Twenty Twenty-Five
April
- Japan
April 8 - Having completed moving in, I then immediately left
the villa for a guiding contract in Japan. After the long flight, he
longer term plans were for 5 voyages, a week of land-based touring
in Kyoto, followed by a voyage south to Darwin, then a quick stop in
Brisbane before returning to Christchurch. This contract was the
earliest start of my 3 seasons - early enough that the start was in
cherry-blossom season. Thus, immediately after arrival in Osaka I
headed for Osaka Castle to check the "sakura". It was a Saturday
afternoon in full blossom season and the castle grounds were packed.
Every available spot under the trees was covered with a tarp or
blanket and hosting a gathering. The day was fine, the mood was
festive and it was such fun to wander amongst it. Even the full-on
crowds on every pathway somehow added to the enjoyment instead of
the frustration.Some scenes from this period: Osaka Castle - blossoms and happy locals
April 17 - in Kanazawa on the first turnaround day having completed a voyage from Osaka. This, and the next 3 voyages, all start or end in Kanazawa and Osaka, so there will be multiple visits to many of the destination cities. On this charter opportunities to get of the ship were somewhat limited, but I did manage a visit to the Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu - a favorite. At Kanazawa, the blossom season was said to be about 1 week behind the cities further south, nonetheless, it was clear that the brief "sakura" season was already winding down. Having said that, the Castle park and Kenrokuen Garden (another favorite) still had plenty to appreciate. As a change, I visited the local fish market - always fun in Japan.
Some scenes from this period: Takamatsu: blossoms and posing locals and scenes from Ritsurin x 2; Kanazawa: cherry trees x 2, Castle wall, scenes from Kenrokuen x 4 (including fallen petals in the lake), Fish market x 3;
