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Otaru, Japan

Posted by (TX) on

Otaru is so charming with a lot to see and do.

You do not have to take an excursion because it is so walkable, some guests did take excursions to Sasebo as well as around Otaru,

We only had a few hours in Otaru. We arrived. At 7 am and had to be back on board at 2.30 pm. Nothing was open when we first arrived.

I walked to The Canals and I walked to Sakaimachidorii Shopping Street. Unfortunately I missed that there were canal rides which I was told were very nice.

The shops on Sakaimachidori were very pretty and attractive all by themselves. They were old and unique. None were open when I was there so I did not go inside but there were windows with displays and what were in the windows were wonderful. I heard there was a nice shopping center on the street as well which I missed

Hate to bring this up. I have tried to avoid saying that my right leg and foot are a problem. My knee is not a problem but the foot is a very bad problem and has caused me to limit my walking. I am going back to the ship earlier than necessarily because of my leg and foot.

Posted by
35814 posts

sorry that the old ailments (though not the knee) are back to haunt you, bostonphil7.

I'd definitely noticed that you hadn't mentioned any mobility issues and I was really hoping all was fabulous - but I didn't want to mention it lest I jinx it.

Sorry you're being bothered by the pain on such a great cruise.

Posted by
3031 posts

Hi Nigel

I think I have been in denial about my foot and leg and how painful my walking is. I am also very unsteady on my feet. Balance is not good.

Still use it or lose it and I would rather see what I can see than sitting at home and watching the news.

This may not be perfect but is the best that I can do n

And it is still beautiful and interesting and even wonderful.

Posted by
3031 posts

Should add that I am not alone. Many persons on cruises use canes, walkers, and wheelchairs,
It is very apparent that many guests are stiff and ache. Still they all seem faster than me. I am always straggling behind

Posted by
17611 posts

Phil, I'm enjoying your reports and had noticed as well that you hadn't mentioned previous bothersome aches and pains. Sorry to hear that your foot is giving you trouble but it sure sounds like you're taking it on like the trooper you are!

There's a "Slow travel" thread going in the General Europe forum; I'm thinking that sometimes pace is dictated by what knees, feet and whatnot allow, eh? Hang in there!

Posted by
1187 posts

Phil, I’m reading all your of your posts and I’m glad you are enjoying the ports despite the problems with your foot and leg.

Posted by
3031 posts

Thank you Kate and Barbara N

I was not expecting so much difficulty with my foot.

My balance is also poor.

My mobility issues are very obvious.

When I get off ship and back on, crew almost always asks if I need a wheelchair and I always thank then and decline.

Other guests often ask if I need help when I try to get out of the very comfy but low Atrium chairs. Again I decline but so happy that so many people care.

It might be hard to go back to the real world.

Posted by
3031 posts

I really am sad that I could not stay off ship longer in Otaru because it is so beautiful and so much to do.

I became very tired and the foot pain became too difficult. Had to come back to ship early

I had really wanted to go to the Music Box Museum. I heard it was really wonderful.

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