Day 15 (February 4th, 2024) was another sea day.  A little tense as we sailed through the Taiwan Strait today.  No jets nor destroyers sighted so looks like no problems today.  We were not far from Taiwan and China.  Nana and I have settled into our routine.  We get up early, play basketball at 6:30am outside on the upper deck, then exercise class and/or the weight machines for Papa.

35% of the guests continued on from the previous two weeks like us and 65% were new.  It was interesting to watch the new people on the ship getting oriented and trying out different ship services. The makeup of these 4 weeks of guests is a lot different than in the past.  A lot of Asians (Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Korean, and Japanese people on board.  A lot of Asian languages being spoken around us.

Day 16, another sea day.  Basketball, exercise and workouts in the morning.  Nana and I are using our time to plan out the rest of the year and to get some tax stuff done.  Hopefully train work this afternoon.   It has gotten a lot colder now.  39 degrees outside this morning and very windy.  Nana and I still played our basketball but it was chilly and very gusty.  Trying to shoot hoops with the cold wind howling around makes it interesting.  Papa worked on a new strategy today and he beat Nana!  FaceTime audio and video was working great and Papa was able to connect with some of you.  Made progress on train work today, internet was great.  I like working down in the Ocean Bar before dinner.  Nana was taking a nap so I went down to the bar to work and have a scotch.  Unfortunately they raised the prices for the drinks but didn’t change the HIA (Have it all) Credit.  The limit is $11 and now most scotches are above the $11.  Last year’s cruise, I was able to get some Glenlevit 12 year old scotch on the HIA but not this cruise.  Luckily you only have to pay the difference.  For the first week I was getting Dewars 12 year old scotch, a new one for me but it was nice and it was $11.  Only a few bars had it but I found those bars.  They ran out just before we arrived into Hong Kong so I had to move on to the more expensive scotches.  Inflation is hitting Papa hard !  Tonight we had two other couples join our table (open seating) placed them at our table per our request for some additional people.  We had a great time.  Nana and Papa went to the Rock n Roll show and listened to some great music.

Today we arrived into Shanghai.  We found out on tour that we are the first cruise ship to arrive in Shanghai since Covid. Everyone was so happy to see us.  Everywhere we went we got strange looks like they haven’t seen many foreigners here for a long time. The visa process and immigrants checks were changed several times before we arrived. Final process was some Chinese immigration people came on at Hongkong, reviewed every passport which Holland American had taken when we boarded. We then received a copy of our passport with an immigration stamp that we showed when exiting and boarding the ship. 

Today our excursion was to Watertown. Watertown is a 500 year old community build around canals like  Venice. Small passageways with many businesses. There were many food stands with all types foods, deserts , and dishes that I didn’t know.  It actually snowed while we were walking around and Nana tried to catch some with her hand. We went to a local store for some dumplings which were fantastic. We found a little boy dressed up as a dragon just playing in the street. Nana found a store with lot’s of action figures which the grandchildren would have loved to explore.

Nana found a music store where we bought a wonderful flute for our musical grandchildren to use. Nana also found a wood carver, very old but very talented. It took some doing to convince him to take our $25 US dollars but he finally relented.  Papa found some electric charging stations in case he decided to bring over his cars to China.

Long bus rides everywhere as traffic is busy and Shanghai is very large.  Papa took his computer today and wrote some more train programs. Shanghai has 25 million people and has grown a lot since Papa used to come for business over 20 years ago. The city is very clean and the roads very orderly with many bike lanes and pedestrian walkways. 

Then off to a traditional Chinese lunch. Not the US style china restaurant at all. Family style eating with many dishes. 

Last stop was the silk factory. We learned how silk is made by the silkworms and then woven into bedspreads, shirts and pajamas. 

It was surprising to see how many cameras and lots of security officers all over.  You definitely got the feeling you were being monitored. 

Back to the ship for dinner a dip in the hot tub

Next day in Shanghai again. We began our day just like everyday with a basketball game at 6:30am. 32 degrees this morning but we still played. Nana then did her exercise class, Papa lifted weights for his exercise program. A gorgeous sunrise !

Our excursion today was …… wait for it…… A TRAIN RIDE ! We rode the Maglev (Magnetic Levitation). This train goes between downtown and the airport. 185 mph, an 8 min ride. Taxi ride is over an hour. Very smooth and fast. Only one of 6 Maglev train in the world.   All the Maglev trains are in Asia.  We took it both ways.  The digital display shows the train speed in kmh.

Our guide talked a lot about the trials that the Chinese people endured during covid. China implemented a zero covid policy and Shanghai was under quarantine for over 3 months in the 4 years of covid for China. This meant that nobody was allowed to leave their apartment except for certain people that were allowed to deliver food. I cannot imagine being not allowed to leave a small apartment for 3 months. Our tour guide (50 years old) had only been in the tourist industry here entire life so nothing happened in China for almost 4 years. She was so happy to be on a tour with us. Next stop is a very high building in Shanghai with views of the city.  Shanghai is expansive and very modern. We saw some very interesting high rises (not the building that has an odd shape but the core is same and there are varying sizes of windows around the building to give it the interesting look.

