KOBE CAN BE A MYSTERY

We arrive in Kobe to find a very Japanese hotel in the harbor with a lovely view from our room.  The flowers throughout the hotel are amazing and it is great to see the skyline.

However the problem soon becomes clear.  No one speaks English and the signs are all in Japanese.  This is going to be a mystery city.

We finally find the assistant manager who is able to tell us where to go to dinner.  There are a group of restaurants not far away on the waterfront and they have a beautiful view.  We finally find a restaurant that has pictures and English subtitles.  As you may know many restaurants in Japanese show their menu with plastic food.  Our problem was we couldn't identify the food displayed.  All in all dinner was good and we are getting ready for our big adventure on Orion.

First we need to explore Kobe even if we can't understand what we are reading.  However,  not to worry there is a Starbucks for breakfast.  It's like home but it's not.  I had the most incredible mango frappuccino. Then we explored a great arcade which is the answer in this city to the shopping mall.  Finally we returned to the harbor to take a stroll
The Harbor is interesting with a viewing tower that was built in the 1930s..  Our hotel is in the background.
the thing that struck me about the  harbor is that there are no private boats but
many dinner cruise boats both vintage and modern and young people on jet skis.


                             

GETTING TO KNOW TOKYO

If yesterday was about seeing Tokyo then today was about feeling Tokyo.  I started the day at 4:30AM expecting to be one of the first 120 inline to watch the 120+ pound tuna auction at the Fish Market..  Who knew that this could be so popular as I  was 124 and could not get in.  Actually it wasn't so bad as I returned to have a wonderful breakfast at the Shrangi-La Hotel.  We were told yesterday that Japanese live so long because of  green tea but I also think it has to to do with the amount of beautiful fruits and vegetables served at every meal.  The buffet breakfast at the Shrangi-La is a sensual feast of fresh vegetables, vibrant fruits and beautiful juices as well as fish, meat, cheese and amazing pastries.  Everyone should have the experience to enjoy the view and tempt  the palate.

After breakfast it was time to explore the colorful streets of the Ginza.  All the major designers are present in addition to things uniquely Japanese.

After passing through  the Ginza it was time to seriously see where all the great food comes from.  The seafood market is different from those in America and Europe because the fish is presented to meet the preparations that the Japanese love.  Fish is fileted, powered, dried and flaked, but it is not sold whole,
The market offers shell fish of all kinds and vegetables in many colors in addition to the roe and sliced fish.       
                                                                                   

What fun is a market if you can't be tempted by all the things you have never seen before,  Soon the  allure of the salted fish, the spiced fish, and things unknown made me know that I needed to see what was being offered,  Eating new things is part of the travel adventure,

There is no question that Tokyo is a fascinating city with mysteries that can't be solved in a day and a half,  We are about to board the Bullet Train and head for Kobe,  This city on the water has mysteries  to tell and we are ready to explore before boarding the Orion II,
   
                    

Tokyo in a day

Today was our only full day in Tokyo so we needed to experience it all. We did this by joining the Dynamic Tokyo Tour.  We boarded a bus with a great tour guide and 38 other hearty travelers ready for adventure.

First we went to the Tokyo Tower to get a bird's eye view of the city.  And with a city of 13 million or 40 million if you take in the surrounding area there is a lot to see.  Interesting fact, because of the lack of space everyone is cremated.  The only cemeteries left in the city are those that were built hundreds of years ago.  But then on to more pleasant things. We traveled to Happo-en which is a beautiful garden with an authentic tea house.  Here we experienced the beauty of the tea ceremony.  I didn't know that tea used in tea ceremonies was powder instead of the leaves-and always green.  The locals claim that this drinking of green tea is the reason that the Japanese people live for such long lives.  In the garden were my favorite--huge carp and old Bonsai trees.

From here we toured what you could see of the Emperor's Palace.  The grounds of the Emperor's Palace are only opened twice a year and otherwise remain closed,  However, you can see the remains of the Samurai walls and moat.  These walls are some of the few things to remain after the earthquakes  and bombings that the city has experienced.        

Lunch was delicious japanese barbecue cooked on lava from Mount Fugi.  Then we took a boat ride under the many bridges of Tokyo.  After this what better way to complete a day of touring tthan by shopping at the Asakusa Market before visiting the Manin Hall of Kannon Temple.

              

The flight was incredibly long.  How strange for it to be the afternoon here and the middle of the night at home.  We took the train from the Narita airport to Tokyo.  The sights from the train let you know you were in Japan as there were many rice fields and beautiful buildings.  Unfortunately the train was going too fast to actually take any pictures.  Upon arrival to Tokyo we were met and transferred to the Shangri-La Hotel.  It is a beautiful interior space with art work and stunning views.  We were given a corner room with an awesome view over the city.  Just looking out you understand all you ever heard about the crowded conditions in Japan.  Tomorrow we see the sights and hopefully I will have more pictures to share. 

I can't believe that today is here,  It has been over a year in the planning and now I am packed and ready to start a great adventure to Japan, Korea and China.  I have never been to Asia so I am very excited to think that I am about to visit this exotic part of the  world.  The adventure begins on a nonstop flight to Tokyo.  It is still amazing to me that planes can fly such great distances but I am ready to trust in the engines  There will be a 13 hour time difference and I am not sure about internet at all times but I hope to share the wonders that I see on this site.