The famous floating torii (gate) in Miyajima
Okay, I apologize. I've been really terrible at updating this. Here is the end of November ...
The coolest Hello Kitty store in Miyajima
I went to Nabari for a suprise birthday party for Jamie and Amy which was really fun. We had a big sleepover at Amy's and watched Harold and Kumar. The next day we had a JET Sports Day and I am happy to say that my team won! Then the rain came and decided that they didnt want us to have Sports Day so we fled to the cars and then to the onsen ...
Changing leaves in Miyajima
I know I've talked about "onsens" before --- hot springs --- a staple of Japanese society. I try to go to as many as possible. This night we went up into the mountains of Nara prefecture and went to an amazing outside onsen that had a huge pool with Roman Waterfalls and a glittering night sky. There, in the naked hot spring water, I had a deep philosophical conversation with Jamie and anticipated my trip to the Philippines to see Daniel.
Angie and I eating famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (pancakes with squid, noodles, etc) in Hiroshima
The next week I went to a teachers house for an afternoon lunch/dinner and played extensively with their 1 year old son, Yugo. I think I am finally getting the mother/child playing gene as I think I am now known around the staff room for having the ability to come to your house and throw your child around until they are beaming happily at the foreigner.
The A-bomb domb in Hiroshima. The only remnant left from the attack, in the Hiroshima Peace Park. Very haunting.
The next weekend, Nov. 16-18, Angie and I took a trip to Hiroshima. The leaves were changing, the air was crisp, and there was lots of internationalization to be had. We visited the A-Bomb dome, the childrens statue and paper cranes, walked through the museum, and hung out at the Hiroshima Peace Park. The city has transformed itself into an avenue for promoting peace, and you can really feel the vibe when walking around. There is no "woe is me" feeling here, only one of peace, happiness, prosperity, and internationalization.
Angie and I in front of the Peace Fountain
The childrens statue and glass containers holding hundreds of thousands of paper cranes sent from around the world as a sign of peace.
The most interesting part of the trip was learning something new about Hiroshima. The mayor of Hiroshima writes a letter to the leader/president/prime minister of any country that has a nuclear bomb test. Each letter is different and unique, no country is exempt. There are letters posted all around the museum to the likes of George Bush, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, etc etc. urging them to stop having nuclear bomb tests and to work towards peace. Truly inspiring.
We also visited Miyajima, the famous place with the floating torii (red gate to enter a temple). Miyajima is quientassential Japan. Very beautiful, clean, and starkly unique in Japanese style.
Pagoda in Miyajima
The best part of the weekend you ask? It must have been the falafel that we had at the Israeli-owned restaurant. And hanging out with our new French friend Remy. And eating more good food.
French friend, Remy.
Jumping for joy becuase of all the pretty leaves and pretty things in Miyajima. A view from Miyajima on a perfect day (And to show you that Robyn is still Robyn :)).
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