Day 2 : all at Sea

May 12, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

Today was a ‘sea day’ so we slept in and had breakfast delivered to our room.

We did our exercises and then had our yoghurt, fruit, tea and a croissant for Steve.

Then the gym! It’s a popular place. I was into my routine when I thought……. Beware the germs ! 🦠 I looked around but people were dutifully wiping down the machine after use. I only wanted 4 machines so wiped before and after use!

We came out of the inner passage this morning so there is a little more movement in the ship. It made me hold onto the walking machine. I wouldn’t look good flat out on the floor.

It’s interesting to see the ‘types’ in the gym. There’s the serious wirey ladies ‘going for it’. There’s younger runner. The overweight middle age man trying hard ( good for him) and me! Not sure where I fit.

A quick turn a round and off to a cooking demo. Led by a host who carved up the dance floor last night in the Rolling Stone bar. There were so many people there I couldn’t find a seat. I stayed awhile then decided I know how to cook salmon.

I did a lap of the deck to get my steps up then went up the room to meet Steve who had been to an information talk about the ports we’ll be visiting.

We went to the Lido deck just one floor above us – very handy on a cruise to be ‘close’ to the action without the noise.

We had lunch with a great couple from Long island NY . Patty and Tom. They were great company and like Donna and Seth from yesterday are doing the land package.

We’re meeting them tonight for a drink at the piano bar.

Following lunch Steve went to a talk on the port we are visiting and I went to Mahjong. Those who know me , know I play this game. We have a very loose way of playing. Kind of Chinese Australian. We don’t score we play games from a book and we have our own rules.

Today I met Roxie from Nth Carolina and she was funny ! Judy from NY who was so patient but obviously a very good player – by the rules type and Jane from Canberra Aus. Who really wanted to stick with Aussie type of play!

We had a few games. It was fun & full of laughter and Roxie and Judy were so patient with us!

We met back in our room for a cuppa and a rest before heading to the piano bar.

A lovely girl from Perth Aus was the pianist playing hits before the trivia – 50 and 70’s music! It was so much fun. We didn’t disgrace ourselves but didn’t win!

It lead to chatting to a big group of friends from Australia. From Innisfail north Queensland.

What a fun group. There are 6 couples celebrating several birthdays but really celebrating friendship. It reminded me of our Sri Lanka group of friends.

We walked to dinner with them and they went off to their big table with promises to catch up ! They are also doing the land part after the cruise.

We met up with Patty and Tom and shared a few stories before heading to the comedian show. Which was great fun.

There isn’t the ‘big musicals’ like on the Princess or Celebrity cruises but it doesn’t bother us. We’re enjoying dipping in and out of the shows.

Tomorrow is a port day. Ketchikan. We’re going to a lumberjack show – a bit like the Ekka in Brisbane probably.

We’ll wander the town and leave again at around 2.30.

I’m relaxing into this cruise!!! And NO I didn’t go anywhere near the 15 drinks I’m allowed! Neither did Steve. We decided we’re too old.

Cruise Begins

May 11, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 8 Comments

Our hotel in Vancouver was great. Just 2 blocks from the waterfront which meant we could walk our bags down this morning to check in on the ship.

I also loved the hotel room. Or suite. It had a sitting room. Was super quiet. Comfortable bed, good bathroom, temperature just right and room for stretches in the morning!

Arriving at the cruise terminal at Canada Place was straightforward. Lots of staff were lined up along the walkways offering smiles and help. First up luggage drop. Then to check in and onto immigration. No problem – well for a heart stopping moment I was taken from the counter into a room. I thought ‘oh no’ is something wrong with my esta form ? We sat down and waited and the officer click – clacked on the keyboard then announced all ready to go. Meanwhile they didn’t finger print Steve?

We were on board having coffee at 12 after arriving at 11. I had fun covertly looking at our fellow travellers. I wonder we will pal up with? Lots were travelling with friends , we didn’t spy any children and the age group is varied.

Lunch was from the Lido restaurant where it’s a kind of buffet but all screened off so no one touches food or utensils. It’s all plated and served. A good idea after Covid! We took it out to the pool deck.

