OSAKA, JAPAN!

 After another affectionately named “Morning Mystery” breakfast (there always seems to be an item you didn’t order, or an item missing that you did order), John went all the way up to the Sports Deck to take a look around.  (It’s been way too cool for me to even venture up there!)  He found a putt putt course, 

a pickleball court,

a driving range, jogging path,

an infinity pool and a 

ferris wheel!  Well, the ferris wheel was actually on land, beside where our boat was docked.  It was explained to us that if it lights up red in the evening, then the next day will be a good one!  It’s been red since we arrived!

We were told, when we hopped on our tour bus and met our guide, Max, that our first visit would be the OSAKA CASTLE. When we arrived, he explained that it was a 20 minute walk to the castle, we would have 20 minutes to walk outside (as there was not enough time to go inside), and then a 20 minute walk back to the bus.  SAY WHAT?  (We didn’t have time to go inside???)

As we walked around the outside of the Osaka Castle, (and after we had taken photos of it from every angle possible), I spotted an Asian woman in the park.  I guessed that she was perhaps “Raising Chi,”  which is a movement in Tai Chi.  (The first I’ve seen on this trip!)

So, unbeknownst to her, I joined right in!

Later in the day, we spoke to a lady who was on a tour that did have time to go inside the Osaka Castle. She told us it was really cool inside—just like a big museum!  (Some things just happen for a reason!)

The second and final stop of the day was to the very cool KUCJI TEIEN OBSERVATORY (Umeda Sky Building).  With ticket in hand, we rode escalators and elevators and more escalators to get to the top.

We lucked out with clear blue skies and amazing views!

John and I looked up and spotted Dave and Michelle at the upper level.  (They are the two in the middle!)

And that was that!  We traveled back to the boat, ate lunch at the pool deck, and watched people soaking up the sun and swimming in the pool!  (We still thought they were a bit cray-cray cuz it had gotten a bit chilly!)

We were free until a 4:00 yoga class for me and a sauna for John.  Then it was off to see A FAREWELL RECEPTION & KREW KAPERS put on by our onboard crew.  The show was delightful!  Members of the crew (bartenders, cabin stewards, chefs, etc.), put on an amazing show!

After the show, we enjoyed time with Boogie and Kasia.  And after yet another delicious dinner we were excited to see “the boys” that made up THIS ONE’S FOR YOU for their final performance!

They were delightful!  Michelle and I were proud of “the boys”!

Tomorrow we wake up in Nagoya, Japan.  John and I went to bed hoping that tomorrow would be the day (after the tour) that we could head upstairs to utilize all the cool things the boat has to offer!  Even a nice sit on our balcony would be great!