Hiroshima

This is written by my mom, Darlene, about her trip to Hiroshima this past August.

This is the "A-Bomb Dome" that was the former Industrial Promotion Hall.  Close the Ground Zero.

What is left of the building has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.




This is the Children's Peace Monument,

Inside the Monument is the Peace Bell.  Anyone can ring the bell and say a chant or prayer.
The sound of the bell is so sad because we all know what happened.
Please read the story below about one child victim.

Sadako thought that if she made 1,000 paper cranes, she would get better, since the crane is a Japanese symbol for longevity and happiness. The Japanese schools will always replace the paper cranes as they fade.

 

 

 

This is the Peace Mound containing the ashes of tens of thousands of people cremated on this spot.

A statue of a mother trying to protect her children.
Behind the water fountain is the Memorial Museum which tells the story and aftermath of the devastation to the city.  Even a picture of an imprint of a dark shadow on the granite steps of a bank building -  the sole remains of someone sitting there at the time.

A picture of a drum through a window at the art museum.

These are more of the paper cranes made by children at school.  They want 1,000 cranes there at all times.

Hiroshima Castle that was completely destroyed and was faithfully rebuilt.

Had to EAT!!!!!!!

I wanted one of each, but Jeff refrained me.

Jeff looked pretty darn good and composed.

Me?? It was (I think) the hottest day of my life and looked it.  This is iced coffee and was GREAT!!

On our way to Miyajima Island noted for its famous "Floating Torii".

Tame deer - No shotguns allowed!

These Japanese Ladies were always smiling, every time you looked.

No care in the world for this deer - I'm sure that he is well-fed.

Here is the famous Torii.  When the tide comes in, it gives the appearance of floating.

Behind the shrine is Momijidani Park (Maple Leaf Valley).  A cable car station that takes one up to the top of Mount Misen where there is a monkey sanctuary and lots of natural trails.
They say the scenic view is beautiful.  Jeff and I were too exhausted to try that because of the heat and humidity.

Wonder how they crossed the bridge when the wood is wet from rain.

One of the statues outside one of the temples.

A really long street of vendors.  Quite interesting on what a variety they were selling,

Now this is interesting. Read below.

We went inside a mall and we were fascinated with the way they showed off the floors.
There were ten (10) floors.

We were gone all day and got home late at night.
Jeff and I took the Bullet Train (Shinkansen).  We were on the Nozomi - the fastest and most
expensive.   It is timed to the minute for long distance journeys.  About two (2) hours back and forth each way.  Did so much walking that I had a nice size blister on my right foot.

Sayonara!!!!!!!!