Frantic morning making sure we had packing pretty well done. Of course, we have WAY too many clothes and WAY, WAY too many suitcases! Luggage Free to the rescue! Important advisory... when there are so many ports, only 3 sea days, and particularly when the shore excursions get back after 6 or 7 pm, it's gonna be "Elegant Casual", read casual Eurotrash... every thing goes with the exception of jeans and shorts. (this trip was too cold for shorts anyway). I was prepared for the Regent I know, very dressy most evenings, interspersed with a smattering of formal nights... not so fast there girl! So I had a few things that never saw the light of the dining room! Regardless, I'd rather overdress than underdress! Formal nights I saw open collared shirts with slacks for men, and a variety of whatever for the women. We had one last shore excursion and this one I wasn't going to miss. It was "Shopping: Traditional and Modern. Made for Patti, right? Well, the traditional shopping was at the Veno Street Market close to a beautiful Japanese Temple. As we arrived, we were closest to the Temple and I was delighted to find a number of Japanese women in traditional dress walking the Temple grounds. The shopping street, pedestrian and all small shops and stalls, were directly below the temple, so after some quick photos of another Temple, we headed into the fray... GREAT shopping. Found some wonderful gifts, traditionally Japanese, and was even prepared with my Yorkie shopping bag. Perfect for my Japanese treasures.
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| Patti bought another fan. |
After 1 hr + at the market, we boarded the bus and headed for the Ginza district. Oh my! I'm in such trouble... the most expensive shopping in the world! European brands, Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Harry Winston, Mikimoto... and on and on and on... Gracious, how delicious! We actually spend time in the Mitssukoshi department store and were enchanted. Our guide mentioned that the 8th floor had many traditional gifts, so there we were. Can't tell you as it will give away too many gifts... but needless to say, we had a grand time exploring.
Sad to return to the ship for one last time, but had time for a quick Bellini and Scotch before a farewell dinner in Signatures. My last foie gras for while! Back to the cabin for a last minute "throw stuff into the suitcase" moment before we put them out into the hall... John gave me a countdown: Big Blue Mr suitcase in the hall, Big Blue Mrs suitcase in the hall, Orange suitcase into the hall (the one that was purchased in Shanghai), little blue suitcase into the hall, and finally big pink suitcase into the hall! Now that's scary! 5 suitcases? Oh my, as mentioned, WAY too much stuff! Never again! (until next time)!
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