Tuesday, May 7, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Where in the World Are We?
In Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
DUTCH HARBOR, ALASKA, USA
MANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES LIKE HIKING, SPORTFISHING, KAYAKING, AND BIRDING
With Bald Eagles soaring overhead, emerald-green volcanic peaks chafing the clouds, and raw ocean scenery as far as
The eye can see that this far-flung destination is the definition of remote and wild.
Part of the outlying Aleutian Islands archipelago, which spirals out across the Bering Sea into the wilds of the Pacific,
Dutch Harbor offers a dramatic backdrop and rich military history – as one of the few pieces of US soil to be directly
attacked by the Japanese during World War II. The town settles into the embrace of a vast deepwater harbor, which
helps to protect it from the unpredictable churn of the Bering Sea.
Enjoy hikes along coastal trails to birdwatch among more than 100 species – and look on as vast clouds
of cawing seabirds float on gusts of wind, filling the air with their raucous calls. Dutch Harbor is famous for its crab
fishing industry – a dangerous, challenging pursuit – and the town is well known to many Americans as the setting of
the television show Deadliest Catch.
The Aleutian WWII Visitor Center and the Museum of the Aleutians provide extensive information on WWII in the
Aleutians, prehistory, the Russian period, Unangan (Aleut) culture, and recent history. A visible reminder of the Russian
past is the Holy Ascension Cathedral, the oldest cruciform-style Russian Orthodox church in North America and a
National Historic Landmark.
THE MUSEUM OF THE ALEUTIANS (MOTA)
A must-see when you are in the area is the Museum of the Aleutians (MOTA), which is filled with the tangible history of the region from records of early inhabitants dating back nearly 10,000 years ago up to the forced evacuation of the Indigenous Unangax people during World War II. The MOTA gift shop is a fantastic spot to pick up your Unalaska souvenirs!
SIGHTS
- Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of Christ
- Fort Schwatka on Mt Ballyhoo
- Bunker Hill
- Aleutian World War II National Historic Area
Today’s Excursion – Hop On – Hop Off Bus
Silversea Cruises is pleased to offer our guests the ‘Unalaska Loop,’ our hop-on, hop-off complimentary shuttle transfer between the ship’s berth and some of the city’s sights. Depart the pier on the van shuttle as it makes the approximately 30-minute loop around Dutch Harbor, stopping at three different locations:
Aleutian World War II Visitor Center
Interpretive exhibits recount the Aleutian campaign and Unangan evacuation. It is located
approximately 1 mile from the dock.
Grand Aleutian Hotel
Located approximately 1.1 miles from the Aleutian World War II Visitor Center, the hotel has a coffee shop/information desk. You can buy some Unalaska souvenirs across the street at the Alaska Ship Supply store. The Dutch Harbor Post Office is a short walk from this stop.
Museum of the Aleutians
Approximately 0.3 miles from the Grand Aleutian Hotel, the Museum of the Aleutians is a state-of-the-art collections repository, gallery, and retail facility in Unalaska, AK, Aleutian Islands. MOTA’s diverse collections include a considerable collection of archaeological material that documents 9000 years of human presence in the region, artifacts from the Russian colonial period, photos and materials from the early American era, and military items and photographs from WWII in
the Aleutians. Many of these items are displayed in MOTA’s recently remodeled permanent Gallery and Special Collections Room, while the changing gallery hosts a range of temporary exhibits. Museum staff and volunteers are on hand to answer visitor questions or help you find the perfect gift in MOTA’s well-stocked gift store.
- Enrichment Lecture with Scott Bornstein: Mastering Languages at Any Age
- Japanese, Russian, Spanish… discover what you can do!
- Enrichment Lecture with Sir Alistair MacDuff: Trials From History
- Trials of Oscar Wilde and Alan Turing. A look at the trials of two great men and the stains on British justice.
- Enrichment Lecture with Douglas Keeney: Shifting Sands – Fortunes, Empires and the Suez Canal
- A seminal talk on the Suez Canal. Beginning with Ferdinand De Lesseps, Keeney traces the history of the Suez Canal, including the controversies, the wars fought over it, the nationalization, and the modernization
- Hubert Fashion Show – Join Penny from Hubert and your fellow guests, who will model a stunning collection of Hubert Jewellery!
