Transition to the MS Riviera
Early in the morning on March 20th, Gym and his lovely sidekick, checked out of the Ritz and made their way to the cruise ship terminal in Yokohama, about an hour away. There the Oceania Riviera was tied up and waiting for them. They boarded after checking in with the port authorities and the Oceania crew. They were soon settled in to their suite and Mrs. G was very happy to unpack everything and assign drawers to the various items. Over the next 12 days they would visit 8 different cities on three Japanese islands and also sail over to Pusan, Korea for a day.
Nagoya, Japan
The ship got underway at dinner time on the 20th. It sailed out onto the calm waters of Tokyo Bay and then entered the rather choppier Pacific Ocean. The captain set a southerly course that evening, the ship sailed all night and when the passengers woke up in the morning, they were tied up to the pier in Nagoya.
Our hero and dear wife had booked a half day tour in the city which focused on Nagoya Castle and the Atsuta Shrine. Their tour guide Tomo, turned out to be a gem, his English was excellent and he was a great host. The tour was called "The Tokugawa Legacy". Tokugawa became Shogun of Japan in 1603 and that coincides with the beginning of the Edo period. The Edo period was a long, peaceful and progressive period for Japan. James Clavell's novel "Shogun" is based on the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate and the beginning of the Edo period. Gym read Clavell's 1200-page novel when he was supposed to be studying chemistry is university. He finished the book again in the weeks leading up to this trip.
The first stop of the day was Nagoya Castle. It was a project that Tokugawa had his hand in and a strong and beautiful fortress was the result. Our intrepid travellers toured the palace where the lord would entertain various applicants and special guests. It is richly decorated in the Japanese style. Unfortunately, the very large Castle keep was closed due to the unsafe condition of the building which has sustained earthquake damage over the years.
Later, Tomo led the group into Atsuta Shrine but not before giving everyone a lesson on proper etiquette of offering a prayer at a shinto shrine. Tomo explained that, "one must throw the offering in the shrine collection box, then bow deeply twice, then straighten up and clap twice, then offer your prayer quietly and finally, bow one more time to conclude the ceremony". Gym and Mrs. Gym have since used Tomo's teachings at other shrines.
Cherry Blossom Report
Tokyo - a few buds but we were too early
Nagoya - some more buds but no real blossoms here either
Note from the author:
The internet on the ship is horrendous and it has been difficult to post stories and download pictures. The author will catch up in the days ahead. Be patient and thanks.
Pics to follow....
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