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Published: March 4th 2015
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Our first day in Hiroshima was quite relaxed. Apart from having a stroll around the immediate area, we took it quite slow. One highlight of the day however was having okonomiyaki for dinner. This was unlike any other okonomiyaki previously mentioned. The portion sizes were big and we in essence got 2 each, one consisting of noodle, the other more of a vegetable mix. Both made by creating a pancake like base and fried egg on top. These were so delicious and very filling. We both cant wait to start making these dishes back home.
Another memorable moment during our stay was an evening spent at our hostel. As this hostel had a sociable lounge area, we got talking to other guests whilst enjoying our Japanese beers. Amongst them was a girl from Sydney, a guy from Melbourne, an english girl from Dorset and us two. We were all getting along nicely until Ian, a 64 year old and slightly drunken man from Scotland walked in. All he kept saying was how Japan was in need of pasta and as he has collected a few tons over the years, if ever there was a food crisis he would be saved
by his pasta. A very bizarre man. The conversations took many twists and turns and had most of us in stitches with the most unexpected things he said. Mostly relating to pasta. Sadly he did express many controversial perspectives on race, gender, religion and japanese culture that we all did not agree with. Rather than offending anyone we were just all were shocked on how he managed to navigate through Japan (on 4 McDonalds fillet o fish burgers a day lol) and amused on how he generally managed to get by in life. Never met a character like that before.
During our full day in Hiroshima, waking up late morning, we spent the day enjoying the Hiroshima Castle and the island of Miyajima. Miyajima is an island off the coast of Hiroshima and is famous for its Floating Red Shrine and the picturesque walk to the top of Mount Misen (approx 2.5 km).
Never one to miss out on a challenge, we took the most difficult route to the top of mount Misen. This was not for the faint hearted, it was more like a climb at some points. The steps were steep and we ended up
stripping down to our base layers of clothing due to the amount of energy we exerted.
It took us about an hour although we did push ourselves with P striding ahead and then stopping and Chris trying to pace himself. The view at the top was definitely worth, it was absolutely stunning and what was even better was being able to enjoy this moment by ourselves, no one in sight. We would say it was one of those moments where you felt at ease with yourself and the world. Nothing else seemed to matter. Looking down at the smaller boats, peaks and buildings, everything felt so small. You had no problems, worries or fears. It was liked time stopped and you were were given this opportunity to absorb this wonderful moment. Minutes later, we were soon brought back to reality with the rain beating down on us, some music blaring and some rowdy local boys. Not wanting to stick about we took the longer more scenic route down. As the sun had just set, the crowds seen earlier nearby the red floating had all disappeared and we got to enjoy this illuminated sight with only a handful of others.
Feeling wet and cold, but delighted with ourselves we set about our 2 hr journey home.
Looking for food on the island did not result in much success. One thing that hit big time with the locals & tourists was mixed meat/fish popsicle sticks, so we thought we'd give it a go. Chris opted for Chicken, P cheese and bacon. P ended up giving the majority of hers to the deers that inhabited the island as she disliked the rubbery texture and octopus like taste. Chris feeling impartial about his ate his quite easily.
On our last day in Hiroshima we spent the morning at the Peace park memorial museum. It was deeply moving experience as we walked through viewing the exhibits and testimonies from that fateful August morning in 1945. It was a very somber morning but would recommend it to anyone visiting Hiroshima.
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