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FUKUOKA TO OSAKA

 I was most previously in Fukuoka in 2018 to attend a hydrogen conference, when Kyushu University paid expenses for me to give the invited lecture.  I also asked if they could take me to a fugu restaurant.  Here are two fugu testicles.  Note:  each is bigger than a lemon wedge.  And the fish is not much larger than a grapefruit.  I also took a tour of Fukuoka with colleagues from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute.

So yesterday we first had an excellent breakfast in the Ritz Carlton Club Lounge.
Then, off to Ohori Park, which was only one subway stop away.

Met by my Blue-bar Pigeon.
Started kind of gloomy, for the weather was threatening and it was cold.
I was watching this black duck of some kind, who now and then dived underwater.  Finally, he caught a fish that was several inches long, and had difficulty swallowing it.
Other sights.
Two foxes and Fall Colors.
A nice outing and some good walking,  Back to our Club Lounge, where I am cranking out this blog.
Dinner was with a Hess Cabernet and some champagne.
I then followed mostly with Chivas Mizunara and Absolute Elyx.
Ended with a combo of Kahlua, Bailey's and Cognac, with something.
Walked 6574 steps today.
Next morning for breakfast, two courses, with  beer.
Then a Japanese breakfast.
Then a taxi to Hakata Station to catch the Sakura Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station.
Getting frugal, for my train meal came from the hotel.
The Fall Colors are slowly getting more intense.
The leaning castle of ?
They actually have graffiti in Japan.
I should also add that there is still a lot of industry in Japan, and here is a typical view.
Arrived in Shin-Osaka and caught s subway train to our hotel area.  The Marriott Miyako Hotel is conveniently at Tenjin Station.  Rimu, a Frenchie, and owner, shared an elevator ride with us.
I wondered why everyone on our train was female.  Then saw the sign across from me that this car was only for females.
I didn't get kicked out.  The Marriott Miyako Osaka is high up on a 54 story building next to the subway station.
Our corner room views are spectacular.
Went to the Executive Lounge and had a snack with beer.

I'll end here and spend some time tomorrow on Osaka.
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