I had a good Cobb salad – no alcohol just yet! Others were getting stuck into it. We have the ‘have it all ‘ package’ which includes 15 drinks a day. I’m sure that won’t get used!!!! I’ll report back later!!!

Our cabin or stateroom is a good size. Lots of storage and a good sized balcony. We’ll be very happy here for a week.

I had to explore, so off we went. First to the muster station which is mandatory. They check up. The announcement was made….. “You must do it! If you haven’t ………you know who you are and we know who you are. We’ll have to call your name out!” 🤪

Our own personal tour of the ship followed our check in. The fitness centre is good. The restaurants look good. It’s a much smaller and less showy ship to the previous cruise we did back about 7 years ago in the Princess Royal. Which despite its size I just loved. Perhaps being with Steve’s sister and the family made it special. This could be quiet by comparison.

I took a book from the library, was offered a medi spa treatment that would have me looking 50!!! As if! Looked at the pool and hydro pool but not sure I’ll want to plunge. Checked out the bars, the casino – not for us, the art room and the deck for walking.

All unpacked now , we are heading to deck 9 for the sail away at 4pm. I’ll report back in …….

Later……..We ordered a drink from the bar and ended up sharing a table and lots of chat with Seth and Donna from California. A lovely fun couple on their honeymoon! Donna’s husband died a few years ago and she met Seth who had been an old school friend of her husbands. So romantic. They both worked at Disneyland- at different times. Donna was in costume for quite awhile! It was great chatting to them we’ll catch up later.

After freshening up which meant off with the fleece and on with the scarf and we were ready for a drink in the piano bar.

Our dinner in the special Pinnacle restaurant wasn’t until 8. So late for us. it’s an extra charge – but we hit it as part of our ’package’.

Our waiter was lovely if a little hard to understand. An accent that was hard to work out. Unfortunately, the cast for food was ridiculous. We were still waiting for mains an hour later and were on our own in one section of the restaurant. when it came Steve’s rib eye was so rare it was mooing!

The manager realising a problem came over to apologise and has arranged champagne for us at the main restaurant tomorrow.

It was late but I needed a walk so was heading for the deck when we head music from the Rolling Stones bar. In we went and I danced. I clicked up another 1,000 steps!

Now to bed.

After a little mischief on the way to the cabin.

Granville island was Gorgeous.

May 10, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

Who doesn’t love a city market? To me it profiles a city. Some cities have markets you remember. They may basically have the same things. Fruit, veg, meats etc etc. they have eating places and sitting places and they have personalities.

Some of the markets I’ve visited around the world have big doses of the above ……. Spain has Boqueria, Melbourne has Queen Victoria market ( not a great name!) France has great village markets -Cotignac is one I loved. Kyoto has the Nishiki And now Granville island. ( tell me in comments your favourite markets)

What did I like ? The island is easy to move around. It’s colourful, is almost car free! The food stalls are inviting – there’s not a huge number of them but what there is, is great. The eating places are great. We had pancakes for breakfast.

But I loved the ‘vibe’ of walking around outside the markets and visiting the art and craft shops.

The sun was out. The island had a good feeling, – around the island people were on pedal bikes, kayaks little aqua boats scooting up and down the river. There were busking strumming away. One was really good. Another not so good! And the bossa- nova guy was enough to make me want to dance in the street.

I went into one craft shop leaving Steve sitting in the sun and came back to find he had a new best friend. An Aussie from Newcastle. His wife and friends arrived and we found they’d just come off a Holland- American cruise and loved it. They gave us a few handy hints about excursions, eating on board etc.

We spent a few hours looking at glass blowing , then wood whittling, painters, silk weaving , soap makers, jewellers beating silver, a hat maker. So many lovely artisans.

Feeling hungry we decided lunch would be our main meal today so went into a seafood place by the river. It was big, but was run with precision. We scored a table by the window, so had the theatre of the river to entertain us.

Gordon, our waiter was kind & helpful, and became our new best friend. Perhaps in the hope of a good tip.

