Last Day at Sea

May 17, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

We weren’t sure what to expect from a cruise. But this has been lovely. Good stops along the way . Good shore experiences. Great hospitality on board and of course the scenery.

Today is another quiet on board day. I didn’t think I’d like whole days at sea but there is as much or as little to do you want.

We met our friends Patty and Tom for the Alaskan brunch. Really lovely relaxing by the big windows looking as you cruise along. The mimosas were good as well.

Then a 5 km walk around the deck. It’s getting cooler as we move north. So a hat and gloves were helpful. Because I had time I went to the gym to keep my exercise program going. It’s great looking out at the front of the boat while doing leg curls!

We went to the information session with Ian the British man with lots of information for us on a variety of topics. Today it was the Iditarod race. In its 54th year it is a race for huskies, and their musher on a sled for around 1,000 miles. Each day is around 100 miles. 160km !

It is gruelling ! The dogs look adorable. They are well trained and strong. They do wear little booties to protect their paws.

It starts in Anchorage on the first Saturday in March then progresses west. There are two routes – alternating each year.

The gorgeous huskies and Ian being enthusiastic

We met some of the dogs a few days ago on their holiday.

Now decision time. Calligraphy lesson? Cards, Coffee in Crows Nest? Reading in the lounge. Always something to do.

They had a carnival on the pool deck. Complete with carnival games line hoops la, knock em downs etc. with fairy floss , popcorn, fancy cocktails and lots of uniformed ship staff it looked fun.

Later we started the evening with a chat session with Sergio the guitarist and Kelly the pianist. She’s from Perth and went to WAPA the musical university there. It was a good chat session about their life as a musician on board. we have a bit of an insight to that. We have two nieces who have worked on board as musicians. Bertie married the ships engineer so is still cruising the world when not in Italy when her girls are at school.

Our last session at the piano bar. The trivia today was songs from Movies. We sat with Patty and Tom and had a good score. Tom was a surprise! He knew lots and my love of movies came in handy. Though I often can’t ’name the song’ I can usually sing it though.

Last dinner in the dining room was fun. They brought out the chef and all the behind the scenes restaurant staff and with waiters paraded around the restaurant while everyone cheered and waved serviettes in the air.

The final show was called Timeless and all the cast sang and danced with infectious energy.

They finished with Time to Say Goodbye the Andre Boccelli song. It was appropriate to finish with as we made our way to our Cabin to pack. We have to have our bag outside the door at 11pm. Tomorrow all the groups have a disembarking time. We’re not until 12.10 so later than some…. Some left at 7.30!

Unfortunately it’s rainy and windy out. We’re heading to Alyeska resort which is primarily a ski resort with cable cars, thermal pool, walking trails etc. it should be good if the rain goes.

Others are heading to a variation of our 7 night program. Patty and Tom left at 8.30 and go to Anchorage before Denali. They leave Denali National Park on the day we arrive.

Farewell to this part of the trip.

Keep following for the land part.

Friday at Sea.

May 16, 2026May 17, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

The weather is beautiful. We went to the Margerie Glacier and the boat did a 360 so we could view it well. The sun was out.

Today is another sea day. And it’s amazing how quickly the day will pass.

We did our exercises then went for breakfast to the Lido. Thats the food hall with different offerings- all behind glass and served by the staff.

It’s great for people watching that’s for sure. Some people pile their plates high others take little offerings. It’s on the same level as the outdoor area around the pool. So you can carry your plate outdoors. Or go to the burger – hot dog stall outdoors.

There’s lots of options. We certainly haven’t overdone it. For breakfast I’ve tried the poached eggs with mushrooms and spinach. Or with salmon. Steve’s enjoying the eggs Benny. Or sometimes just Greek yoghurt and fruit.

The coffee is just ok. You can have filtered coffee. Or barista coffee. I’m looking forward to good coffee back home.

Lunch is usually a -made up on the spot, salad. You just name everything you want and it’s put together in a lovely bowl. Suits me. Steve has a baguette or a burger. Usually with a beer for him and tea for me!