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.
Carpaccio of Alaskan Venison · Raspberry Vinaigrette · Onions · Mixed Greens · Tomatoes · Horseradish Sauce
Home-made Lobster Meat Cake · Iced Vegetables · Garlic Sauce
Homemade Pasta · Basil · Garlic · Pine Nuts · Extra Virgin Olive Oil · 26-Month Parmesan Cheese DOP
Black Alaskan Cod Fillet · Beer Batter · Chunky Sweet Potato · Lemon Wedges · Mushy Peas ·Cranberry Tartare Sauce
Vanilla, Pistachio and Chocolate Ice Cream · Sponge Cake · Brandy · Soft Meringue
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Monday, May 6, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Japan to Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Today’s Activities Include:
- Bridge Lessons
- Dance Lessons
- Destination Lecture with Michael DiSpezio: Introducing Alaska and Dutch Harbor
- We return to US soil as we make port in Dutch Harbor and explore its history, natural beauty, and the island’s role in the Pacific theater of World War II.
- Enrichment Lecture with Douglas Keeney: Seven Wonders of The (Ancient/Modern/Engineering) World
- From The Colossus in Rhodes to Petra to the Burj Khalifa—and more. Keeney starts this talk with the original Seven Wonders of the World and then takes audiences on a docu-drama that explores the all-new man-made wonders of engineering, architecture, and the New Seven Wonders of the World (and how they were selected).
- Enrichment Lecture with Bill Burgel: Enrichment Lecture with Bill Burgel: When Yellowstone was in Oregon.
- Approximately 50 million years ago, an island the size of Iceland docked onto the west coast of North America. This fascinating saga will have you on the edge of your seat as you try to make sense of the Yellowstone Hot Spot’s 50 million-year journey!
- Enrichment Lecture with Scott Bornstein: Remembering Ideas, Conversations, and What You Read.
- Scott’s Systems to expand your powers of focus and recall.
- Hat’s & Horses – Kentucky Derby Party.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.
Grilled Zucchini· Carrots · White Radishes · Broccoli · Goat’s Cheese
Gingered Mayonnaise and Roasted Spinach Salad
Lobster Stock, Lobster Chunks, Cream and Brandy
Homemade Pasta · Basil · Garlic · Pine Nuts · Extra Virgin Olive Oil · 26-Month Parmesan Cheese DOP
Lobster Stock, Lobster Chunks, Cream and Brandy
Lobster Stock, Lobster Chunks, Cream and Brandy
Puff Pastry · Vanilla Cream · Toasted Sesame · Vanilla Ice Cream
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Sunday, May 5, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Japan to Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
Today’s Activities Include:
- Bridge Lessons
- Dance Lessons
- Enrichment Lecture with Sir Alistair MacDuff: Royal Scandals 1850 to 1950
- Scandals occurred in three generations of the British Royal Family: perjury, adultery, deceit, and treason. Edward VII, Prince Eddy, and Edward VIII.
- Enrichment Lecture with Douglas Keeney: Assassins In Every Port. U-Boats Below the Seas
- Roosevelt and the Greatest Transatlantic Crossing Ever—In 1943, at the height of WWII, President Roosevelt dashed across the Atlantic Ocean on the battleship USS Iowa. He then flew to Tehran. Three days of heated debates ensued over when—and where—to launch D-Day. It was most captivating!
- Enrichment Lecture with Bill Burgel: Mega-Floods!
- In the 1920s, geologist J. Harlen Bretz discovered strange and unique geologic structures in numerous locations on Earth and on Mars! The story is a thrilling one, complete with mystery.
- Enrichment Lecture with Scott Bornstein: Training Your Memory Muscle
- The power of locations and systems for lists and tasks
- Pre-Dinner Showtime! Silversea proudly presents Virtuoso Baritone “Giovanni Palminteri.”
- A selection of songs made famous by the most famous opera singers in the world in different languages. All the pieces were arranged for his voice by famous composers in Italy, and the tracks were recorded by the “Sicily Philharmonic Orchestra.” Songs by Carl Orff, Ennio Morricone, Albinoni, and many more…
- Tonight’s Dinner was in The Restaurant.