Steve decided to gift me a beautiful necklace for Mother’s Day. We’d met a lady earlier who had the most beautiful silver mesh jewellery. She was wearing a piece I loved.

I thought about it over lunch and maybe having wine made the decision to say ‘yes’ to the necklace a little easier. So, back we went and bought it.

Hard to see the detail but it’s beautiful. Mesh with 5 pearls.

The little boats we’d seen scooting around the river looked fun so we hopped on one and headed down the river.

Our view for lunch. Note the fun little boat!

We got off at the old Olympic village area.

The dome is the now the science centre and an area for sport.

People were out in force walking, sitting eating ice cream , riding bikes , sitting on rocks looking over the river. It was beautiful.

Final transportation for the day – a train back to the hotel arriving in time for a ‘wee’ rest then Steve headed downstairs for a happy hour drink at the hotel and to watch hockey. I waited a while and went down to find he’d make another two friends who will be on our ship tomorrow. They had to go and another couple started chatting. Marnie and Mike from Florida are also cruising. But on Monday on a different ship. They were fun to talk to and Marnie introduced me to a new cocktail. It called The Last Word (Something I like to have with Steve. ……)😘. It’s made with equal parts gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. Rather nice.

We said our goodbyes and I headed back to the room and Steve went to buy some cheese and crackers. He came back exhausted. He walked and walked and found himself in a rather dangerous homeless area. There’s quite a bit a homeless people here. It’s so sad. the milk and iced tea were kept in locked fridges!

Tomorrow is cruise day. It’s going to be interesting.

Give your best cruise hints please !

Day 2 A trip to Gibsons.

May 9, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

After a very early night only interrupted by feet cramps! We left by 8.30 for the bus to Horseshoe Bay.

I love a local bus. We went through the streets of Vancouver across to Stanley Park and West Vancouver then onto the ferry terminal.

It’s obviously a good place to visit there were lots of cars lined up to get on the 9.50 ferry. We were with the walk aboard people.

It’s a beautiful ride across passing islands and hoping to see a whale! No such luck.

We connected to the bus for the 10 min drive to Gibsons we didn’t have small change and the tap on feature was broken so the driver just welcomed us.

Ready for coffee we headed to Mollys Reach.

Who has heard of the new to Netflix show called ‘Murder in a Small Town ? It’s set here in Gibsons. Going back further there was a show called Beachcombers. I hadn’t heard of it but it too is set in Gibsons. That’s how photogenic the place is.

Mollys Reach is a cafe by the marina and it features in both shows. In Murder … it is where Karl ( attractive laid back but clever cop) meets Cassandra ( attractive single lady – who happens to be the town librarian).

We had a reasonable coffee served by a lady with very orange hair. She doesn’t feature in the tv show.

We dropped down to the gravel path that runs along the seafront past all the boats and birds and walked from Lower Gibsons to Gibsons.

We called into the public market. A lively spot with a great seafood market, deli, coffee, and saw a kids cooking class in progress.

Walking up the stairs we passed a fish tank indicating there was an aquarium upstairs!

I also spotted several tables of mahjong players. Being a keen player myself I walked to the nearest table as they finished a game. I got talking to a very friendly lady called Lisa who was so welcoming. She told me about the style of mahjong they play – American which is quite different to the style of play in Brisbane. Ours if ‘friendly’. Neither American or Chinese!

She introduced the game to the locals in 2018 when she moved there from the US. She’s from Denmark originally and now lives with her husband in this beautiful part of Canada.

She gave classes to locals , charging $5. All the money went into buying sets and game sheets. There are now over 200 enthusiastic players. They can be found in this Community area above the food markets.

The market is in a coop building so they fund everything themselves.

A beautiful wooden tree with names of community contributors.

Lisa told us to visit the Museum nearby which we were going to do. She’s on the board there and they just opened a new exhibition about the Japanese Canadians who were interned during WW2.

Across we went to the lovely small museum and spent some to there hearing and reading about the Japanese people who lost everything they had built or owned to be put into horrible conditions for the length of the war and came back to nothing.

