Domestic bliss…or not

Getting from Tokyo to Yokohama ended up a bit of an adventure. Having done this trip before we knew what to expect. It is pretty easy on the trains and only takes an hour. That is, unless you are so over excited and don’t actually read the platform signs at the train station and end up getting onto the train that is just about to pull away from the platform (note to self: any old train is not always the right train). Feeling a little uneasy with Simon’s navigation (not that I was doubting him…much), I thought better of relaxing back in my seat and chose to actually check the journey board. Low and behold we were on the wrong train. An impromptu train change rectified the situation and we got to take the scenic route and see the inside of another train and station.

What does one do when they are in Japan and a tad hungry, especially before boarding a much anticipated cruise? Visit an American diner of course. Deciding on a fish burger (fish is good for you right) I was greeted by a very odd looking burger with a fried chunk of fish topped with what appeared to be mashed egg in mayonnaise. Mind you it was delicious so there won’t be any complaining. Not like our cabin neighbours (more to come later).

Having booked this cruise with around 450 days on the countdown, it seemed unbelievable that the day had finally arrived. We were greeted in Yokohama by the Golden Princess and got a little lost as we attempted to get our bearings on the ship. I did however find my way to the free ice cream shop and cake stand! I can’t help but put the mandatory food photos in the blog so be prepared for the onslaught of food porn!

Our first port of call was Shimizu, a small town (well in Japanese standards small) along the east coast of Japan. What a view to wake up to, with beautiful Mt Fuji visible in the near perfectly clear skies. Wanting to avoid the cattle herding ship tours, we decided to venture out on our own and explore what the town had to offer. A visit to the fish markets was first up and Angela finally got her wish to eat the slimy snot balls (aka oysters) fresh from the ocean.

Desperate for a non dishwater coffee (if you thought canned coffee was bad then you should try a ship coffee) we went in search of a coffee shop. We pass a fella taking his tortoise for a walk (because that’s something you see every day) and a sign about thirst (was this telling us something?). But could we find an actual coffee shop? Giving up on the possibility of the others getting a decent coffee hit we opted for the quality (insert a load of sarcasm) coffee and WiFi (if you call it that) at McDonalds. The $1 price tag for coffee should have been the first clue that the coffee was not going to be good. It was about this point that I was grateful that I am not a coffee drinker. Low and behold, crappy coffee consumed, we walk out of the shopping centre to be greeted by a huge sign saying ‘This is a Cafe’. Too bad, so sad, bit late now!

On another note, I once read a book about the life of a Geisha (it’s a good read). Having always thought that the Geisha were ladies of the night, it was an education to learn about their traditions and their lives as entertainers. What a thrill it was to be surprised on returning to the ship to have 5 Shimizu Geisha (called Shimizu Gaiko) put on a special performance. WOW what an experience!

Sightseeing done, stomachs topped up with food, entertainment complete, we decided to retreat to the balcony so I could write my blog as we sailed out of this beautiful town. As I sit here now, Mt Fuji is smiling above my keyboard creating the perfect serenity……that was until the elderly couple on the balcony beside us decided that they would have a domestic. I’m thinking that I might need to practise my ‘man overboard’ yell as it would appear that they really don’t like each other (guessing some couples like insulting each other)…..or anything about the cruise so far. Hey, it’s been a whole 22 hours so there must be SO much to complain about (yes that’s sarcasm again). Now I am married to an English man, hey some of my best friends are English, but I really have to say that the couple next door give the term ‘Whinging Pom’ merit! It is highly entertaining though and I’m sure will add entertainment to relaxing on the balcony.