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Saturday, May 4, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Japan to Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
Today’s Activities Include:
- Bridge Lessons
- Enrichment Lecture with Bill Burgel: The Development of the Science of Geology during the Growth of the Railroad Industry
- Inventions such as James Watt’s steam engine needed a source of fuel, and it soon became apparent that geologists (who found coal) and railroads (who transported coal to where people lived) were in this growth cycle together. Mr. Burgel explains the beginnings of the railroad industry with the spotlight on fuel deposits.
- Enrichment Lecture with Scott Bornstein: Aging, Memory, and Cognitive Training
- The Science of memory and Strategies for keeping your memory sharp as you age.
- Enrichment Lecture with Sir Alistair MacDuff: A Miscarriage Of Justice
- The fascinating story of the conviction and hanging of an innocent man in 1950 for a murder of which he was not guilty.
- Enrichment Lecture with Douglas Keeney: Vanished! Pan Am, Malaysia Flight 370 – The Unfinished Story of Transoceanic Flight.
- From the author of Lost in The Pacific – and a pilot himself – Keeney traces the history of aviation from barnstormers to international airlines and how pilots conquered transoceanic flight. He concludes with the lost flight of Malaysia 370 and the latest updates, including videos, animations, and photos.
- Enrichment Lecture with Michael DiSpezio: Cool Concepts in Cosmology – Space Science Made Simple
- Join Michael for an incredible, unique, and interactive journey in which he explores a treasure trove of space science topics, including sky objects, northern lights, celestial navigation, time travel, and space station viewing.
- Pre-Dinner Showtime! Silversea proudly presents Comedian “Tony Daro”
- Tony Daro’s hilarious routines have made him one of the established stars of the New York comedy scene. He has dozens of television appearances under his belt, has won multiple Writer’s Guild awards for comedy writing, and was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” Tony is the rare comedian who can be both inoffensive and gut-busting funny.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.
Romaine Hearts Tossed in Classic Caesar Dressing · Dijon Mustard · Croutons and Parmesan Cheese
Homemade Seafood Nage · Clams · Prawns · Scallops · Lemon Sole · Saffron · Double Cream
with Vegetable and Kaffir Lime Leaf Curry
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Saturday, May 4a (Gain a Day), 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Japan to Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
Today’s Activities Include:
- Bridge Lessons
- Dance Lessons
- Enrichment Lecture with Michael DiSpezio: The Northwest Passage
- The incredible stories of exploration and survival as you dive into the history of uncovering the Northwest Passage, with particular attention to the Franklin Expedition.
- Start of our Country Fair – Join us for a fun-filled morning with entertaining games on the Pool Deck.
- Enrichment Lecture with Douglas Keen
- As only a historian can, Keeney makes connections and linkages that bring together often-forgotten but essential moments from the 20th and 21st centuries. Categories include I Remember Where I Was When, Great Love Affairs, The Digital Age, Entrepreneurs, The 70s, cultural forces, and more.
Tonght’s Dinner was in The Restaurant.
Chickpeas · Carrots · Vegetable Broth · Sweet Potato Chunks · Pesto · Onions · Leeks · Celery
with Orange Teriyaki Sauce
Thai Black Tiger Prawns · Cardamom · Fresh Ginger · Fragrant Basmati Rice Fried Onion Rings ‘Bahji-style’
Coffee and Honey Glazed Venison Tenderloin *
Potato Gratin · Poached Apple · Braised Red Cabbage
with Clam Risotto and Roasted Teardrop Tomato Dressing
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Friday, May 3, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea Enroute to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, USA
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Japan to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, USA.
Today’s activities include:
- Bridge Lessons
- Dancing Lessons
- Enrichment Lecture with Sir Alistair MacDuff: You be the Judge
- The audience is asked to sit in judgment and make decisions in murder trials. Enter the competition with a prize for the best answers!
- Enrichment Lecture with Scott Bornstein: Never Forget a Name or Face Again
- Six steps to making names and faces unforgettable.
- Enrichment Lecture with Bill Burge
- In the Yucatan Peninsula near Chicxulub, a 10-kilometer-wide asteroid struck the earth 66 million years (MY) ago, creating a ma or impact crater. Following studies in Italy and elsewhere, Mr. Burgel will describe how this asteroid suddenly changes life forever on our planet.
