Took this photo as we were heading back to our hostel from the Kyoto train station.
Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima, Japan
This is a photo from the outside of the entrance to the Hiroshima Castle. Because the castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb, it was rebuilt several years later.
By the way, I've been told that there are issues with commenting on my posts, that I've yet to have time to troubleshoot. If you are interested in commenting and are stuck on the part that asks you to type in words to verify your post, just highlight some part of the text of the comment box and drag it down. Not sure if that makes sense, but basically, there's just no scrollbar on the right - but the submit button is there...
Day 4: Kyoto to Hiroshima to Miyajima, Japan
It is now Thursday morning here in Japan and we are getting ready to head out for another fun-filled day! Yesterday, we took a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Hiroshima was a very educational experience, and to actually be there to see the destruction of the first atomic bomb ever dropped on mankind was an eye-opening event. I've learned plenty about it, but to be in the Memorial Museum and to watch videos of survivors retell their stories was quite saddening. I'm definitely glad I got to see the Peace Park, and feel personally, more inspired to learn about the history of the world and to make some sort of positive difference (I'm an idealist, I know).
Anyway, this was a photo of the A-Bomb dome, remnants of the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall. They have been rebuilding, and besides memorials like this, its hard to tell that a nuclear weapon devastated and destroyed a couple mile radius area, instantly killing all the people in its way.
Within Hiroshima, we also went to the Hiroshima Castle and walked down Hidori Street. In the morning we took a train and ferry to Miyajima, the island known for the red Torii gate in the water. Japan is so beautiful! Off to another day of adventure. I think we are going to surrounding cities today - Osaka, Nara, and Kobe.
Day 3: Tokyo, Japan to Kyoto, Japan via the Shinkansen
The itinerary for today included the bullet train ride to Kyoto, southwest of Tokyo. Since we weren't able to get the earliest train ride out to Kyoto, we ended up heading to the Tokyo Tower. On the way there, we came across the Zojo-Ji Shrine, where we found rows and rows of these small concrete statues. I later found out that these are called Jizo statues, typically adorned with bibs and red knit caps and are put there by parents of children that died young because Jizo is regarded as the guardian of children.
After we meandered through the shrine, we got to the tower, returned to the train station, and made a quick stop in Harajuku before going back to Tokyo station to catch the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. After arriving in Kyoto, we found our hostel and started exploring a temple close by. Rain drops came falling as we walked to find food and visit the Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Train Station. I loved the train station there - its huge and beautiful!
Day 2: Tokyo, Japan
Yesterday, we woke up bright and early, planning to head to Tokyo for the famous fish market. But, since we were informed that it was Labor Day in Japan (a national holiday), I checked online and the market was closed for the day. We ended up just heading to Tokyo from Ageo early anyways. One of our first stops was Shibuya (photo) - known for the large intersection that goes horizontally, vertically and horizontally. Since we were there early, there weren't as many people as there usually are during rush hour, but I can definitely imagine how it'd be. We then headed to the Imperial Palace and walked around the Ginza upscale shopping area and the Akhabara entertainment district where we were entertained by the interactive Sony store. It was indeed a very long day, and I'm sure we did much more, but I'm drawing a blank right now. Tokyo has so much to see!
Currently in Kyoto! Another post to come after.
Day 1: Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada to Narita Airport to Aego City, Japan
What a long day of traveling, but well worth it because we are now in Japan! We had a stopover in Vancouver, Canada where I met up with Bonny and Cynthia (who were flying from SFO) and then proceeded on our 10-hour flight to Narita Airport outside of Tokyo! Val picked us up from the airport and we took a train through Tokyo and to Ageo, a "suburb" outside of Tokyo. We met up with some locals and headed to a restaurant/bar where we had everything from raw salmon to raw chicken to yakisoba. The food was delicious, especially after a day of fast food and airplane food. After the meal and drinks, we headed to a Karoake place and sang classics from TLC, Celine Dion, NSYNC, Green Day, Oasis, among others. And yes, I sang! The people are really nice! The first day was great - we are going to get about 1 hour of sleep right now (its about 3:30am) and wake up and head to the fish markets in Tokyo. Sleeping is optional on this trip. More to come soon!
Pauley Pavilion, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
Losses are never fun to watch, but at least you know that you can only go up from there. This is a photo of the famed Pauley Pavilion at UCLA, while UCLA was still leading. Two overtimes later, and a loss to Cal State Fullerton and I wasn't so happy anymore. At least tonight's game against Cal State Bakersfield was a win. Let's hope the bruins practice hard, put their hearts into it and can improve as a team. I'm not used to seeing losses like this!
Last post for a few days - I'm traveling again! Will post once I have internet and have photos to upload. Where in the world is Victoria? You shall see in my next post. :)
Wyoming State Capital, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA
On my past trip to Colorado, we decided to take a side trip to Wyoming. Bison and emptiness greeted us across the Wyoming border. I mean, maybe that can be attributed to the fact that it was Sunday - but I'm thinking other days aren't much different. Snow still covered the road (and also caused delays going into Wyoming), but made for some great scenery. The State Capital building had a gold-plated dome over it, and was surrounded by pure white snow. Brrrr...
Window, Liverpool Train Station, London, United Kingdom
From within the Liverpool Train Station, the wide glass windows brought views of downtown buildings. That day, I walked around the station, taking photos of the tourists exploring the area and the locals on their way to work. The design of this window stood out.
Red Truck, Sarchi, Costa Rica
In the town known for ox carts of all sizes beautifully hand-painted in an assortment of colors, Sarchi was a nice side trip from San Jose. The town is known as an artisan community, full of stores displaying souvenirs of their famous hand-crafted ox carts. Before heading back out to San Jose, we stopped at a gas station and as we were filling up, this red truck left the station and went on its way.
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