Chasing the Perfect Fuji shot.

[drron29]

 

 

And the gate to the residence.

 

A museum and shops now to one side.

 

 

 

And into the residence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

The last of the residence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for a stroll around the gardens,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were a bit early for the best of the cherry blossoms here in Kagoshima. Prior to leaving home the prediction was cherry blossoms would be earlier this year. so far they have turned out to be a little later than usual.

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

As you can tell I just love Japanese gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still some camellias flowering.

 

 

 

 

A butterfly fairly well disguised.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

The last of the garden.

 

 

 

 

 

Magnolia just starting to flower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leaving the villa and back to the port.

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

But we are not at the port to go back to the ship. Along with our bus we are now onboard a Sakurajima ferry.

 

 

 

 

But we are not at the port to go back to the ship. Along with our bus we are now onboard a Sakurajima ferry.

 

 

 

A little noodle cafe onboard.

 

I went the full 1000 yen ($11) version and liked it.

 

 

 

 

Off around to the other side of the mountain and the lava park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

At the park several stalls with cheap souvenirs and various foods but mainly the small oranges grown on the island. But some interesting sweets.

 

 

And lots of lava.

 

 

A walk up to the viewing platform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lava shelter.

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

On the way back to the ferry.

 

 

 

 

 

And Loquat trees with each individual loquat in a white paper bag.

 

 

 

 

Our ferry back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Showing a little bit of rust.

 

 

 

This was the first time Silversea has been at this dock so close to town. Normally further away but a Regent ship was there.

 

The dock area.

 

 

 

[drron29]

Time to leave Kagoshima.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then time for dinner in Atlantide.

 

 

 

We both started with the beef tartare then Rojaan had the lamb chops and I the rib eye. I also had a tomato soup from the everyday menu.

 

 

 

 

Then she had the Day's dessert.

 

That night the Easter Bunny found the ship.

 

 

[drron29]

A special break in transmission. I have missed the perfect Fuji shot on our cruise but have a week in Japan to come. But yesterday in Hirosaki got a consolation prize, A mountain known to the locals as O Iwate Fujisan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

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.

 

[drron29]

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.

 

 

[drron29]

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?

 

 

 

[drron29]

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.

 

[drron29]

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

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.

 

[drron29]

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.

[drron29]

Some night lights before departure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

We start sail away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

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.

[jpalbny]

13 hours ago, drron29 said:

 

 

 

Ron, not much smoke from that hot rock! Did you ask for a cold rock so that you didn't overcook the filet?