From JuJu with Love

Today was one of those travel days that touched every emotion.

Our morning began at the Peace Memorial Museum, a deeply moving tribute to the lives lost in 1945 and a powerful reminder of the importance of peace. Walking through the museum and surrounding memorials was sobering and emotional, and gave us a deeper appreciation for Nagasaki’s history, heartbreak, and remarkable resilience.

After such a reflective start to the day, we shifted gears and headed to Nagasaki’s vibrant Shinchi Chinatown for lunch. And what a lunch it was! We shared an incredible sampler of eight different dishes—spring rolls, fried rice, noodles, shrimp in a spicy sauce, steamed buns, and more. Judging by the photos, we were fully committed to the experience.

From there, we visited Oura Church, Japan’s oldest wooden Catholic church, and admired the surrounding neighborhood, which beautifully reflects Nagasaki’s unique blend of Japanese and Western influences.

Next, we explored Glover Garden, a stunning hillside estate filled with Western-style mansions from the Meiji era. The gardens were beautifully landscaped, and the panoramic views over Nagasaki Harbor were spectacular.

By late afternoon, we were back on the ship enjoying one of my favorite combinations: pizza and ice cream by the pool as we sailed toward Shimizu and our upcoming visit to Mt. Fuji.

Tonight we’ll attend Shabbat services, followed by a birthday dinner celebrating two friends who are marking milestone birthdays on this unforgettable trip.

A day of remembrance, resilience, incredible food, breathtaking views, friendship, and, naturally, pizza and ice cream.

From Juju with Love 💙