Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Fukuoka, Japan
Fast hydrofoil ferry across the Sea of Japan to that romantically named Japanese city of Fukuoka. Hydrofoil rises up out of the water as it gathers speed. Once out into open water there’s a bit of a swell and told to fasten seat belts and remain in our seats. Oooer. Don’t do rough seas. Fortunately, sitting at the front with a panoramic view out the window so can concentrate on the horizon. Turns out to be manageable. Not nearly as bad as a Brittany Ferries crossing from Poole to Cherbourg I once experienced. No. That was like being thrown about in a tumble dryer. Now that was rough.
After 3hrs approach the port of Fukuoka. Large ferris wheel similar to the London Eye and a very tall tower are the main points on the skyline.
Immigration takes ages as I’m one of the last on the boat to disembark. Japan requires fingerprints and photograph on entry. Obviously too tall for the camera so have to bend in half to get myself in frame.
Pass through customs. And for the second time ever get stopped. First time was at the Channel Tunnel in 1999. My car got searched on exiting the UK. Asked why they stopped me, the reply was, “Because you were driving a newish car and you looked young.” It was a 5 year old Rover 214 (remember them!?) and I was 29. The third time was again at the Channel Tunnel in 2018. Got pulled over by customs. He asks if I voted Leave in the Brexit referendum. I did. He shakes my hand and tells me to be on my way. You couldn’t make it up, dear reader.
Thinking it’s a formality in Fukuoka as I’m the only non-Asian, the young uniformed boy asks where I’m from. England. Rucksack is searched. He finds a plastic wallet. Which is inspected. The usual paperwork of travel insurance policies, spare cash, vaccination certificates etc. And my second passport. Bugger. Have a mild panic. I know that some countries don’t allow you to have two passports. He looks through second passport. And then looks through my first passport. And notes that I’ve come through Belarus, Russia, Mongolia and Korea. And that I’ve been to Qatar. Which for some reason piques his interest.
Keeps asking if I smoke. Not sure if he’s tapping me up for some ciggies or trying to ascertain if I have any drugs. Second passport is now being scrutinised and hoping that it’s not going to go all Pete Tong. Checks first passport with second passport. This. Is. Taking. Time. Finally, satisfied that there is nothing untoward am handed both passports back. Which are quickly pocketed.
And then he says, “Looney”
What?
“Looney”
You telling me I’m bonkers?
Ah. It all becomes clear.
He means “Rooney”. As in Wayne Rooney, the England and Manchester United football striker. Somewhat relieved he’s only asking questions out of interest, tell him I’m travelling around the world by train. Not that he can understand English. Ends up me with me making the motions and “choo-choo” noises in customs. Like a complete looney.
They’ve clearly decided I am quite looney and am released to exit customs. First thing to do is find one of those small hotel leaflets that you find in airports so I can show it the taxi driver. Otherwise, we’ll not be going anywhere fast. More bowing as I enter the Crowne Plaza (https://www.anacrowneplaza-fukuoka.jp/lang/en/). Receptionist says, “I have an idea…” and proceeds to tell me about a room upgrade but my interest soon wanes when I discover I have to pay for the upgrade. Not an upgrade then is it.
First world problems arise. My phone isn’t working. Japan uses 3G. My phone is 2G only. Oh how that dates this blog!
Walk around Fukuoka and like Busan there’s a calmness and serenity to the city. Find a mall with an amusement arcade and ramen stadium. Ramen being the local noodle speciality. Amusement arcade is full of twenty something males playing arcade games in their work suits.
It’s quite a bizarre sight.
And one that I will get used to in Japan.