A very well researched and documented exhibition.

A holiday to a new place is not complete with a visit to the town library. They are such friendly welcoming places. I didn’t spot many Australian authors though!

The local library. I looked Cassandra from the tv series. But she’s not on duty!

Onto the upper part of Gibsons to visit Taphouse Brewery. There was a great deck with lovely views.

Little bird houses all along the street.

Prices here in Canada are pretty similar to Australia. And the $ matches. Do not like visiting the USA! Our dollar there is not worth much.

We walked a little more and made it to the bus stop for the connection to the ferry.

Ferry is a great relaxing way to travel.

Back to the hotel by 6 for a little rest then out into the evening light. I felt like Japanese so we found one down on the waterfront and had a small meal each.

We sat planning our day tomorrow. Off to Granville island for the markets and the art and crafts

Up Up and Away

May 8, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 8 Comments

Our trip to Alaska is a long time coming. We were meant to go back in 2018. But we had a beautiful wedding to attend in Santa Barbara. Our son Rob married Jordan.

So our trip was shelved until now. An Alaskan cruise has been popular with almost everyone we’ve spoken to.

Plans were made and today we left for around 3 weeks. We’re going via Auckland on Air NZ – a new airline for us. Kia Ora! So far, so good.

We’re about to land in Auckland for around 2.5 hours.

We have 3 days in Vancouver then board the ship – the Westerdam a Holland- American ship. 7 days cruising up into Alaska then 8 days on land visiting Alyeska, Anchorage, Denali National park and flying out of Fairbanks.

Let me know if you’ve done a cruise like this ……

The transit in Auckland went well then it was ‘chocks away’ at 8 pm for the 12.5 hrs to Vancouver. Air Nz was great premium economy was good but Steve in particular missed the flat bed.

I bonded with my immediate neighbours because I lost a pearl earring and two people behind were up with torches and moving things around. They were so kind and helpful.

We arrived to blue skies and very friendly people. Into the city to a Marriott hotel a block from Gastown.

We got into the room but decided to move! After sitting for so long we needed to stretch our legs. We walked along the waterfront, part the cruise terminal where we’ll be boarding the ship.

We were last here about 30 years ago. Steve had some business and we were on our way to Calgary to visit our friends Lynne & Tom who now live in Brisbane.

It’s a beautiful city with a waterfront that always shines especially when the sun is out. It was busy with tourists and locals – many sitting having a beer in the sunshine. We found a good spot for a beer before moving back to Gastown for dinner.

Now we are in the hotel. Showered and wondering if we can go to bed at 8.15!

Last Day in Tokyo

November 2, 2025November 2, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

It’s always hard to know how to spend your last day in a big city when you are facing an overnight flight.

I opted to give Steve a knife making class to celebrate his birthday.

But first I picked up my rings and my bangle. They quite a fuss presenting it to me.

It was a fun session. Thank you Nane_asakusa.

Then it was off to Bub Activity Centre

https://bub-activitycenter.com/#bub

I found this and it happened to be around the corner from our hotel so no long train journey!

It was so well run. We had loads of fun and learned something as well.

Run by 3 young people including Misa who turns out to be Russian! it was set up so well. And run in a fun but professional way.

We are set up with protective jackets, finger protectors, and our own sharpening stone.

We saw the different types of knives and selected one. They are a carbon knife and start just s as a blade. We sharpen!

It was harder than it looked! I’m going a vegetable chopping knife. Steve’s doing a standard kitchen knife.

They were helpful with showing us where we could improve how to hold it …. Where to add pressure

After we reached a certain stage we went to the engraving table. We learned how to write our name in Japanese, then engrave it on the wooden handle.

Back to the sharpening table to do the other side. But first we had to pass the ‘slice the paper’ test. I passed as did Steve.

Then we graduated to the next grade stone to finish ……back and forth. Up and down. Until the edge was perfect. My fingers were hurting!

We had photos taken and the knife was boxed for travel. We have to declare it. It’s a weapon. I hope theres no problem.

I would recommend this great activity. Especially as a last day thing when you’re out of the hotel and don’t want a huge day.

