March 6, 2024

Fukuoka is the sixth largest city in Japan and the capital city of Fukuoka Perfecrture Japan. The city is built along the shores of Hakata Bay, and has been a center of commerce. The area has long been considered the gateway to Japan, as it is the nearest point among Japan’s main islands to the Asian mainland.

Instead of a usual morning arrival, we arrived at night, and I was able to capture this photo from the ship.

To assure you that every day is not a world wind adventure on a World Cruise some days are just practical in nature. Today was a short day in Fukuoka, primarily to refuel, so we did what many people do with a few hours to kill. We went to a shopping center. Now it may seem unusual, but I actually enjoy sticking my head in supermarkets worldwide to see what the regular folks are up to. You will find many food items you don’t find at home, and it is always interesting to see how familiar products are rebranded for other cultures. So, we grabbed a taxi and headed to the Canal City Shopping Center.

Like many things in Japan, the shopping center is modern. Canal City gets its name because there is a canal that runs through the entire shopping center. (Think Venetian in Las Vegas) Every 15 minutes or so there is a water fountain show orchestrated to different Japanese national songs!

Chongae was on a mission to find two items.

As I shared, sometimes when you are traveling you find items that you don’t necessarily see at home. This is an ideal item for Koreans who eat a lot of soups and stews. But this is an item that could also be enjoyed by Jews who love matzo ball soup or for mom’s old fashion chicken noodle soup. Have an idea what it might be?

Well, here it is-

Isn’t it great! Perfect for separating the kimchi from the stew, the chicken noodles from the broth or capturing those last floating matzo balls.

And Chongae’s second mission?

We now leave for Shanghai, Dalian, Beijing, and Hong Kong, China. The internet connection is not great in China because of government controls but I will try my best to keep up with my blog. All in all, it was a great day in Fukuoka, although it was a short one. We were treated to a nice farewell photo as we left Fukuoka and Japan.

Thanks for travelling with us…