- Enrichment Lecture with Douglas Keeney: Pearl Harbor. The Day Of The Day After.
- No matter the cruise, this talk is always loved by audiences. We all know what happened on December 7th — but what did happen — and why was America so unprepared? Author Keeney presents the attack on Pearl Harbor using custom-built animations for his talk, period photography, and first-person accounts.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.
Farewell Dinner – Sayōnara Japan
The Restaurant had a celebratory farewell to the “land of the rising sun”. A delicious Japanese-themed dinner experience awaited us, and we indulged in mouthwatering Japanese delicacies, including some of Japan’s famous sweet delights! We dressed up in Japanese/Asian attire.
TONIGHT’S CABARET SHOW – A NIGHT WITH LEFA
Motown, blues, and all that rhythm! Get your dancing shoes on and join Lefa Pike
this evening while he sings some all-time classics from artists such as The Blues
Brothers, The Drifters, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, and many more!
Lefa is a vocalist with extensive experience performing South African pop,
international pop, rock, soul, R&B, reggae, and jazz. He began performing in small
venues at the age of 19. He then trained at Ochrim School of Music in his early 20’s for 2 years. Soon after, he was featured as a participant on eTV’s CocaCola Pop Stars and, later in his career – a top five finalist on South Africa Idol.
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Thursday, May 2, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, USA
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Japan to Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
Today’s Activities Included:
- Bridge Lessons
- Dance Lessons
- Enrichment Lecture with Bill Burgel: 2004 Boxing Day Earthquake and Tsunami
- At 8am local time on December 26th, 2004, a magnitude 9.2M subduction earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra creating localized destruction but also generating a massive tsunami that swept through many islands of Indonesia, as well as the nearby countries of Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and the east coast of Africa. Mr. Burgel visited the area soon after the quake and will describe the geologic processes that led up to this event.
- Enrichment Lecture with Sir Alistair MacDuff: Murder Cases To Die For
- More tales from the Bench; the murder of the beautiful model; gangster murders; and more insight into life as an English judge
- Enrichment Lecture with Douglas Keeney: Orbit! The Daring New Era in Human Space Travel
- Musk, Bezos, and Branson want to take us beyond our dreams. Will they? From Keeney’s three books on human space flight comes the sequel to Lights of Mankind. What does it take to go into space in 2024 and why is Mars a reality? Includes images of the new commercial space stations, the most recent SpaceX missions, and numerous animations. Concludes with profiles of Musk, Bezos and Branson.
Dinner was in The Restaurant.
with Egg, Tomato and Cucumber Garnish
with Red Pepper Coulis
Served with Cilantro and Chili-gratinated Avocado
Baked Meringue · Pastry Cream · Peach Compote · Fresh kiwi
Chocolate Mousse · Chocolate Sponge Cake · Chocolate Glazed · Whipped Cream
TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH GIOVANNI PALMINTERI VIRTUOSO BARITONE
Giovanni Palminteri is a Classical Baritone, Showman, and Actor.
He has performed his soloist concert in opera houses around the world and was the first Opera baritone to perform during the “World Cruise” event aboard the Silver Whisper for many years. Some of his productions include Made in Italy, Il Bel Canto, Passione, Teatro Dell’Opera, and the new show Virtuoso Baritone.
Giovanni recently made his debut in La Traviata, playing Giorgio Germont at the Ancient Greek Theater in Taormina alongside the famous soprano Desireè Rancatore.
He is known for the role of Figaro in Gioacchino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, which debuted in various theaters in Italy. He also played the role of Dandini – La Cenerentola (C.Gounod), Malatesta – Don Pasquale (G.Donizetti), Belcore – l’Elisir d’Amore (G.Donizetti), Don Giovanni-Don Giovanni (W.A.Mozart), Papageno – The Magic Flaute (W.A.Mozart), Silvio – I Pagliacci (R. Leoncavallo) and Carmina Burana (Carl Orff). His next debut will be at the ancient theater of Taormina in the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet this summer.
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Otaru, Japan
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Otaru, in northeast Japan.