BUB as they are called run lots of activities.

We finished around 12.30. Had a quick bite then headed to Jiyucho

https://jiyucho.tokyo/en/pages/jiyucho-tokyo

When searching for bookshops or craft shops or writing centres I found this. It’s near Asakusa where we’re based ( Did I mention I love this area)

We tried to go yesterday and now today I really don’t have time to sit and sip tea and write and feel super peaceful. But I had to see it.

The lady who runs the shop – for a better word …. Is Eika. She was quietly spoken. Probably because there were 6 people sitting quietly writing.

The idea is you write a letter to yourself using prompts suggested by the centre.

You are given beautiful tea to sip and you write. In a year they post you the letter. What a lovely idea.

There are also postcards you can write to yourself or friends and they will post them.

There’s also a library. You can take a book and exchange but they ask you to write a letter to put inside.

Eika was delightful. She showed me around, talked so calmly and let me take lots of photos. And I bought some cards and coffee pouches with inspirational words on them. I had to use my translator!

The coffee bags with thoughts. Some translations don’t always’flow’

I think we need this in Brisbane. Japanese people seem so calm and patient. We need to adopt some of these traits.

We made it back to the hotel to change and get the Skyliner train. 41 minutes to Narita.

All very easy.

Tomorrow I wake up in Brisbane. Can’t wait to see the family friends.

Last Days in Tokyo

November 1, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 1 Comment

We’re slowing down a little…… left the hotel around 10 and went for brunch at the February Kitchen a rather hip type of cafe that wouldn’t be out of place in Byron Bay.

It was opposite a fun park!

Feeling full we went walking. I had found a place that offered a place of peace in a big city. You could go to the cafe and sit and write a letter which would be posted to you in a year’s time. You could reflect on aspects of your life. You could sit & read and write poem. You can write postcards to friends. It sounded charming. So we walked the streets of Asakusa through to the next suburb. Kuramae

This area seems to be handbag area. There were so many beautiful handbag shops. The leather smelled beautiful and the cost was reflected in the quality. I resisted.

We found Jiyucho. And it was closed! So we took a train back to our area and sat in the grounds of Senoji. This is probably my favourite shrine. It wasn’t when we first went there at the start of our trip. That day it was raining and super crowded. But today is more peaceful and a great people watching place.

It’s the weekend so all the young girls are dressed in traditional kimonos. They walk with little steps. I think to keep the thong footwear on. though some wear sneakers.

We also spotted a strange looking character dressed in what appeared to be an army uniform. Steve did a quick research and found he was not a serving army member or perhaps had never been. He had a flask and he kept sipping out of it. definitely odd. Mmmm

By now it was time for my jewellery making course. What started out as a ring turned into 2 fine rings and a bracelet. The lovely owners Gayani and her husband were so helpful. They offered to make one ring and the bracelet to save me time. But I had time and said I’d like to do it all. Would I be sorry? Would they have to fix things?

I started with a ring. The design was poco poco. I held the cylinder and hammered away. Quite therapeutic.

Then the next design. Cutter cutter a different technique. A slower heavy hammering.

The the bangle. Also in cutter cutter.

I really enjoyed it. A great activity for a holiday – to take home something personal – hand made !

I left the store without the jewellery. They are going to do the polishing later so I opted to collect it tomorrow.

Back to the hotel – about 10 minutes which is great. Everything is close in this area !

We went to the rooftop, but as I said it’s the no alcohol bar. So we took our own….. don’t judge please!

The rain was getting heavy so we decided to eat very locally. We also had a cultural show on at 9pm. Free for guests – with geishas dancing.

We thought we’d try the Kazoo club for some jazz and it was close the hotel. But first a drink. Steve spotted Black and White bar and we went in. Probably only an 18 seater with a charming Japanese owner. He’s only been open 2 months so is building clientele. It’s a great bar. He made me a pear Shochu martini. Quite delicious.

