I've been ignoring Donald Trump and world events, so will start with the  latest poll showing Americans venting disappointment with The Donald on today, his 100th day in office .  Also showing no progress on those wars in the Ukraine and Gaza Strip.  About tariffs and China, here is a graphic from the   New York Times . This is Day 14 of our trip.  Some background about  Hakodate . Was originally populated by the Ainu. Founded in 1454 by Kono Masamichi, but the family was driven out of Hakodate during the Ainu rebellion in 1512. There was another uprising around 1670, led by Ainu warrior Shakushain.  Note that the Ainu look Eurasian. It was on 8July1853 that American Commodore Matthew Perry led his four warships into Tokyo Bay, seeking re-establish for the first time in 200 years, regular trade between Japan and the western world.  The first two ports to open were Hakodate and Shimoda (67 miles south of Tokyo).  Yokohama Port did not o...

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday.  He made a valiant effort to modernize the Catholic Church to make it relevant for the 21st century.  Promoted unity among Catholics and called upon the church to embrace its global diversity.    Comments are mixed about his actual effectiveness . From  Time  magazine: T he film   Conclave   begins with the death of the Pope. It then follows the chain of events from that moment to the election of a new Pope, following a few characters—portrayed by a cast that won the top honor at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. A 2024 film based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris, stars Ralph Fiennes as the cardinal who organizes the  conclave , Stanley Tucci as a liberal American cardinal candidate, John Lithgow as a moderate Canadian cardinal, sort of the villain, and Isabella Rosselini, a sister who serves as the conclave's head caterer and housekeeper.  Earned 93/86 ratings from  Rotten Tomato...