Precious Memories: November 2023

June 3, 2023 (Saturday) Seward

Finally, we are docking at a port after seven days at sea!

We arrived Seward early in the morning before 6:00. This morning we have to go through the US Immigration Face-to-Face check and our deck was scheduled for 8:00-9:00. We had a group of people planning to go on shore with us and their schedules were all over the place. We made it a point to have people gather before 9:30 so we don’t waste too much time. Free shuttles started serving at 10:00 from port to different stops in town. After the long line but quick immigration process, we were ready to get off. There were about 5 CBD officers on board but like only 3 doing the actual checking.

Land!

Queen Elizabeth docked safely at Seward.

Once we got everyone together, close to 20 altogether, we walked off the ship into the terminal. Then followed the path as we did last time and into town. Some were very slow, because there were older people and kids, and one even walked with a cane. They tried hard to keep up but by the time we were at the lighthouse memorial, some decided that they would not come along and will walk on their own or go back to the ship on their own. We ended up with about 10 continued the walk along the shore to the Alaska Sealife Center.

Off the ship...

into the terminal.

Car rental near the port.

"Two Giant Puffins" mural at a hotel along the promenade.

Colorful!

Looking out at the harbor with QE in the background.

Our original group to start with.

10-ton Anchor Display

Seaward Mariner's Memorial

Campgrounds along the shore.

We followed the Sea Otter Trail all the way up to the Iditarod Mile Marker 0.

Such a beautiful and relaxing walk!

This is a Saturday and they were having a special activity at the Waterfront Park, a membership drive of the Iditarod Trail Organization. We were invited to have hot dogs and coffee/lemonade as we walked by. What a wonderful gesture, so we can enjoy a snack of free hot dog and hot coffee which was great on this cold and drizzling day.

We got to meet a couple of the huskies there also.

I don't think these are the ones for the races.

Awe!

Then we were at the Sealife Center. It was very crowded! We rested a bit and used the restrooms before our walk back to the port.

We had planned on taking the Two Lakes Trail and see how that is without knowing too much about the trails. With help from a couple of fellow hikers, we decided to check it out after all. There were 8 of us going together as we lost a couple of people while at the Sealife Center. During the walk, I was worried that we would take the wrong turn that leads up to the mountain, but fortunately we ended up with the right trail except we did not do the loop, so we had to find our way back into town through some residential area. It was a beautiful walk but definitely need to watch out for bears.

We also made it back in time for last minute lunch at the buffet because everything close down at 2:30 for lunch (except the hamburger grill which close at 5:00.)

Last glimpse of the Resurrection Bay as we sailed away from Seward.

For a more detailed description of the day, please click video here.

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." -- Luke 13:25

2023 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - 29-Day Transpacific Yokohama to Vancouver

May 27, 2023 (Saturday) - Otaru, Japan

Today, our time in port is going to be cut short because we have to have the face-to-face exit procedures with the Japanese immigration between 2:00~5:00 on board the ship. Making it a little difficult to plan for a shorter day visiting both cities of Sapporo and Otaru. We need to move fast and watch our time carefully!

After a quick and hearty breakfast at the buffet, we were ready to explore.

We left the ship at around 8:20 and walked to the nearest train station that is close to the outlet stores (Otaruchikko Station). Google map says it’s a 20-minute walk but it was more like 30 minutes. It’s a newer train station and an easier flat walk than the train station (Minari-Otaru) we went to last time. We were there early and were first at the station but then it got busier as more people come for the ride to Sapporo. This is a local train that makes all the stops along the way but still got us there in an hour’s time. Scenery was beautiful, going along the seashore at some parts.

Walking off the ship in Otaru.

Walking towards the mall.

The ship can be seen here. That's how far it is from the train station.

Waiting for our local train to Sapporo.

Nice train, not too crowded on this trip.

After arriving Sapporo station, we walked along the main road down to the park. Took a break there and enjoyed the beautiful day, and then continue on to the fish market.

We got out from the South Exit where the glass structure for entering the underground shopping is.

Instead of going underground, we decided on walking street surface so we could see more of the city.

The building in the background is another department store where the Ramen Republic is on the 10th floor. There are quite a few ramen restaurants there to choose from. We went there in 2018 and not planning to go there again on this trip.

Sapporo Station

That's the ESTA building.

We followed the main street in front of the station and walked down to Odori Park.

Nice to be able to rest here on this beautiful day!

Sapporo TV Tower.

Nijo Market

We had such a good experience here last time we were here, we decided to come back for another round of grilled scallops. Unfortunately, the vendor that was selling grilled scallops was not there anymore but we found another vendor inside the market where they had the sit-down space for BBQ scallops and sashimi oysters. Scallops was 580 each, and oysters were 350. Not a bad price and they were certainly delicious. We were satisfied.

Live seafood!

Inside this little shop, many celebrities left their signatures on the wall.

Huge fresh oyster

BBQ scallop, yummy good!

This is the entrance to the inner market.

Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade

Then, we walked across the street to the Tanuki Koji shopping arcade. This is a long shopping arcade that spanned for several blocks with all kinds of store and restaurant. We were able to find and bought some over-the counter Japanese remedies at the pharmacy stores to take home.

Inside the shopping arcade.

Then we tracked back to the train station with a stop at the Government House and botanic garden. I was tired and did not want to walk so the three of us just sat at the plaza and waited for Shu O and MOR to check things out. The Government building was under reconstruction so it was not even open, and they said there were not much flowers in the garden anyway.

Such a nice plaza to just relax and people-watch.

At the train station, we looked for the cheese tarts store that Son got some delicious tarts last time but they were no longer there. We managed to buy some cream puffs at another vendor in that huge food court area before getting back on the train.

We were just right on time to catch a ride on the Rapid train back. It was a little more crowded but all of us were able to have seats, unlike the last time that Son had to stand all the way back to Otaru.

Back at Otaru station, we walked over to the Sankaku fish market next door but it was very crowded and with long lines where we would have to wait for over an hour. We gave up the idea of having lunch there and continued our walk down the canal. Then, just by accident, we saw this restaurant with big signs about their seafood offerings and decided that we should try there. It turned out to be one of our best choices on this trip yet. We had the big sashimi plate for only 1698Y, fresh and delicious. Much more valuable than the bowls in the market, I’d say. And no waiting in line! I don’t think we will ever need to go back to the market next time.

This sign caught our eyes.

No crowds, no waiting.

What a bargain, for 1,698Y, and fresh too!

That's the front of the restaurant.

Then after lunch, we also had ice cream at one of the stores and also enjoyed the cream puffs on the side of the street before walking our way to the canal and the shopping streets. Bought some treats at LeTao, before hailing taxis back to port. We were definitely very tired and I don’t think I would be able to make it back by walking.

cream puff

So good!

Otaru Canal

We should try the boat ride next time!

An absolutely beautiful day!

Sakaimachi Hondori Street

with plenty of interesting shops.

After being dropped off by the taxis, we were greeted by a group of Taiku Drummers at port. They were definitely very energized and skilled. These drummers were not the only ones there, many locals also came to see us sailing off. I believe having the Queen Elizabeth in port was a big deal for the city, so it was almost like a festive atmosphere at port.

BTW, We also made it in time to go through the immigration procedure which was done in just a few minutes time.