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Last night on the Celebrity Cruise was something out of a dream — lobster and luxury rolled into one unforgettable final dinner. As I typed the last few notes and sipped my after-dinner drink, it hit me: this is really the end of our 12-day Asia cruise. And yes, I’m already feeling melancholic.

After days at sea aboard our Celebrity Cruise, we finally docked in Busan, South Korea — and let me tell you, this day ended with one of the most memorable meals of our entire trip. Picture this: hours of exploring Busan’s buzzing streets, the neon lights, the energy, the smells of sizzling street food... and then the quest for authentic Korean BBQ began. No tourist traps. No trendy Instagram cafes. Just good, old-school Korean BBQ in Busan — the kind locals love and travelers dream of finding. 🥩 The Search for Real Korean Flavor After what felt like miles of walking, we stumbled upon a tiny, tucked-away restaurant. No English menu. No fancy sign. Just an older woman waving us inside with a smile that said, “You’re home now.” That’s when we knew — we’d found the real deal. Inside, the warmth hit us instantly — both from the grill and from her motherly energy. Before we could even sit down properly, the side dishes (banchan) started arriving. If you’ve never experienced banchan, let me explain: these are small dishes served with every Korean meal — kimchi, marinated vegetables, pickled radish, seaweed salad, and more. But they’re not just side snacks; they’re part of the entire Korean BBQ ritual. Every bite builds on the last, creating an explosion of flavor with every combo you try.

Wait… why is there a Texas Street in the middle of Busan, South Korea?! On Day 11 of our Celebrity Cruise adventure, we stepped off the ship ready to explore downtown Busan — and what we found was not what we expected! After spotting an entrance to Chinatown, we wandered a little further and stumbled across a sign for Texas Street. I had to do a double take. Texas? In Korea? Yeehaw, partner — it’s true! 🤠

If you’ve ever wandered into a place that feels like a real-life maze of color and creativity, then you’ll understand exactly what it’s like exploring Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea. We started our day venturing up one of the narrow walkways that snake through the hillside — and honestly, we had no idea where it would lead. Some of the streets were so tight my husband could barely stand elbow-to-elbow! Between the winding alleys, steep stairways, and vibrant walls, every turn felt like part of an adventure. Fair warning — this spot is a bit of a workout. If you have mobility issues, it’s best to admire this one from the lower levels or enjoy it through photos. But if you can make the climb, trust me, the views (and the vibe!) are 100% worth it. As we climbed higher, we started hearing soft piano music drifting from one of the shops, mixed with the gentle hum of people chatting above us. That’s when we knew — we’d reached the top!

Imagine sipping a refreshing drink… that literally floats down from the sky. Sounds like something out of a dream, right? But this isn’t fantasy — it’s reality at the Blue House on the Stairs in Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan. And let me tell you, it’s even cooler than it sounds.

Would you believe there are public exercise machines just sitting out on the street in Gamcheon Culture Village? Yep — no gym membership required! Just hop on and go. I actually owned one of those gazelle-style machines back in the 2000s, so of course, I had to jump on for a quick nostalgia workout. We picked up right where we left off — heading up a steep hill toward the village. The drive up was a mystery adventure in itself. Our driver stopped in what felt like the middle of nowhere — no people, no tourists, just us and a quiet street that seemed to climb straight into the clouds. I guess it was uphill from there! As we started our climb, Gamcheon’s magic began to reveal itself. Bright murals appeared around every corner, golden sculptures shimmered in the sunlight, and giant flower installations decorated the streets. It felt like walking through an open-air art gallery — every wall had a story to tell.

After days of sailing through Japan, we finally made it to Busan, and let me tell you… this city is even more stunning than I imagined. Our ship pulled into the harbor under bright blue skies, the sun reflecting off the water, and mountains framing the city in the distance. From the deck, you can see modern skyscrapers rising above the coastline — sleek, shiny, and so clean. It’s that perfect blend of nature and modern design that makes Busan instantly captivating.

Tell me you’re about to have the best meal of your cruise… without telling me you’re about to have the best meal of your cruise. That’s exactly how Day 10 of our Celebrity Cruise in Japan finished off in Fukuoka, where we decided to treat ourselves to one of the ship’s most talked-about specialty dining options — the Tuscan Grille.

When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Sushi? Temples? Cherry blossoms? Well, let me tell you — there’s so much more. On Day 10 of our Celebrity Cruise, we docked in Fukuoka, and wow, this city surprised us at every corner. From color-changing tea to ceiling-hanging gas pumps, Japan truly knows how to keep things interesting! 🍱 The Art of Fake Food (Yes, Really!) Before you even sit down for a meal in Japan, you’ll probably stop in your tracks at the fake food displays. These hyper-realistic plastic dishes, known as “sampuru,” are an art form in themselves. They were invented in the 1920s to help customers visualize menu items — and honestly, they’re so realistic that I almost wanted to order everything. Fun Fact: Some sampuru displays cost as much as the real meal — and there are even workshops where you can make your own!