Nagasaki nights with Maranaka

So after an 8 hour train ride (that included two transfers - the last one I made by 120 seconds) I safely arrived in Nagasaki station. Mission one completed. Finding my hotel, however, was an entirely different story, which required taking the Number 4 street car to Shokakuji-Shita station, transfering to the Number 5 line toward Ishibashi and getting off at Ourakaigan-Dori. Talk about a mouthful. Of course, things didn't go entirely to plan. After navigating the crowded street car (with 2 bags and many more unhappy passengers) I got out at the correct transfer station Tsuki-Machi. So I'm standing on the side of the street waiting for the next car, when I realize that everyone on the car is looking at me, including the irate driver. Apparently I didn't pay the proper amount when I got on. So I walk up to the front, pay as fast as I can, leave and try to blend into the sidewalk. Thankfully I know little Japanese (and no swear words) because I'm sure there were a few choice ones thrown in my direction.

I arrive safely at Hotel Monterey Nagasaki, which is a unique blend of Dutch and Japanese architecture, drop off my bags and set out in search of a bite. I'm walking towards the city center when I stop in the first restaurant. Imagine walking into a place and having the music stop - that was about the reception I got. Leaving quickly, I see a cafe up the street and go to the door. I think it might have been a karoke place because the translated sign on the door said something to the effect of, Japanese speaking only. Detered, but still ravenous, I happen further up the street upon Maranaka and venture inside this tranditional sushi house. The head chef Mr. Maranaka welcomes me with English, a glorious assortment of sushi, and too much sake. An hour into the meal he suggests we venture downtown for some more festivities. I'm like why not? and on the way downtown, he tells me about his good friend who is the sushi chef at the Ritz-Carlton in DC (excellent!) We wind up going to three more local places I couldn't find again with a map and GPS, sampling more sake, which was extraordinarily delicious, and another sushi house where I sample the freshest most delicious mackrel, salmon, unagi, and shrimp I have ever had. I bid Mr. Maranaka good night and find my way back to the hotel. What a way to start my adventure in Nagasaki.