Kagoshima, Japan

We sailed overnight and came into port in Kagoshima, Japan early this morning. First a few words about this port. Kagoshima is the cultural and economic hub of the region and is known for it is mild climate and friendly people, both of which we experienced today. 

Hello, Kagoshima

There are 2 volcanoes here, Mt. Sakurajima that rises over 3,500 feet above the city and bay and Mt. Kaimindake, just south of Kagoshima which I captured just as the sun was setting at dinner time.

 

Goodbye, beautiful Kagoshima

 

Today was an unusual day. Everyone had to be back on the ship by 2 pm, as we were scheduled to sail at 3 pm. Some folks had excursions but we didn’t have anything booked for today. We actually enjoy some “down days” where we can just hang out, relax or do whatever. Anyway, 3 pm came and went and we didn’t as planned. First the elevators were down so there was that. Then there was some type of problem with the engine! We finally sailed around 6 pm, 3 hours behind schedule. It was the first time we’ve had any mechanical problem with the ship in the 5 months we’ve been on it. I guess we’ll either make up for lost time as we sleep tonight or arrive in port a little later tomorrow than scheduled.

We were docked beside a beautiful park with a running track. I was so happy for Ronnie, because he was able to run a 5K on land for the first time since we left home! The weather was nice, so he was happy, happy, happy! He runs on the ship when the weather isn’t brutally hot, but it’s not the same as exercising on land.

I didn’t do much of anything and that was nice too. I finished the book I was reading “The Girl Behind the Gate” and started a new one, “The Orphan Collector: A Heroic Novel of Survival During the 1918 Influenza Pandemic.” I enjoyed reading on our veranda, which we seldom use because it’s just been too blasted hot to enjoy for the past couple of months.  

I only got off the ship once, and that was to walk over to the terminal building and see what was there. A few vendors had their goods set up for purchase, and another table was set up with 3 ladies doing origami. They had many clever designs and they were giving a piece to anyone who came by their table. They were so kind, as we have learned that the Japanese people are. We’re looking forward to 9 more days in Japan!

 

 

I almost forgot to mention that we enjoyed Mexican food out on the deck at noon. We rarely eat outside because of the heat. We also were able to catch up with friends from Oregon that we’ve not seen in a while due to her fighting an upper respiratory illness for the past 2-3 weeks. At 4 pm we had tea and scones in the Horizons lounge – something we rarely do. And speaking of tea, Kagoshima is the second largest producer of green tea in Japan.