OTARU, JAPAN
FAMOUS FOR ITS GLASS PRODUCTS, MUSIC BOXES, AND ALCOHOL BEVERAGES
Otaru is a small harbor city west of Sapporo. Famous for its many hills and a nearby ski resort, the town has been an
important trade and herring fishing center since the 1800s. A wide canal that led from the port to the old town’s
warehouses, built by foreign shipping and trading companies, has been maintained for touristic purposes.
The old stone or brick-built warehouses have been beautifully converted into restaurants and boutiques.
Local artists display their crafts by the daytime, while old-fashioned gas lamps illuminate the area with a gentle glow by
night, making it a pleasant place to stroll at any time. However, the canal area is undoubtedly at its most photogenic
during the Otaru Snow Light Path festival, held each year in February, when the city is decorated with hundreds of
enchanting candle-lit snow lanterns.
After you’ve explored the canal and its surroundings, continue your time-traveling as you take a turn along Sakaimachi
Street, a well-preserved traditional merchant street, explores some of its quirky museums before heading for a well-deserved
sushi lunch. The street is lined with impressive Western-style buildings constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and many of the exteriors of the buildings have been carefully preserved.
Sakaimachi Street is also home to a handful of interesting museums, like the Museum of Venetian Art, opened by local
glass producer Kitaichi. It is dedicated to showcasing the arts of Venice, including Venetian glassware, clothing, furniture, and a full-scale gondola. Another highlight is the Music Box Museum, Japan’s largest music
box shop and an internationally well-known sightseeing attraction in Otaru.
OTARU MUSIC BOX MUSEUM
In the historical building of the Otaru Music Box Museum, more than 25,000 music boxes of 3,400 kinds are displayed and sold. The Otaru Music Box Museum (“Otaru Orgel Doh” in Japanese) is Japan’s largest music box store. The store is divided into five floors according to different themes, with beautifully decorated and beautifully sounding music boxes lined up. You can find your favorite from a wide range of products, from affordable to luxurious ones.
SIGHTS
- Otaru Aquarium
- Otaru Museum
- Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck
- Tanaka Sake Brewery, Kikkogura
- Sankaku Market
- Old Aoyama Villa (Herring Palace)
Today’s Excursion – Highlights of Sapporo
Historical Village
Explore the history and culture of the island of Hokkaido during a visit to the Historical Village of Hokkaido, an
authentic village recreated with preserved and replicated buildings from Hokkaido’s frontier days. Located in Nopporo Forest
Park, this outdoor museum, was opened to the public in 1983 to show the buildings and the life of Sapporo’s early pioneers.
Sapporo City
Proceed to Sapporo city which is the prefectural capital of Hokkaido. The Sapporo TV Tower serves as an easily recognizable
symbol of Sapporo. The tower’s height is 483 feet, and its observation level, 296 feet, gives a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city of Sapporo. The beautiful Odori Park stretches out directly in front of the TV tower. The park is 1.5 kilometers long and is key in major Sapporo tourist events. Completed in December 1888, the red brick Former Hokkaido Government Building is a beloved tourist site in Sapporo. The Japanese government has designated it an important cultural asset, which you can view from the comfort of the coach.
Japanese Lunch and Hitsujigaoka Hill
After a Japanese lunch, you will drive up to Hitsujigaoka Hill, which offers a beautiful view of pastureland with sheep grazing.
The hill, part of the Hokkaido Agricultural Experimental Station of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, was
opened to visitors in 1959. A statue of Dr. William Clark stands on the hill. Dr. Clark, dispatched from the U.S. in 1876, taught
English and botany at Sapporo Agricultural College, the forerunner of Hokkaido University. Although he was only a faculty member for nine months, he is remembered for his parting words, “Boys, be ambitious!”
Hokkaido Shrine
The last stop is the Hokkaido Shrine ( a Shinto Shrine), the largest shrine in Hokkaido, built in 1869 and completed in 1871. It was initially named Sapporo Shrine. A fire destroyed the shrine in 1974, and it was rebuilt in 1978. It is in the
Maruyama Park, which has a lot of greenery. A spiritual place abundant with nature, where the wild birds tweet inside the shrine, and Hokkaido squirrels scurry about.
