Kobe, Japan

On this our 154th day we docked in enchanting Kobe, Japan for an overnight stay. Rather than explore our port city, I chose an excursion taking me about an hour's drive inland to Osaka. That is the location of this 16th Century Castle complete with a combination of a regular mote and a dry mote. That was news to me as I had not previously known there was such a thing as a dry mote. Have now seen one with my own eyes. By my assessment, a dry mote is created on the uphill side where it is difficult to maintain water level, in this case the more narrow portion of the wall, thus easier to defend from above. This dry mote lures the encroachers into thinking they have easy access and then either blow them off their ladders or skewer them with swords as they top the wall. In this way, they could protect their property with less manpower. Obviously it worked as the castle remains intact with all its lavish gold this and that all these many centuries later. The castle is surrounded by not only the walls and mote but acres and acres of gardens. Our guide alluded to a dungeon on the grounds somewhere, but I did not see it. No worries, seen one you've seen them all maybe. A long multi-story building was also located within the walls. While I did not catch its original purpose, it served as headquarters for a division of the Japanese army during WWII. Miraculously it came through the war unscathed and now houses eateries and trinket shops.

On my return to the bus, I came upon this beautiful young child delaying her family's progress to the castle by picking flowers along the way. She was just so adorable I could not resist asking her Mom's permission to take her picture. Mom granted me permission and as soon as she saw me fiddling with my phone to take the picture she stops her flower picking and says in her little child voice, "camera" in English! When that drew a laugh from all, she turned shy, but still beautiful! Can you tell I miss my little ones?

Also along the path back to the bus I spotted dozens and dozens of gardenia bushes in full bloom. Well, actually I smelled them first, then quickly scanned the area until I spotted them. I do love gardenias. For part of the walk, our guide K (he told us his name, even spelled it but said, "You can just call me K, okay?") accompanied several of us. That is when one of the ladies in our group asked him if the Japanese of today resented the US for Hiroshima and/or Nagasaki? His answer was no, he did not. Nor did the nation. He did profess to deeply resent the Japanese military leaders and their decisions. I personally have felt nothing but warmth from these beautiful people.

Prior to going to the castle which was located on the outskirts of Osaka, we toured the Umeda Sky Building, with its very unique architecture. Offices in each of the two towers with observation decks on two different levels in between. From those observation decks one could see all of Osaka and beyond. What I didn't see was traffic jams on the freeways, trash or litter anywhere, ill kept structures scattered around, or any sign of poverty. Inside the observation decks, I did see a large number of teenage girls posing in front of posters of what I have now learned are video game heroes. One such girl was struggling with her camera and her stuffed creature attempting to take a selfie, so I offered to take her picture. I think she was the only non-English speaking person in the entire city, but I successfully communicated with her via hand signals. After the photos were taken and she approved of them, I received numerous bows accompanied by, I presume, "thank you" in Japanese.

View from the Umeda Sky Building Observation Deck.

Back on the ship that evening, we were treated to a Geisha Show. The very lovely Geishas spoke no English but rather had a translator to explain the laborious task of getting dressed. The white makeup alone can take over two hours to apply. Their hair, of course, is a wig - not made from Japanese hair as it is too fine. Someone must help them to tie their sashes. Along with the group was a young Geisha in training. That process was explained in great detail and it can take years to learn all there is to being the perfect lady. After the explanations we were treated to typical Geisha songs and dance. They were the essence of perfection. Really a great evening. I have been so very impressed with Japan and loved everything about it, right up to the moment that Geisha music started. Okay, Japan is not perfect - that noise was more like nails on a chalkboard to me than music. To each their own. Save me from that music. The other negative to the show being that night was that I had to choose between seeing the show and going off ship for a delicious Kobe steak! As it turns out, I made the correct choice as yesterday's excursion included lunch consisting of among other things a perfectly cooked Kobe steak. How do I keep getting so lucky?

Sunday, the 18th, I stayed on board rather than take a hurried trip to see this or that. I had just dozed off for a wee bit of an afternoon nap when I was suddenly awakened by the loudest pounding one can imagine. A quick check of my cabin satisfied me that it was indeed still in tact so I looked out onto the balcony of the hotel adjacent to the pier. The pounding was from no less than 6 drummers performing our send off ceremony. A fare sized crowd congregated to enjoy the performance and that is where I spotted this sign. I'm getting old and sentimental, next thing I knew tears were running down my cheeks.

Today Is Someday!