Author Archives: boogkb

QB is possibly feeling slightly better. Unable to commit to actual feeling yet. Thunderbird Shinkansen to Osaka At the station picked up a few tax-free items. What is the note is the plastic bag? It says we must keep the … Continue reading →

Staying an extra night in Kanazawa for QB to regain a bit of energy. Today she is very tired, head hurts, skin hurts. Napping as I write this. Weather- none but heat.We packed lots of rain gear for the famous … Continue reading →

A change of plans Due to illness, a bad cold, not COVID (QB tested twice) – long boring story about getting covid tests today as it is a national holiday and all pharmacies are closed. Well, almost all. Bad colds … Continue reading →

An especially restful sleep last night. Likely to be due to the hot tub (public bath) in the hotel. 105.5 F. Perfect. We said goodbye to George and Michelle today. They are off to their Osaka visit and we are … Continue reading →

We visited the museum and then the workshop. Katsumi Ikeda, Japanese master, who made the above image for us in just a few moments, because George showed him beautiful fountain pens

Morning departure from the cruise, taxi to Shinagawa station, Shinkansen to Echizen Village. Now it is four of us. Seven have departed. Went to a very nice knife store and had a negotiation with the manager. George managed to get … Continue reading →

The final leg of the cruise -overnight then all day return to Tokyo. No shrines no excursions just food food, food, and exercise. We will arrive in Tokyo around eight in the morning scurry off the ship and make our … Continue reading →

Shrine in a cave, vista points, park with easter island statues Clear sunny weather continues. First time in Kyushu, in the far far south For those few not familiar with Japanese counters, this may be of interest. https://chat.openai.com/share/82e91c8c-b6e3-4754-99e9-8c92def4d4be Subtropical area … Continue reading →

Bagged the tours for today, and decided to wander the city. This port is a military port, a joint port between both. Not especially charming. Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) in Sasebo, Japan is a military base for both the … Continue reading →

Tour to see Arita porcelain area of nearby prefecture to Nagasaki. Up at crack. The tour started with a little bit of rain, then some heavy rain, hail and lightning. First rain of the trip. Arita porcelain town, museum and … Continue reading →