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                                                Travel Blog  # 5 - Shimizu

We were treated by the ship to an evening of geisha entertainment

Other than from a plane at 35,000 feet, for the fourth time (previous trips), we tried to see Mt Fuji on land. On this trip - still no luck. Fuji seems to be always covered by clouds. Oh well. This Tori gate is at the entrance of a beautiful park and pine forest. 

Superwoman holds up a tree with one hand!

A pleasant surprise was ahead of us - a beach

Gorgeous day - black sand beach AND Mt. Fuji appears - top right hand corner.

        After all these years, we were so lucky to see the famous and             spiritual mountain.

The more traditional picture of Mt. Fuji is when the top is covered with snow.

We traveled to the outskirts of Shimizu to experience a tea ceremony and tour a museum to view block prints created by the famous Japanese artist, Hiroshige. Notice the size of a nearby home!

This is one of the secondary streets - There were not many cars using the street.

The standard light post uses an old fashion light fixture

Ornate manhole

                           Entrance to tea house and museum

           We had to remove our shoes when entering the tea house

The Japanese tea ceremony is not a simple process like boiling water in a kettle!

There are many steps required to make the tea. This woman has been performing the ceremony for forty years. 

The finished product is a thick, powdery substance. As part of the process, the last sip must be slurped to show appreciation for the ceremony and, of course, taste.

The Japanese gardens are so pretty. A lot of effort and time goes into the design and upkeep.

Hiroshige may not be a familiar household name. However, all of you will recognize, "The Wave." Hiroshige was the artist of this block print which has been copied onto posters, t-shirts and other paraphernalia. Worldwide, the number one or most famous recognizable painting or picture is Mona Lisa. The Wave is # 2!

                 Following are samples of Hiroshige's work

Most of his work was done in the early to mid 1850's

                 Daily life is typically shown in the block prints

Seasons is another subject matter depicted in the block print format.

We were fortunate that few people were at the museum. There was more time to view and appreciate the many prints on display and to get a better understanding about the process used to make a block print.

A nice touch-Outdoor presentation of noodle dishes back on the ship.

             Surprise! The ship departs with fireworks going off

Everyone on the dock waves good-bye to us. The dressed up character may be the mascot that will be used in a up and coming Expo.

                We had a great day. Now, it's time for dinner!