.😉 If they do they would obviously be cheaper than smoking rocks.

Bon Voyage to those who left Yokohama on the Muse tonight. You will probably get to see cherry blossom at their peak in Hakodate so don’t feel bad if they are past their peak in southern Japan.

We had totally different experiences at the last 2 meals on the Muse. Atlantide last night was a little slow basically because most arrived after the pre dinner show. Meals were excellent as was service. Then at breakfast I ordered eggs Benedict soft. A little while later the waiter told me he was sorry for the wait but that the eggs were not as ordered so he took them back and got a new serving. He was one of the longer serving waiters so probably could order the kitchen hands around.

On the Muse in the last 30 days sanitizer has been prominently displayed at each restaurant and when boarding. The importance was also mentioned in some of the on board announcements.

Dinner was hot rocks at the grill. First served some dips. Rojaan had the salmon and I the filet. Then we both had the cheesecake for dessert. The next day was a sea day and for a change went to Atlantide for breakfast. I had the eggs Benedict and rojaan scrambled eggs. On my walk after breakfast I noted that we had picked up a stowaway in Osaka. He left in Yokohama. Lunch at Kaiseki with our usual selections. Excitement seeing another ship. For dinner we went to Indochine with our trivia team. A very good team with more than 50% of times the winners. No photos of that meal but it was very enjoyable. Of course going back to the room it was the saddest sight you can have on an SS cruise. Was even sadder last night when one f the bags in that hallway was ours.

We start sail away.

Some night lights before departure.

Since Covid the passengers who have made their own arrangements are called at 9am. Some do leave earlier. Though today Japanese Customs was closely examining some passengers cases which certainly slowed them down.

Silver Muse in Yokohama from our hotel room. The Diamond Princess is also in the port.

Now exploring the local area. Then came across a little temple in the back streets. And typical red brick warehouses still being used as warehouses. Then back on board.

When we finished a cruise in Venice the SS late departure tour wasn’t great and cost $US 275 each. So we arranged a private transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott near the airport for 60 euro and a day room for 100 euro and we were able to have lunch and a sleep for far less than the SS transfer.

Some more from the park. The walk continues Then a section of the park with a statue. The peace disturbed by 4 noisy little urchins running around Then a really randy pigeon. A little after this shot he got lucky.

Then I wanted to get my steps up so walked around the local area. First I headed to the little park where we had seen cherry trees.

Next we had our sushi lunch. A huge place and the sushi was OK. After lunch Mrsdrron went back on the shuttle and I walked up and down the canal. The garbage boat and a tourist cruise. And a ferris wheel with a difference. I didn't fancy trying a cheese dog. A catch and release fishery. Just before the shuttle came I decided to get Kobe beef tongue on a stick. Big mistake it was by far the worst piece of beef I have had. Incredibly tough and chewy. The terminal is attached to a mall and to get to the ship you have to go through the food court. No lines at the takoyaki place so I got some. Ok but not the best I have had. That will come later.

Then we got the 11am shuttle into town. It dropped you at Dotonburi which is a nice touristy place. Strawberries were the main food offering today but quite expensive. Loquats were incredibly expensive. An impressive tuna outside this sushi place. Their promotion worked as we came back and had lunch here. The Takoyaki stalls were doing a roaring trade with long lines. Have to admit we weakened and bought a cherry blossom mug from Starbucks. Anyone planning Expo 2025 in Osaka?

We will never know. I thought the reaction to my letter was a positive sign for the future. As to whether the number of days was important this was the first cruise we have had on Silversea where not a single invite to a management hosted table was received. Seems to indicate the number of nights was not that important.

The next morning we were woken by the drums welcoming us to Osaka port. And looking out from our balcony. And a beautiful view of coal. Views from the Muse. Having been to Osaka many times none of the excursions appealed. So first I went up to the walking track as now much cooler conditions. Ended up in an empty Observation lounge.

The next day was another sea day. Lunch in Atlantide. Rojaan had the pasta with prawns and the cheesecake. Whilst I had a spicy chicken wrap and mushroom stroganoff. no where near as good as it was on the Muse last year. That night it was the Captain's farewell plus crew parade. Employee of the month. Dinner back in Atlantide and very good for this formal night. The menus. Rojaan began again with the beef tartare whilst I had the crab and chilled cucumber which was excellent. Then we both had the rack of lamb. Rojaan well done and I rare.