TONIGHT’S SHOW – COMEDIAN TONY DARO
Tony Daro’s hilarious routines have made him one of the established stars of the New York comedy scene. Tony’s first television appearance was as a child on “Wonderama,” where he lost at Simon Says. Tony overcame this humiliating television debut and began performing in summer stock as a teenager. After high school, he won an acting scholarship at the world-renowned Dramatic Workshop.
This led to various Off-Broadway productions. When he was 19, Sylvester Stallone hired Tony as his stand-in for the film “Rocky 2”. At 20, Bob Keeshan (more famously known as “Captain Kangaroo”) hired Tony to star in a television pilot for CBS. For reasons still unknown to him to this day, he drifted into standup comedy. (Maybe it was all those.
George Carlin records he listened to as a kid?) Soon, people began asking him to write jokes for them, eventually leading to writing jobs with Jay Leno, Bill Maher, David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon, and Tina Fey. He has dozens of television appearances, has won multiple Writer’s Guild awards for comedy writing, and was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on “Saturday Night Live.”
Tony is the rare comedian who can be both inoffensive and gut-busting funny.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Hakodate, Japan
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Hakodate, Japan, on the northeast coast.
HAKODATE, JAPAN
BEST KNOWN FOR THE SPECTACULAR VIEWS FROM MOUNT HAKODATE
Gaze down over Hakodate from its namesake peak – Mount Hakodate – to see the city stretching out spectacularly, with back-to-back twin bays splitting the ocean. Hakodate port was one of the first to open Japan up to the world and international trade in 1859 – a fact reflected in the architecture, with its influences from the West and beyond.
The port area is a redbrick wash of warehouses turned shopping malls, all observed by the onion domes of the city’s
Russian Orthodox church. Elsewhere, the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress glows with natural colors and a beautiful
haze of cherry blossoms during the season. Goryokaku Tower, which rises beside it, offers a sweeping bird’s eye view
of the green fortress and mountain backdrop.
Buses trundle up the 335-meter incline to the top of Mount Hakodate, but the best way to reach the views is to
jump on the ropeway, which swings high above downtown buildings over a carpet of pine trees. Head up to the
mountain’s heights as sunset approaches. The panorama is one of Japan’s most spectacular, with darkness sweeping in and the lights flickering to life.
Soak it all in and look out to the horizon, dotted with the shimmering lights of ships hauling in harvests of the city’s
renowned squid. The plankton-rich waters attract a delicious variety of feasting sea life to Hakodate’s coast, which is
then plated up in the city’s numerous skilled restaurants. For an eye-opening, whirring morning, see the freshest seafood and
produce being doled out at Hakodate Morning Market – amid a cacophony of noise and activity.
MT. HAKODATE OBSERVATORY
It’s a three-minute trip across the sky, offering spectacular panoramas of Hakodate and the surrounding bay, sea, and mountains. Inside the observatory is a gift shop selling Mt. Hakodate-limited merchandise, as well as a restaurant where you can enjoy the chefs’ signature Japanese and Western cuisine while gazing at the night view, which is full of infinite
lights. The view from Mt. Hakodate was awarded three stars by Michelin!
SIGHTS
- Goryōkaku (Historical place)
- Goryōkaku Tower
- Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
- Our Lady of the Angels Trappistine Abbey
- Cape Tachimachi
- Hakodate Hachimangu
Today’s Excursion – Strolling Around Motomachi District
Walking through this historic city, we discovered Hakodate’s beauty, culture, and charm on foot.
Hakodate Morning Market
We started with a guided stroll through the bustling Hakodate Morning Market, engulfed by cars and people from when the 400 stalls opened at 5 a.m. Discover an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, including squid, salmon eggs, sea urchins, and hairy crabs, all of which Hokkaido is famous for. The garden also offers fresh, locally-grown vegetables, flowers, and household goods.
The pictures below are a test in “Name that seafood item.”
Motomachi District and Churches
We boarded a tram at the Hakodate-ekimae Tram Station for a short ride to Jujigai Station. Upon arrival, we walked up the inclined streets of the Motomachi District. Along the way, we saw historic churches such as the Gothic-style Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, famous for the altar presented to it by Pope Benedict XV. The view from the hill is stunning and reflects the contrast between the hill, churches, and shoreline.
