13 November 2018
Leaving port
Cruise ships and Okonomiyaki in Nagasaki
I originally planned to go somewhere else tonight, but as I stepped outside, I heard the unmistakable earth shaking blaring of a ship horn, and I knew that must mean the cruise ship was leaving port, right on dusk. So because I could never ever see such a thing in Australia on Sydney Harbour (every evening, 7pm, 5 minutes from my office/hotel) I decided I better get down to the port and gawk at a ship.
They had to turn it around and then sail it out under the huge bridge, so that was fun to watch and take long exposures of the darkened waters and hills for a while, me and about 50 guys with tripods and huge lenses.
Then I remembered that I have not yet had all the major Japanese food court groups yet, I had forgotten Okonomiyaki. How Could I!
Therefore it was time to hunt for a foodcourt, which was not much of a hunt as there are plenty around the harbour, and sure enough the first one I went to had every version of Okonomiyaki. So thats what I had.
This left one task for the evening, find a cat. I made a commitment to provide a daily cat photo, and I do as I say, so find a cat I did.
Tomorrow, probably more hills to climb.
Here is the giant ship being turned around to sail back to China.
While they were performing a 9 point turn I flipped around and took this photo of a canal. I believe thats an art gallery back there also.
I really didnt think it would fit under the bridge, but it did, easily.
Since my camera was set for long exposures now, here is the hill I ran up earlier. Will I go up there one night to enjoy one of the 3 great night views of Japan? Maybe!
Let this be a warning to lovers everywhere. If you get up to nonsense in this restaurant they will cut off your heads.
The Nagasaki Port is now just a series of restaurants and yacht parking. Ships out grew the port.
And here it is, Okonomiyaki. The slightly fishy kind even though its pork and noodles with the green onions and a customised addition of a soft poached egg. I seem to eat at least one raw or almost raw egg every day. Luckily I am not pregnant and dont have to worry about Listeria. Apparently thats on the official travel advice thing for Australians travelling to Japan.
The food court visit took me back near the main JR Nagasaki station. Over the road is a quiet strip of restaurants, more like bars.
These places are terribly sad and cruel and should be outlawed. Japan is making it illegal to work excess over time, but this place is open all night and the entry way is full of tiny little shoes belonging to tiny little children who are being screamed at many hours after school ended for the day. Also note that girl about to walk past has a boy hair cut.
And here as promised, is tonights cat. Not an attractive cat this one, I think hes missing part of his ear.