Arcadia - Nagasaki - Japan - more photos!

Creative photography by John and Carol - Grand Voyagers.

So much to see on the way out of port.

We leave our berth behind - I wonder when we will be back?

Arcadia's Funnel - will it fit below the bridge?

Lots of ship repairs and servicing going on.

The 'Grey nomads' caught on camera.................loyal bloggers!

Locals shout and scream farewell from the Bridge - and yes the funnel does fit.

Commodore Burgoine receives a plaque from the local Minister of Tourism for Nagasaki. We are always made to feel so welcome in Japan and they place great importance on their welcome ceremonies. This was held in The Palladium Theatre at 4.00pm and the Theatre was packed to capacity.

Kimono Demonstration Show - this is a show which demonstrates how to wear a 'Kimono' which is a Japanese traditional dress. This took place in The Globe at 3.00pm - again to a packed house.

What to do with the beautiful flowers?......

Japanese Traditional Drumming - which was so good - such energy.

Your man in Japan! We are so lucky with the weather.

Good Day,

Nagasaki is an attractively situated city on the island of Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. In August 1945 Nagasaki became the second city after Hiroshima (now there's a place to visit - I have been there) was destroyed by an atomic bomb.

It was interesting to see the palatial HSCB building on the opposite side of the street from where we were berthed.

I admire the Japanese for their efficiency but what came as a bit of a surprise was the fact that they even clean their rivers by hand as was witnessed by the passengers.

Another very efficient aspect of the city was the tram system and again many of the passengers used these to enhance their day.

The tours to the Atomic Bomb Museum were particularly poignant and many passengers were completely taken back by the graphic reminders of the bomb blast. It was interesting to see so many local school children touring the museum finding out the reasons for the use of the bomb and the repercussions of its use.

Many spent minutes standing in silence at the epicentre monument as the local guide told us the story of the one surviving young girl who took refuge in a shelter; thankfully she is still alive today.

Rather interesting as well was the area where all of the victim names are held surrounded by glass columns.

The Peace Park area was another moving area where the various statues were another way of showing the great hope for world peace.

In the late afternoon with the sun out Arcadia looked magnificent alongside her berth.

Thanks Carol for sharing your brilliant and creative photographs with me.

Carol and John were highly amused at this little dog dressed in a super man outfit!!! They do like their dogs here - especially little ones - we saw lots of people waking their dogs.

Bye for now, hope you enjoyed these photographs of our Nagasaki cruise and that they give you a feel for what a wonderful experience we enjoyed in this sparkling City!

Best wishes,

James.

'Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me' - I feel a song coming on!!!