Mount Hakodate and Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Our tour continued with a Hakodate Ropeway cable car ride up to the all-weather observatory at the 1,100-foot summit, which generally offers spectacular panoramic vistas over the surrounding area. Unfortunately, we were fogged in today. Afterward, the cable car went down, and our walking tour continued on foot to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Remodeled in 1988 as part of the redevelopment of Hakodate’s waterfront, this area’s old, red-brick warehouses have been converted into bars and restaurants.
Goryokaku Park and Tower
Sandy took a taxi to Goryokaku Park. The park is home to the remaining walls of Japan’s first Western-style fort. The fort is named Goryokaku, or ‘Pentagon Fort’ due to its star shape. Nothing is left of the citadel, which was constructed
by the Togukawa Shogunate to defend Japan against the threats from the north.
Sandy rode the elevator up to the Observation Deck of the 351-foot-tall tower at the park entrance and took in splendid views of the park’s cherry blossoms, the fort, Mt. Hakodate, and the downtown area.
Sandy’s last stop was at a local shrine to get a Temple Stamp in her Temple Stamp Book.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.
Japanese Sticky Rice served with Smoked Eel, Sweet Soy Wasabi Sauce, Scallion
Chicken Broth with Rice Ball, Vegetable Juliennes, Pulled Chicken , Mirin , Soy Sauce
Handpicked Crab Meat · Seafood Broth · Armagnac · Double Cream
Marinated Panko Crumbed Fresh Local Seabass, Yakisoba. Wasabi Kewpie Sauce
Marinated Panko Crumbed Fresh Local Seabass, Yakisoba. Wasabi Kewpie Sauce
Japanese Style Cheese Cake Flavored with Matcha Green Tea served with Strawberry Coulis, Lemon Whip Cream
TONIGHT’S SHOW – BOOGIE FEVER
Join us in the Show Lounge for an entertaining evening!
Get on your boogie shoes and feel the heat in your feet as you join our Silversea Singers and Dancers for some disco fever and explosive dance moves, bound to get your toes tapping and heads bobbing.
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Monday, April 29, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to Hakodate, Japan
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Kanazawa, Japan, to Hokodate, Japan.
Today’s Activities Included:
Destination Lecture with Michael DiSpezio: Hakodate, Otaru, and Beyond.
Hear about the sites, history, and culture of our final Japanese ports – plus, find out more about our Pacific Ocean crossing.
Enrichment Lecture with Bill Burgel: History of Plate Tectonics
Key discoveries in the 1960s led scientists to endorse the concept of sea-floor spreading and continental drift, which is now known as the Plate Tectonics theory. Mr. Burgel will lead a lively discussion on why Yellowstone is so active, what caused the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, and what’s happening in Iceland.
Enrichment Lecture with Sir Alistair MacDuff: The Cromford Taxi Murder
The remarkable tale of a man who devised the “perfect murder” but was caught by brilliant detective work.
Enrichment Lecture with Douglas Keeney: Lights of Mankind – Earth at Night as Seen from Space
Tokyo, the Korean Peninsula, world cities—what do we see when we see them from space…at night? This is Earth at Night from Space, based on Keeney’s bestselling book of the same title, written with five NASA astronauts.
TONIGHT’S SHOW – A KALEIDOSCOPE OF KLASSICS
A kaleidoscopic catalog of classic artists, from Elvis to Elton, Whitney to Tina, and everything in between. Our Silversea Vocalists and our Dancers present a show where you will be rocking and rolling in your seats with something to satisfy everyone’s favorite musical shade.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.
Hand-picked King Crab Meat · Mango · Red Pepper Coulis · Micro Greens
Vegetable Bouquetiere · Steakhouse Fries · Béarnaise or Veal Jus
Wafer thin Slices of Beef Striploin · Lemongrass · Lime Leaves · Thai Chilli · Galangal · Garlic · Soya Sauce · Sambal
Lime Curd · Crystallized Ginger · Meringue · Caramel Sauce · Sweet Pastry Tart
Poached Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream, Raspberry Coulis, Chantilly Cream and Toasted Almonds
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