Japan Day 1 & 2 Hiroshima

Despite getting in late, we knew we would wake up early because of our internal clocks.  We were prepared and we headed for the train to take us to the first ferry to Miyajima.  We hadn't bought anything yet and were excited to try a bread shop, but it wasn't open so we had to settle on convenience store bakery items (still yummy!)  We took the ferry over to the island and Dave finally saw what he had been hoping to see: the old time Japanese culture and architecture.  It was exactly what he wanted and it was exactly how I remembered it.  We enjoyed seeing the monks in the traditional garb walking in the shrine getting ready for morning services.  I finally realized what the little trinkets I always saw on my mission were (tokens blessed for certain 'fortunes' by the priests at the shrines- so you could buy a token for car safety, pregnancy, health, good marriage, etc etc).  

We then hiked up to the top of Mt Misen to get a view of the islands around and the city of Hiroshima.  It was an invigorating hike, we met a foreigner from Austria with whom we chatted (he was impressed with our hiking speed).   Dave loved the vending machines at every corner (even when you thought you were away from civilization) and we tried many different kinds of drinks (although most were tea and coffee... luckily I could read enough to let him know which ones were 'safe') 

We hiked through a gorgeous park on our way down and enjoyed the beautiful spring weather. 

We got some delicious oyster and beef stick (which the deer tried to steal from me right after this photo)

We sat down for my long awaited Hiroshima OKONOMIYAKI and it was every bit as amazing as I was hoping.  Dave loved it, too!  It was so much food and you don't tip in Japan so it was much cheaper than we were expecting to pay ($15 for both of us).

We took the train back to Hiroshima and hit up the castle... which was a small museum.


Practiced being samurai

We finally came to the peace park.  I have many memories of lunches at this park and of tracting and talking to people here. It was beautiful and peaceful.  We took a short nap in the grass before heading into the Atomic Bomb memorial. 

the Eternal Flame in memory of those who lost their life in the bombing of Hiroshima. 

the realities of the Atomic bomb are sobering and depressing.  But the city that has risen from ashes is amazing and thriving.  It is a glorious truth that we will always rise above the terrible things that come our way. 

We found a shop to eat at on our way back to the hotel and Dave got sushi.  It wasn't the American-ized sushi he is use to so I think he was a bit disappointed, but this is the Japanese way!

We were exhausted by 6 pm and called it a night. 

Day 2

We woke up early so we headed to a temple.  The rain was lightly falling and we had the temple completely to ourselves.  Mitaki temple was beautiful. We loved the peace and the nature.  

We headed back to the hotel for a breakfast Japanese style (salad, soups, bread, and a token American egg)  Despite it being really different, I loved it and so did Dave.

We headed to church and accidentally went to the wrong ward (Thanks google maps and my own silly brain for not remembering!!)  We 'luckily' saw the missionaries and figured out how to get to Hikari ward and showed up 20 mins late.  It was difficult to listen to much in Japanese.

Sister Chiemi a favorite member and helper in missionary work. 

We walked around the area and found my old apartment and I did a lot of reminiscing.  My favorite Japanese Mom, Mami Tanaka prepared an amazing meal for us and my first baptized investigator Ishida shimai.  She doesn't speak any English, so it was much more difficult to carry on a long conversation.  Luckily Sister Tanaka was so helpful.  It was amazing to see Sister Ishida.  She has a new baby and is so loving and peaceful.  Now that I am a mom I can see what difficult years we knew her in.  It is amazing to see her growth and yet, she is still the same beautiful woman I loved a decade ago.   The Japanese always prepare such an amazing spread and send us home with more food to eat.  Sister Tanaka is aboslutely inspirational in all she gives to the church and her friends.

Day 1 & 2 Hiroshima   Day 3 & 4 Kyoto  Day 5 & 6 Himeji & Takayama   Day 7 Tokyo