We saw some Chinese children and they stared at us and some wanted to practice their English which wasn’t very extensive. At the top of the high rise that we went up 88 stories, you can look down on the hotel in the middle all the way down to the lobby. Nana thought it reminded her of a star wars movie scene. They also offered a walk around the outside, you are tethered with a strap that you can walk around with. Unfortunately it was not available today. Nana also found some more action figures and all of the dispensers used your phone to buy. As you might suspect though none of the paying apps are foreign friendly, Apple Pay was not available anywhere. With no foreign tourists for 4 years, the paying process has become less foreign friendly.

We crossed a massive suspension bridge and then hit the local shops where Nana found some Panda bears for Noah’s ark and a Panda tea set for her tea parties with the grandchildren.

We finished up day getting dressed up for dinner at the Pinnacle Grill. Nana loves here man in a kilt ! Papa sampled their famous candied bacon appetizer. Everywhere we go the crew wants to take our picture with them.

Day 19, another sea day.  Today we attended the Mariners 5 star reception.  Nana and Papa should receive their silver medallion next cruise which is 300 days of being on a ship.  Today several other people received their silver and gold medallions.  They honored one couple that has over 3,000 sea days on Holland America.  That is over 9 years being on a Holland America ship…… holy cow that is a long time !

Papa got a lot done on his train programs today. Today I finished the group of programs for the Battle Creek condo. I tested them on his Mac and transferred them to the BC Raspberry Pi.  When I get back to BC, I can do the final testing with live trains.  tomorrow I will start modifying the core programs for the Nunes Train, the two Eperthener trains and the PTC shop train. Only slight modifications will be needed as I designed the programs to be very general. 

Tonight was another dressy night and Papa wore his kilt again. Lots of compliments for both Nana and Papa. We finished the movie, Oppenheimer, who’s about the building of the nuclear bomb that was dropped twice in Japan. We will be visiting Nagasaki soon where the 2nd bomb was dropped. It was a very thought provoking movie. 

Today we landed in Kagoshima Japan. We have another different process for immigration yet again. Here we show our passports with an entry card just like when you fly in.  The process was very smooth and we were through quickly. 

Our excursion today took us to the Kamikaze Museum that honored the pilots who were suicide pilot bombers. A tragic story at the end of WWII when Japan was desperate, running out of fuel and mistakenly thought this would deter the Americans. There were over 1,000 Kamikaze pilots from this area and 90% of them crashed into the sea without hitting a target, The others hit their target and all the pilots died. Nana is cleansing herself of evil spirits before she prays. Papa is in front of the Jap Zero fighter that the kamikaze pilots used. 

2nd stop was an historic Samurai village. We toured several Japanese gardens that were a part of every house  We also sampled some traditional Japanese green tea.   Nana brought back some special green tea for the grandchildren’s tea party if the they are willing to try.  The Samurai houses reminded me of the movie, The Last Samurai.  Our guide said the movie was historical correct but did not depict any one person. We will be watching this movie tonight, Nana has not seen it.  Nana also found some flowers that she wanted everyone to see.

Today we arrived into Nagasaki, where the 2nd atomic bomb was dropped. After stretch class for both of us and breakfast, we left on our tour. First stop was ground zero where the bomb was dropped. The devastation was unbelievable.   Papa is at ground zero. Nana is standing next to column of the Cathedral that survived the blast. 

Many monuments to peace and prayers for the people that died. Many people create strings of origami as prayers and put them at the monuments. 

Then we visited the museum where learned what happened and how Nagasaki was selected. Another city was selected but due to overcast weather, the bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. A mockup of the bomb dropped was on display. 

Next stop was the peace memorial which the city erected 10 years after the bombing. Many countries have donated statues including the US.  The peace memorial is very descriptive, the hand pointing up warns of the the nuclear bomb, the hand outstretched symbolizes peace, the closed eyes are for the dead, the face is neither Asian or European symbolizing that we are all in this world together.

Last stop is the slope car train …… what another train ride!……to the top of  Mount Imasa.  First time for us on a slope train car. Very interesting design, Nana and I snuck under the track to see how it worked, we are engineers. Gorgeous views up top as you can the whole city, the harbor, and the mountains. 

Back to the ship where we have to wait and then do a full immigration inspection. Everyone must do it even if you didn’t leave the ship. Not quite sure why but everyone must accounted for. Not sure why they are waiting until later this afternoon when most tours have already returned. 

Today, day 22, we arrived to Busan, South Korea. We are the first cruise ship to arrive in 2024, but unlike China there were 180 ships last year….. China had zero last year. A gorgeous sunrise from our balcony but very cold today, 32 degrees.  We decided it was too cold for basketball this morning and even too cold for ping pong on the Lido deck. So off to the exercise room for a good workout.  Nana showed off her new Yoda hat as we left the ship. 

