D+5: Level-up @ A-Bomb Dome

Forgot to mention something from yesterday. I only noticed this in Hiroshima, maybe Kansai also. JHS and HS girls love to take pictures with random foreigners, well, the stereotypical foreigners like white and black dudes.

It's an early morning.  After Kazu saw me off at Nishi-Hiroshima, I attended the Peace Memorial ceremony. As I suspected, everyone and their moms and mom's cousins were going. When I arrived shortly after 8am, the park was packed and it became a huge battle to find any open spot to get a good view (for pictures).

The ceremony was solemn and well organized. Various officials from Hiroshima, the national gov't, and other countries came to speak against nuclear war and paid their respects. Somewhere doves were released for symbolism. Finally, children choir sang. It was touching but scorching hot. Luckily, they had free cold water and towels.

I got some free flowers and paid my respect as well, after lining up under the sun for another 15 mins. I didn't pray for the end of nuclear weapons or wars like many; I understand that war is necessary. I prayed for men with the resolve to wage war when needed.

I lingered around the museum, but instead I went into the other building. This's where I'll be until late afternoon. I had a tea ceremony and folded cranes for a while. The origami teacher (an older lady) showed me all kinds of cool tricks to make the crane look different (e.g. multicolored body, long wings). Then, this professor jumped in with some crazy pro skills and made a treasure boat from origami kimono. Once they found out I'm an English teacher working in Tohoku, all kinds of talks and pleasantries started and I got a bunch of origami stuff as souvenirs.

At the event, I also met another older gal (Rieko). Had lunch (Mexican, of all foods) and went to the afternoon memorial events with her. She's really nice, but got a little Fatoma-ish before I left in the night bus. However, she meant well and just wanted to see me off.

The afternoon stuff are all JHS level exhibitions. One of them was light writing with slow-shutter speed cameras. The students here are much more eager about speaking English, and all kinds of pleasantries flew once Rieko introduced me to them. Then again, Hiroshima's an international city and English's way more useful. Maybe someday I can teach here.

I rounded off the evening with lantern floating event. Mostly picture taking, but somehow I ended up waist deep in the river and unwillingly part of the volunteer staff pushing lanterns down the river.

Had a great "homecoming", everything and more. It's the little human experiences that make traveling fun, even to a repeat place.

Onward to Osaka!