Hiroshima
We have finally arrived in Tokyo for the final leg of our Japan trip. It's perhaps not surprising that after 2 weeks south and in the smaller cities/towns, the scale of Tokyo needs some adjustment.
Each place we have been to has had its own flavour and peculiarities, but I can say thus far that there are places we've been highly taken with, while others have been a bit on the 'meh' side.
I had never stayed in Hiroshima so this was a first. Even though we only managed one night, we were able to explore the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park fairly thoroughly given the unremitting rain. I admit to having a heavy heart when going through the museum and could not bring myself to walk through the exhibit detailing the scope of the human injuries. But the museum itself is thoughtfully done and careful to avoid blame (neutral language and attempts to cover the events leading up to, including and after the tragic bombing of Hiroshima covering a number of perspectives). It was a sombre moment which perhaps the grey weather contributed to.
We did have a lovely surprising moment when a group of about 6 Grade 6 students from Yamaguchi prefecture stopped us, and one young boy shyly read from a prepared script asking us if it was ok to talk to us (to practice their English and spread the message of peace). Shy boy was occasionally prompted by a much more articulate young girl, especially when we asked questions that veered from the script. ^_^ In any case, they gave us some hand outs about who they were and what they were doing, and a cute paper crane with each neat pack. There's a return address to the principal of the school and the students, so I might send them back a little surprise when I get back to Perth.
Hiroshima will also be remembered for street side croquettes, which claimed to be the best in Japan! Well, whether it was or not, they were yummy! Had a minced meat variety that had very little potato. It was also where we enjoyed okonomiyaki and the spectacle that made it quite a sight. Our receptionist at the hostel we stayed at (Hiroshima Hana Hostel, for anyone who's interested) was most genki and recommended that we try a place not far away - which, on the 6 floor, was one of about 15 stores ALL selling okonomiyaki! Good thing we asked for a recommendation then! I had one called King of Rookie (spicey, with pork), while harlzen had the Yume (has squid and lots of spring onion). They also added a heap of soba, which I understand is the Hiroshima specialty and thus sets it apart from other varieties. And no batter at all. As such, it was crunchy (with all that cabbage) and much more of a mound. The chefs were really working hard at it as the tables were never empty. A small group of school girls and their teachers, who had obviously reserved a seat, showed up as we started tucking into our dinner (which I failed to finish... sad when I think about it now, but I was fairly bursting at the time!)
And now we're in Tokyo, which rightly deserves its own post. Later!
Each place we have been to has had its own flavour and peculiarities, but I can say thus far that there are places we've been highly taken with, while others have been a bit on the 'meh' side.
I had never stayed in Hiroshima so this was a first. Even though we only managed one night, we were able to explore the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park fairly thoroughly given the unremitting rain. I admit to having a heavy heart when going through the museum and could not bring myself to walk through the exhibit detailing the scope of the human injuries. But the museum itself is thoughtfully done and careful to avoid blame (neutral language and attempts to cover the events leading up to, including and after the tragic bombing of Hiroshima covering a number of perspectives). It was a sombre moment which perhaps the grey weather contributed to.
We did have a lovely surprising moment when a group of about 6 Grade 6 students from Yamaguchi prefecture stopped us, and one young boy shyly read from a prepared script asking us if it was ok to talk to us (to practice their English and spread the message of peace). Shy boy was occasionally prompted by a much more articulate young girl, especially when we asked questions that veered from the script. ^_^ In any case, they gave us some hand outs about who they were and what they were doing, and a cute paper crane with each neat pack. There's a return address to the principal of the school and the students, so I might send them back a little surprise when I get back to Perth.
Hiroshima will also be remembered for street side croquettes, which claimed to be the best in Japan! Well, whether it was or not, they were yummy! Had a minced meat variety that had very little potato. It was also where we enjoyed okonomiyaki and the spectacle that made it quite a sight. Our receptionist at the hostel we stayed at (Hiroshima Hana Hostel, for anyone who's interested) was most genki and recommended that we try a place not far away - which, on the 6 floor, was one of about 15 stores ALL selling okonomiyaki! Good thing we asked for a recommendation then! I had one called King of Rookie (spicey, with pork), while harlzen had the Yume (has squid and lots of spring onion). They also added a heap of soba, which I understand is the Hiroshima specialty and thus sets it apart from other varieties. And no batter at all. As such, it was crunchy (with all that cabbage) and much more of a mound. The chefs were really working hard at it as the tables were never empty. A small group of school girls and their teachers, who had obviously reserved a seat, showed up as we started tucking into our dinner (which I failed to finish... sad when I think about it now, but I was fairly bursting at the time!)
And now we're in Tokyo, which rightly deserves its own post. Later!