Day 156 - Shimizu, Japan

-Lovely overcast day in Shimizu today. Thankful for the cloud cover, made walking about super enjoyable. Japanese cities are all so clean, thoughtfully laid our and super friendly to folks with disabilities - at least it seems so to us! Lots of elevators, designated walking and separate biking lanes, markings and sounds for the visually impaired and so on. Lots of public art and little touches - such as the soccer ball designed lights along the waterfront. Almost every city in Japan and even in places such as Vietnam had ferris wheels - Shimizu was no exception. Fun fact - the wheels in Japan turn - in other countries they were almost all stationary - Cape Town also an exception. There was even a small beach for families to enjoy near the theme park.
Everyone has been super friendly. Today was another walk-a-bout day, strolling the waterfront while heading for the famous fish market - Shimizu is well known for its tuna catch and other fish. I am still amazed by all the plastic food displays at restaurants. The fish displays in the market were almost works of art and the tech is everywhere - even a vending machine for canned fish.  Ordering lunch was an adventure, everything automated. While the signage gave you the number of the item you wanted to order often there were a couple choices for the same thing - with some friendly help lunch was ordered, paid for and even arrived. I am very proud, first toilets largely conquered and now lunch too!! My tempura shrimp and vegetables with rice was served with miso soup (not my favourite) some pickled carrots and something else which I liked and some pickles which I didn't. So much fun with food...