There’s an app where you can search all the available entertainment for the day. Ranging from information talks to gym sessions, to prayer sessions! Art auctions, pickle ball, jigsaws, cards, to games ( I played mahjong) to watercolour painting.

This is what I chose this morning. I got there early but all the seats were taken. But saw two ladies I now know. Roxie from mahjong and Patty who we’ve spent time with as couples.

Patty made a space for me and we tried our hand at painting jellyfish. 🪼

I’m a bit rusty. But it was fun

From there we made our way to the Park Ranger session. There was one for kids. And one for everyone else.

There aren’t many kids on this cruise so I was able to call into that and get a few park ranger badges. Leo our grandson wants to be a park ranger. He has the hat, T-shirt and vest from Yellowstone National Park and is very keen to become one when he grows up. It’s so lovely to see how dedicated he is. He wants to volunteer at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary near where he lives. He’s 6! So has a few years to wait until they take juniors to help in the holidays.

We went to the adult session and it was so interesting to hear about the glaciers in the Glacier National Park. I must say the US has magnificent parks that they look after so very well. Our ranger explained the criteria for becoming a National Park and it’s quite rigorous.

I did a few laps of deck 3. It’s a mile around. So about 1.65 km. I got my steps up doing 5km, visited the library to change my book and found a quiet area to read. Steve and I like the Crows Nest. Right at the front of the boat with big picture windows. It is hard to get a front row seat !

Notice the person at the bar with the striped top. She is always there in that spot. Doesn’t matter when you get to this area. She’s there drinking beer – out of a can. Never takes a glass. oh my. She might explode soon. Good for her. I’m sure she’s relaxing well.

There is also lots of games – you name it. It’s here. So there are a lot of people playing cards, Scrabble and some I don’t know. It seems Bridge is not as popular anymore. No Bridge being played anywhere. But mahjong is very popular.

If our friends the Wilsons were here we’d be playing cards! Five Crowns.

While I’m sitting here writing this there is a calligraphy class going on next door in the art area.

Another round of the deck for me before a retreat to our cabin.

We are meeting Tom and Patty for a drink and to play Music Trivia. We’re been to a few sessions and tonight it is ……. The Beatles. I’m a bit of a tragic when it comes to the Beatles. So along we went.

We did very well. Got them all and the pianist Kelly from Perth Australia was impressed with how many got a perfect score. Well, we are the right demographic!

The tie breaking question was not a ‘name that song’ it was ……. Who was the youngest Beatle and how old was he when they disbanded. Di you know ? I’ll leave the answer to the end.

From the music we went to dinner. This time at Canaletto. The Italian restaurant. It was lovely. We scored a table by the window. And it doesn’t get dark here until around 9 so the views were great. Including seeing a whale.

We were going to the magician. A show at the World Stage. But we were late and decided on another two laps of deck 3!

Answer yo the question……

George Harrison was 25. Who got it right?

White Pass Rail. Into the Yukon

May 16, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

An early start today. We have an 8 hr tour. It’s all so well organised with a message directing us to gather in the dining room.

We met up with Patty and Tom and a new couple from near Jarvis Bay in Australia.

We then had a tender take us from the boat to the shore with a short walk to our bus. The reason for the tender was there had been a rock slide last week quite near where the ship is anchored and they don’t want rocks falling on us. So it’s a bit of a performance to put us in tenders and drop us further along the dock.

Our chatty driver River is our guide today. He settled us in and explained the day. We are to bus up to Whitecross with a stop at Carcross for coffee and a look around the little shops and businesses. No jewellery shops.

The scenery as we left Skagway was beautiful though low cloud made it hard to see the mountains.

The driver continued his banter and we all relaxed into the trip and chatted to those around us. Patty and Tom were in front and we chatted away to them.

We left Cancross and continued on to our lunch stop which is in Canada – and included a village. They had two museums and a great display of wild animals which had been recreated through taxidermy. Quite frightening!

