I'm still amazed by the Shinkansen and the ruthless efficiency
   ("Where's Ruth?") of the trains. It is an engineering and
   organizational marvel.

   [img_0186.jpg]

   Arriving at Hakata Station (the main Fukuoka rail hub near the airport
   in the center of town), I had a few missteps getting to the bus to the
   hotel. The rain was still coming down and the signage was a bit lax.

   [img_0187.jpg]

   The bus was late, and Apple Maps has ever since been wrong with every
   bus time. When wrong, I either found an alternate bus that would take
   me near where I wanted to go, walked, or took a short taxi ride. If
   this is the worst thing that happens on this trip, I will be happy. But
   it also speaks to the Silicon Valley-centric nature of tech.

   I got to the hotel in a crowd of wedding attendees. When I arrived at
   the hotel lobby, I was processed quickly and pleasantly. Oh, what's
   that? An upgrade? Yes, please and thank you!

   [img_0188.jpg]

   After dropping my one bag in the room (more on the one bag later) I
   headed out to explore. First stop was a Tonkatsu ramen shop with one
   option on the menu at a crazy low price (400¥). They use the
   locally-common thin noodles, unsurprisingly. It was great, also
   unsurprisingly.

   Insert lost ramen picture here

   A short walk from there and I was at the Fukuoka Castle ruins. My path
   took me though the park that leads to the ruins, so it was quiet and
   peaceful. Then I discovered the cruise ship tourists from China and
   Thailand (maybe two cruise ships?) who massed on some key spots. I
   wandered through and then away to find some things I enjoyed. Sadly,
   the ancient secret underground tunnel to the castle eluded me. I went
   to where the signs said access was open but I could not get in.

   [img_0199.jpg] [img_0201.jpg] [img_0212.jpg] [img_0213.jpg]
   [img_0217.jpg] [img_0218.jpg] [img_0219.jpg] [img_0221.jpg]
   [img_0222.jpg] [img_0223.jpg] [img_0224.jpg] [img_0225.jpg]
   [img_0230.jpg]

   [img_0232.jpg] [img_0233.jpg] [img_0235.jpg] [img_0236.jpg]

   From there I went to the shrine. To my surprise and delight there was
   an antiques and crafts and food fair going on there. I spent some ¥ on
   books and jewelry. I'm tempted to return tomorrow with more cash in
   hand. The whole fair was in my home design wheelhouse.

   [img_0238.jpg] [img_0239.jpg] [img_0240.jpg] [img_0241.jpg]
   [img_0242.jpg] [img_0243.jpg] [img_0244.jpg] [img_0245.jpg]

   By the way, the sun appeared.

   I left to head to a local brewery. I wanted to take the bus but the bus
   never showed. I walked it instead. (Note to self: when waiting for a
   bus, walk to the next stop and wait there instead of waiting at the
   start). I arrived and the beer was good. The place fancies itself as a
   Mexican restaurant.

   [img_0246.jpg] [img_0247.jpg] [img_0248.jpg]

   My trip to the hotel was another example of the unreliability of buses
   and Apple Maps. The temperature dropped and the wind kicked up,
   together making for a much colder transit. After about 15 minutes I
   gave up on the bus and taxied it to the hotel.

   [img_0249.jpg] [img_0250.jpg] [img_0251.jpg]

   [img_0252.jpg] [img_0253.jpg]

   My hotel upgrade came with lounge access for cocktail hour. I'm taking
   advantage as I write this. The wifi is poor - again, if this is the
   worst thing I have to deal with today I am a happy man.

   [img_0254.jpg]

   [img_0255.jpg] [img_0256.jpg] [img_0257.jpg] [img_0258.jpg]
   [img_0259.jpg] [img_0261.jpg]

   Tonight I plan to hit the yatai (food stalls) on Nakasu Island. Stay
   tuned!
     __________________________________________________________________

   My original entry is here: [1]Fukuoka, Day 0.5. It posted Sat, 09 Feb
   2019 10:33:14 +0000.
   Filed under: general,

References

   1. https://www.prjorgensen.com/?p=2630