Shochu is a distilled Japanese spirit made with fermented ingredients like sweet potato or rice and it’s known for it low alcohol. Sounds good to me. Cheers !!!!Delicious

After we’d finished we walked a little further dodging puddles sbccernt down into Jazoo. Why are jazz club always down stairs?? We looked in and there weren’t many people. Well there was 1 but it was early. And it was open mic night. So we decided to give it a miss. And headed for food.

We tried one. Full. Another had a very limited menu. The third had a few full tables. So in we went. It was another one with the bbq at your table. It was just right. Lovely meat.

I just love how you can choose the grade of meat. Steve had best tenderloin. Not just tenderloin. I had superior rips. Not just ribs. ( not a typo. That’s how it was written. ! Tips. )

We ordered a big salad and beer. Simple and tasty. And when you leave they give you a spray bottle to spray your clothes so you don’t smell smoky.

I love Japan. So many great thoughtful ideas.

After dinner we splashed back to the hotel about 3 minutes away, and went to the restaurant at our hotel for the cultural show.

Well what a n experience. Hosted by a man who had a very loud expressive voice he introduced the two geisha and the women playing the rather tuneless Japanese style mandolin.

It was good but funny and fairly typical of the show they think tourists want. We don’t. We want something traditional.

Half an hour of dancing and we headed to our room to pack.

Last day tomorrow.

And our knife making course.

Day Trip from Tokyo to Kamakura and Enoshima

October 31, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 1 Comment

Starting early….. it’s an hour and 20 mins to the south to Kamakura and Enoshima which is a little island connected by a bridge.

We decided on a taxi to Tokyo central as there was a major hold up on the line connecting us to Tokyo. traffic was fine. In fact despite the millions who live here the streets are not crazy.

Arriving into Kamakura was like arriving at a beach holiday destination. There were cries of excitement especially from the hoards of school children. All decked out in yellow caps ( how do they tell them apart) they were clogging the already crowded streets.

I may have mentioned the school children. At the end of Oct it’s school excursion time. They go somewhere for a week and seem to be wandering in groups. They must have a meeting time and place because there aren’t many teachers visible with them.

We walked up the famous shopping street with all its food and novelties and saw the Shrine then caught the little Enoden electric tram along the coast.

We got off to see the biggest Buddha.

Spotted on the tram was a school kid in disguise!

Full black face mask , glasses, yellow with hood pulled up.

The little tram stopped along the coast where there little beaches where people probably swim in summer but no one was in now.

We got off at Enoshima. From the station you walk down a long street straight to the bridge across to the island. About a 30 mins walk if you take your time.

The island is small and very hilly. Around the islands which should have cafes and restaurants there are car parks. Very strange. The Main Street of the Bridge leads straight up to the shrine and giant candle on top of the hill.

I opted not to walk the 208 steps up and went exploring the back streets which is a favourite thing of mine. Getting off the tourist walk.

I found this little walkway down to a beach.

Steve walked to the caves which involved lots of stairs

We had stopped for prawns for lunch. Always delicious. Their tempura is great.

Back to the station and the tram to the nearest JR train station back to Tokyo. We got seats which is always a blessing. No one seems to give up seats for older people here.

A little rest was needed. Our days have a lot of walking. Today 16,000 for me and over 20,000 for Steve.

Then out for dinner. It’s Steve’s 75th birthday today. So we opted for a reservation! No wandering around choosing. We were going Frencb but it was booked out so went to Braceli run by an Italian Japanese man. He lived in Rome and Venice for years so we communicated in Italian.

The food was good.

A few glasses of wine to toast the birthday boy and home to bed. I love how our hotel is so handy to many things. an east 15 min walk in a back street of Asakusa.

Tomorrow I’m doing a ring making experience.

Tokyo : Asakusa

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 1 Comment

When in a big city I always think it’s a good idea to stay in different areas if possible.

This time we had 3 nights at the beginning of our holiday with our friends and more we’re have 4 nights on our own.

I was told Asakusa was a great area as it contrasts with Ginza where we stayed at the beginning.

Ginza has good trains to all the sights we wanted to see at the beginning Skylab, the markets, the big crossing, also up market shops! And some nice restaurants.