Our excursion today started at the Beomeosa Temple. This is a Buddhist Temple built in 678AD and is still active today. We saw many people praying with the monks.  The temple is far up in the mountain and a long walk uphill. Nana was there to help some of the elderly people up and down from the temple.  We saw children dressed up in traditional Korean going to some type of class. This reminded us of Nicole during her Korean focus. 

Next is the Busan Park with the flower clock, amazing dragon sculpture and Korean Bell. 

Last stop is the market. Our guide said a lot of the shops have closed during and since COVID because of online shopping. Many many food places and still a lot of souvenir shops. 

Nana found some nice tigers for Noah’s ark…… Koreans identify with the tiger and believe the shape of the entire peninsula looks like a tiger’s head. Our guides comments on North Korea are interesting. She said that the South considers them like a spoiled child and they don’t think North Korea will start a war because the dictator values his family too much and would not put them at risk. 

Back to the ship and through immigration. We talked with assistant Captain and he said this is just how Asia countries have always done it and Holland America just tries to make it as smooth as possible. 

Busan is changing there cargo port into an entertainment area and cruise ship docking to promote cruise ships. Still a long way to go. In the meantime you can camp next to the cruise ship. Another fantastic sunset on our way out of the port.

Today another train ride, the infamous Japanese Bullet Train.   We boarded in Fukuoka, Japan where our ship docked. The bullet train runs on rails and we achieved 125 mph and our trip took 25 minutes to Kitakyusha.  Very smooth and fast ride. Nana almost didn’t come because she wanted to watch the Super Bowl. The ship though wasn’t planning on broadcasting the game but at the last minute figured out how to do it. By then Nana had already committed to going with Papa. Papa promised to work on getting it streamed on his iPad which he was able to do. Nana watched the game even on the train and walking around.  She watched the game all the way through the overtime win for the Chiefs. 

We next visited a traditional Japanese garden. Nana enjoyed walking around with iPad watching the game. 

Next stop was the traditional tea ceremony. Reminded me of the movie Mulan where Mulan was being thought the correct way to serve tea. There is a whole ritual which girls got to special classes to learn. Nana had a blast and thanked the two high girls that helped out. Papa took some time to take a picture with a Japanese girl who was helping out with the tea ceremony.

We were then served a traditional Japanese lunch and then visited the Kokura castle. This castle was built in 1607 and the scene of famous battles with famous Samurai. Papa took his chance fighting a Samurai using his fencing skills.  Nana found the real Darth Vader. We also found two boys who were training to be Samurai. Reminded us of several of our grandsons. 

Then back to ship where Nana went to daily Mass and some nightly entertainment. 

Today, day 24 is a sea day.  Nana was up at her exercise class and Papa was working out on the weight machines.  We had a zoo break this morning on the Lido deck and lot’s of animals just hanging around. This morning we passed the Kanmon Strait which separates the southern half of Japan from the Northern part.  Some gorgeous views.  Now we will be visiting some eastern cities in Northern Japan.

Today we stopped in Himeji, Japan to see the castle and gardens. This castle is supposed to be the best castle in Japan and has survived wars, fires and earthquakes. 

First stop was the castle gardens. Nana found early flowering trees. The cherry blossoms in a few weeks will be gorgeous. Nana also found some interesting fish in the garden. 

Now up to the castle. A long wind climb through many gates to protect the castle.   Gorgeous castle and it could be well defended.  Castles are so much different here in Japan.  Papa found a dragon for his train mountain.  Nana found some more animals for Noah’s ark.

Went to Mass tonight for Ash Wednesday, it was a full house.  Tonight was dressy night so Nana were decked out in their Irish outfit after receiving ashes.  Nana and Papa were up on stage with the magician tonight.  Nana reluctantly went to the show but was a disbeliever.  She volunteered to help out on stage and then volunteered me to come up too.  Nana was amazed and became a believer in magic after being on stage.

Today (February 16, 2024) we stopped in Shimizu, Japan. Nana and I took a break from excursions today and just stayed on the ship. The highlight of the day was seeing Mt. Fuji.  We were told it was very very rare to see the top. Some gorgeous views. It was very windy and cold as you can see from the photos.  Later in the day you can see it started to cloud over. 

At the port we were greeted by school children to welcome us. I finished up a lot of train programming. I finished the new configurations for the Nunes track, the Eperthener inside track and the Battle Creek condo track.  I still have to test the programs but I need to be onsite for the testing. As usual I wanted to get a lot more done but I did accomplish a lot. 

Last day is Tokyo. We landed in Yokohama and took a tour of Tokyo. We saw yet another shrine for our first stop. They had a place where you could drive your new car in and get it blessed….. for a donation.

Second stop is downtown Tokyo where we say many people, many shops and more shrines. Lot’s of young girls dressed in Kimonos taking their pictures everywhere.

Back at the airport, flight home was direct and was over 12 hours long.  

Nana and I had a great time. We saw many places we have never seen before. We learned much about the foreign countries and we met their people. We had great service from all of the Holland America staff. We were both very thankful that we did not get sick even though many people did. We attribute this to hanging out with our large family and building up our immunity. 

Thanks for reading my blog.