The museum dedicated to the Mounties was very good and the history of the gold mining in Dawsons Creek was fascinating. Towns grew up from nothing and thousands came seeking their fortunes. Most of course didn’t make much at all.

One of the huskie dogs here for a summer holiday.

The huskies are moved here for the summer for training.

The scenery is as spectacular as it is harsh.

Looks like a tropical paradise. The silt produces the beautiful blue.

The highlight of the day was returning to Skagway by train. The Whitecross railway. It descends 3,000 ft in 7 miles. Quite a ride! It took about 90 minutes.

But before that we spied a bear near the road as the bus was taking us to Fraser to get the train. he was strolling along…….

The scenery was gorgeous. I was trying imagine building that railway back in 1897 taking nearly 3 years to complete.

Rounding a bend I saw the front of our train!

We arrived back in Skagway, population 400, and strolled the streets. We walked carefully as if you fall and break something there is no doctor in town! Just a vet.

The building and all the sidewalks are timber.

Back on board after a very cool walk back to get the tender.

Then it was orange party night on the ship.

There was a party on the World Stage which we went to after our dinner at Morimoto. It’s one of the speciality restaurants onboard. It was so tasty. Asian fusion.

A late night as tomorrow is a sea day. So a sleep in.

Ketchikan in Beautiful Weather

May 13, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

They said……..It rains a lot in Ketchikan take an umbrella. Well I had my jacket , my umbrella and didn’t need either one.

Our clocks went back an hour while we slept. And we woke to the noises of a port.

Clear blue skies, snow capped mountains, colourful houses, lots of timber and flowering trees.

We left the ship in our own time. We didn’t join any tours. Everything is close by so we planned our own activities with suggestions from Chat GPT.

The town is quite accessible with lovely walks along the board walk towards the park and creek.

The historic Creek St used to be the red light area. Apparently it was very popular in its day with the loggers and salmon fishermen. Now it is lovely to wander ……..but full of tourist shops. Selling salmon, caviar, beanies, trinkets, stickers. All types of tourist memorabilia. I resisted.

Totems are a big part of the indigenous culture here. The Totem Heritage Centre is up the hill behind the town – through the park area an easy walk up via the creek is best. It leads to the Salmon Hatchery, then on to the Totem centre.

Several totems are in the park near the centre.

The Centre is small but has some good displays and excellent explanations about the totems , their history and how they tell a story.

Walking along the creek we could hear cheering. Turns out the Lumberjack show is a hit. We booked our own tickets and went to the 11.30 show.

Our MC was a lady called Barney Birch: Queen of the timber carnival. She was chatty, engaging and ran a great show.

There were two teams. Team US v Team Canada – with 2 axe men each.

It was fast moving, funny and lot is involved.

There were lots of different ‘competitions’. Axe work, log rolling, chain saw, high ropes. Etc. there was cheering and sawing and in the end team Canada won. I’d like to see how one of our Australian axe men would go!

It was an open air seated area. But the seats were heated. And there were heaters overhead. We were fine – it wasn’t too cold at all. But in winter ……..

Lunch was calling. We could have reboarded and eaten on the deck. But we saw Annabel’s and decided on a bowl of seafood chowder. The restaurant was very old and had lots to look at.

Annabelle’s with our ship in the background

Back on board we read, chatted and went to a session for people doing the land package after the cruise. There were a lot of us!

At 6.30 it was trivia night at the piano bar. A great place to meet new friends. Tonight it was Anne and her group – all from Zimbabwe but now scattered around the world. Lots of fun which was good because we were hopeless at 70 and 80’s hits. I must have busy with babies and missed these hits!

Dinner in the main restaurant was great. We had a lovely waiter from Indonesia. All the staff are from the Philippines or Indonesia. They are good at their jobs and so friendly.

The salmon was good too!

And so was the sunset.

Now we’re sitting in a karaoke bar. Oh dear. I’m tempted to sing one of my choir songs. There are some brave souls ! Not able to hold a note. Singing songs we don’t know!

What song would you sing?

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 / 11 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 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.

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