Sacramento Japan Alley - November 2026

We recently visited the Sacramento History Museum. We attended the opening of the museum's Japan Alley immersive exhibit, "Sacramento Japantown - Destroyed by Design." This exhibit shows the vibrant Japantown community, stores and residences that were demolished in the late 1950s and early 1960s, for a vision of a modern Sacramento downtown. At one time, Sacramento’s Japantown was the fourth largest in the US.

In the late 1940s. many Japanese returned to Sacramento after losing their homes and businesses to incarceration during WWII. After the war, they rebuilt their lives and community in this eight western block downtown area, only to find themselves in the late 1950s once again forced to leave. City politicians claimed this area was a slum; however, photos and personal recollections point to a vibrant community and a more likely racist move by the local elected. The Sacramento Westend downtown area was, in fact, a segregated location for Asians (30%), Blacks (21%) and Hispanics (13%). 3,500 residents, 300 businesses and religious temples and churches were forced to relocate. Many of the businesses did not survive. 

A few residents and business resettled near 10th Street, between T and W, sometimes referred to as "New Japantown." However, construction of an elevated section of Interstate 80 (now Business 80) once again forced a number of New Japantown residents and businesses to move again.  Concrete highway structures served as barriers, with remaining stores suffering from reduced foot traffic and isolation from shoppers. Thus, the result was a population shift to suburbs that lacked racially restrictive covenants and closures of several longtime family businesses. This was the end of a cohesive downtown Japantown.

Courtesy of Californiamuseum.org

Courtesy of Sactown Magazine

Ouye Pharmacy
Courtesy of Harold Ouye Family

Former Pharmacy Location
Courtesy artsandculture.google.com

If you're in the Sacramento area, this exhibit will continue until May 2027. The exhibit presents a thoughtful look at disruptive redevelopment that was considered and implemented within a prejudicial environment.

 

Courtesy of artsandculture.google.com

Former Kobayashi Fish Market Location
Courtesy of artsandculture.google.com

 

Transatlantic (Final Part 4) - July and August 2026

This is the final blog entry for our 2026 35 day transatlantic cruise. This was our longest cruise, exceeding the 2025 Australian circumnavigation by five days. We enjoyed the opportunity to learn about destinations that were new to us. The glaciers and steep mountains surrounding Greenland's fjords were beautiful.  

The full eclipse viewing was somewhat marred by the dense clouds over southern Iceland. Despite the poor weather, guests bundled up and gathered with hopes of a clear view of the full eclipse. 

Having Boston as the embarkation and disembarkation ports made returning back to California easier. Though it took about ten days to finally recover from too many time zone changes. 

We remain home for the rest of 2026 but will pull out our luggage again in the Spring. Our 2027 travel plans include England, South America and Scandinavia.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Although we've been to Belfast, it was many years ago. During this port stop, we arranged a private Black Taxi tour. These tours help visitors to better understand the political, cultural and historical issues of the "Troubles." Our tour (actually in a silver Lexus) took us to divided neighborhoods and stops along Shankill Road, International Wall Mural, Divis Tower, Falls Road, Bobby Sands Mural, Falls Road and Belfast Peace Wall.  

Bobby Sands Mural

Bobby Sands was a leader of the Irish Provisional Army. He was arrested after the Balmoral Company Factory bombing and sentenced to 14 years in prison. He was elected to UK Parliament while in prison, Sands died after a 66 day hunger strike and protest in Maze Prison. 

Belfast Peace Lines

Bombay Street Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden

Bombay Street is a residential area of West Belfast, Northern Ireland. On August 15, 1969, a loyalist mob burned 60 houses. The fire displaced many families and residents lost faith in the British Army. The Provisional IRA was formed as a result. 

 

During our visit to Belfast, the Fleadh Cheryl na hEireann music festival was underway. This is the world's largest celebration of traditional Irish music, song, dance, and language. Over 180 musicians compete over the week. Music can be heard in outdoor stages, pubs, and street performances. The event was so successful that it will return to Belfast in 2027. 

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

We had an overnight in Rotterdam. On our first day, we walked over the Erasmus Bridge and boarded a water taxi to Kinderjidk, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This location is known for 19 windmills from the 18th century. Many are still in operation, though not for original purposes such as milling and pumping water.

Cat and Cradle Monument

In November 1421, a storm surge caused the North Sea to break through local dikes. Thousands of residents drowned. However, a babygirl was found floating in a wicker basket with a cat. Local stories indicate the cat was leaping side to side to keep the cradle from capsizing. Kiderdijk has a monument recognizing this event and saving of young Beatrix de Rijke.

On day two in Rotterdam, we engaged a ToursByLocals guide for a walking tour of Rotterdam. Leaving the ship, we walked over the Erasmus Bridge. We toured the Old Maritime area, Erasmus health center and next door art center, Delfthaven, Market Hall, St.Lawrence Church, City Hall and finished at the Cubic Houses. We were particularly impressed with the mirrored facade of the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningent. This building is an art storage facility that is open to the public. 

Rotterdam certainly warrants a longer stay to enjoy the many areas of the city, museums and cultural sites.  

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningent

Entry Door to Depot Boijmans Van Beuningent

Dutch Maritime Scene

Colorful Public Market
Apartment Windows Overlook the Market