Now in Asakusa there are markets, beautiful walls up back streets, close to Ueno Park, the national museum and a huge selection of restaurants. We’ll never cover it all.

We chatted to two street cleaners employed by the council. So colourful.

We started out exploring by walking to Ueno across the river dropping at a great coffee place / you only find the great coffee in off Main Street places!

Coffee with the house sweet red bean cake.

They were setting up for a festival so with my handy Google translator I worked out that it’s in Saturday – and that’s when we leave.

We crossed to the impressive national gallery. A beautiful building and so well set out.

We looked at things that interested us / the clothes, painted screens, and bronze works

We stopped in the ‘create’ area and made a print. Such a great activity You got a little card, and put it in and out of little boxes where you used a big stamp to print. The picture was revealed by the 5th stamp.

We went to a near by gallery cafe. Always quiet and well presented. Though I missed the ‘book in’ section when you as you name to a list. I thought you just say in order along the wall. the salad was delicious!

We headed to the Children’s Literature centre. It was very much a reference for literature. Not too much in the way of hands on.

I looked for Australian books and spied Hairy Maclary.

Back to the hotel to drop things off then onto the Japan Blue Jeans company. Run by a very trendy Japanese man, he helped Steve achieve a new level of trendiness. He bought two pairs of jeans and they did the hem in a few extra minutes.

The Jean shop has loads of vintage dolls all dressed in jeans.

I then headed into Don Quijote that house of plastic and everything else. It’s what our $2 shops are like but on steroids. Floors of stuff with people carrying huge baskets filled to the brim. You have to know what you want or you could get lost in there forever.

Then a quick trip to Uniqlo. Steve managed a small haul. Not me. I can get it in Brisbane at the same price. Though I was tempted by the cashmere cardigan. But they make them short now so too short for me and the moths might eat it while I wait for next winter.

Back to the hotel again. Very centrally placed ! Before heading out for dinner.

Turns out Wednesday is the night lots of restaurants close. Still a great choice and we found a bbq grill place and it was great. We had bbq octopus & pork and an okonomiyaki with prawns. Delicious.

Back at the hotel we went to their 10th floor lounge for guests. It’s got all kinds of snack food and sweets, coffee, juice but no alcohol ! So we took some whiskey and wine in water bottles. We are bad people!

The view is straight to the Tokyo tower.

Another good day.

Tomorrow off for a big day in Kamakura and Enoshima Island.

Shinkansen back to Tokyo

October 28, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

We had another rainy morning so headed to the station and had coffee there before getting the Shinkansen train to Tokyo.

If you’re in Japan you must experience their trains. Especially the Shinkansen. It’s the Bullet train and clocks speeds of around 264 km per hour. Amazing.

The stations have a great assortment of bento boxes, sandwiches / from Family Mart, drinks machines everywhere making taking a snack very easy. On these longer trips 2.5 hrs to cross the country most people bring their food. But by the end of the journey there isn’t one bit of rubbish left behind. Amazing!!!

We got off a stop earlier than Tokyo main station because we realised that Ueno Park was closer to our hotel. We changed to a JR train and in two stops were close to our hotel – the Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku. It’s fairly new and off the Main Street and close to all the little laneways of restaurants and shops. It’s a complete contrast to upmarket Ginza where we stayed when we first arrived.

As we were arriving Chris & Jill were leaving! They are heading home today.

I like the change of areas. I had a big walk around to get to know the place while Steve did the washing. These hotels all have cooperated laundry rooms. For 400 yen ( $4) you can do a load of washing. Drying is 100 yen.

We headed off for a drink and dinner and wandered the covered market streets.

We were looking for bar but most here are all restaurants as well Until we found Zen which looked like a wine bar but did turn into a restaurant. It was a great little place

We stayed and had a great meal. Steve had the ginger pork and I had octopus rice hot pot.

We walked back to the hotel via Lawsons – like 7 eleven. Only so much better than our Australian ones. We got a few supplies and now I’m preparing for a bubble bath and Steve’s having whiskey bought from Lawsons and watching the baseball finals.

frans travel tales

come along with me