March 2 - Kitakyushu, continued

After visiting the Shinto shrine we went to lunch! We were served a typical Japanese lunch (a first for me). The tables were set with black lacquered boxes and a small plate of fruit for desert. I have a picture of the food inside the box. I could readily identify rice, pork, chicken, salmon and shrimp. The rest I ate on “faith” that it wouldn’t kill me. The food in the upper right corner was mostly raw and tasteless. I only ate one piece. The shrimp still had their heads and eyes and a spicy sauce on top. We were also served clam soup with the clams still in their shells. The broth was tasty!  

Our next stop on the tour was Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History. Given the technology on this island it was not surprising to see it evidenced in this museum. I only wish the signage had more English. We spent an hour learning about how the island was formed over billions of years. Below is a picture of what greeted us as we entered the Museum. I videoed a dark room with a 180 degree diorama of “living” creatures “talking” to each other. In person it was impressive. My video is less so.

6 hours after we left we were back on the ship.

In spite of all the fanfare of our arrival I don’t believe the island has enough to support many ships stopping here.

Now off to South Korea!