Our last land day in Tokyo and we awoke to grey skies and soon it started raining, nay, bucketing down. We'd had such a perfect run of weather until now. After checking out we left our bags and walked to a nearby coffee shop, then a last wander round some Ginza back streets.
Before noon we were soaked and had had enough! So we decided to chance it, called another uber and headed off for the port to join the Silver Nova. A smooth check in soon saw us enjoying bubbles and blini (with caviar) before lunch on board where our room was ready before we finished dining!
Our suite is nearly as big as our house, well designed and welcoming. And so very very luxe. Given the lousy weather and the fact that
a. the embassy is on the far side of Tokyo and
b. we are pretty sure our vote won't make a difference in our safe seat we decided to spend the afternoon unpacking instead of doing our civic duty.
Besides, I don't think the embassy has a sausage sizzle.
We enjoyed canapes. Then pre-dinner drinks in the Panorama Bar. Then we dined in SALT kitchen. After dinner we enjoyed the very high-energy drum show from a local band in the excellent small theatre on board, the Venetian Lounge. A great welcome to our next two weeks on board.
After a breakfast for two brought to us by our amazing butler Cepriano we were ready to explore some more. Luckily the sun was back as we joined a tour group visit to Rikugien Gardens and Asakusa. The gardens were fabulous with hundreds of azalias blooming. Back on the bus to Senso-Ji temple and the shopping street which was very crowded with school excursions. Some great souvenir shops but sadly not enough time here for a really good look around as it took a while to get through the large groups!
In Suite Breakfast
We were back on the ship early afternoon and chose to book diner at The Grill, the outdoor dining area. Not a great choice on a chilly and windy afternoon (what happened to the 30 degree days we were getting until 48 hours ago?) but we hoped to see the lights of Tokyo as we set sail.
Anzac Day was a sea day and we started with a brief service but at 8am not dawn. 139 Aussies and 25 Kiwis on board with many of us braving the cold and appreciating the effort the crew put into preparing the memorial.
We enjoyed lunchtime pizza and in the afternoon joined a demonstration on Japanese cooking. All the hard work was done by Matt as by that time I was feeling the effects of the swell. Luckily there is plenty of dramamine on board and I was recovered enough to frock up for the formal dinner.
The apprentice has graduated to chef.
Next day we arrived early in Hakodate and what started out as brilliant sunshine soon became cold, overcast, and very very windy. Spoiled with another breakfast in our suite while port formalities occured then onto a bus to the Trapestine Convent. The grounds and buildings were not very exciting but the history and the determination of the missionaries was fascinating. Then on to enjoy the view from Goryokaku Tower where finally we saw a plethora of cherry blossom. Finally a walk around the star shaped fortress and a very swift tour of the Old Magistrate's Office. Again, very little in the way of funishings remained. Before returning to the ship we explored the Morning Markets where seafood was displayed for our inspection and selection. Huge crabs and abalone, scallops, fish, and many other seafoods both fresh and dried, however the only souvenir was a tiny (toy) fairy owl which has to be the cutest bird I ever did see.
Blossom at the Trapestine Convent
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Goryokaku Park and views over the park and fort
Pots at the Old Magistrates Building
It was so cold that after returning to the ship we decided not to go out again other than to complete our customs formalities. Dined at SALT Kitchen (again) where the venison tataki was excellent.
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