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If I had to pick the solemnest day of this trip, this would be the day. For a majority of the day, we explored the Atomic Bomb Museum and grounds where, at World War II's breaking edge, the United States dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan; one in Nagasaki and the other in Hiroshima. The tour begins in the museum where numerous stories are told and pictures are hung out to paint a clear image of the atrocity and horror that a bomb can cause.
At the start of the museum is a large room with descriptions of different areas of Hiroshima. Each description tells how the city was a hub for the economy; shops lined the streets, cars overflowed the roads, and people lived in harmony. Then, under these descriptions, are the effects after the atomic bomb was dropped. I remember there were two large scale models in this room, one model depicted what the city looked like before the bombing, and the other after the bombing. Nearly 3 buildings remained standing amongst the ashes of what now is history. The whole city was completely destroyed within seconds.
Because of the incredible amounts of radiation given off from the explosion,
people were mutally burned to death. Some were lucky enough to survive but the pain of burns was enough to make you want to die. In years to come, many babies that were born in the area had several deficiences as a result of the atom bomb.
Outside of the museum was a beautifully landscaped pavilion in which there is the Atomic Bomb Memorial. The structure of the memorial is plain and simple; essentially and arch made of stone. Under the arch is a granite casket filled with all the names of those taken by the explosion. Up a little further is the Children's Atomic Bomb Memorial and surrounding it our small glass enclosures entirely full of paper cranes made by people. People make 1000 paper cranes together and they are displayed in these enclosures for people to see. There were even messages made out of cranes spelling "peace". Finally, across the main river, is the Atomic Bomb Dome Memorial. This building survived the immediate blast because the bomb was dropped right next to it. Because it was so close, the building did not get demolished. Now, what remains is shattered walls with iron beams supporting the structure. This was
my favorite part of the whole museum because it symbolizes life; that life can never be destroyed, there always remains an inner light and even an enormous nuclear weapon cannot destroy that. The city underwent a new renovation; it was rebuilt and now is still a major perfecture in all of Japan.
Later on that day, the group went to Miyajima Island, the site of the famous Miyajima Shrine and the famous floating Torii. Getting right off the ferry, you head out of the station and into a park. Here, there, and everywhere, are DEER!! Literally, deer walk amongst the people in search of food. This was an amazing experience to be there and everyone got a kick out of feeding the hungry (and I mean hungry) deer. A couple people even went nearby to purchase deer buiscuts and feed them. Alex M. was feeding the deer but each one wanted it all and so they began to chase her down the sidewalk!! It was so funny, but they really do anything to get something to eat. After a half hour of seeing these creatures, we headed in the direction of Miyajima Shrine. The Torii that stands in the water
is one of the most famous symbols of Japan. It happened to be low tide so we walked right up to the gate and took some pictures. What an amazing experience!! After some people split up, Noda sensei, me, and others wanted to go atop the island's highest mountain where Japanese Maqaques live. So we went up the Momijidani Line to the top. Let me tell you, it is high!! Going up the ropeway all you can see is the horizon and the canopy of the trees below. Unfortunately for us, at the time we went up, the monkeys had retreated to the forest for their dinner. We were all very disappointed but at least we had the advantage of seeing the gorgeous view.
Miyajima Island reminds me a lot of Martha's Vineyard except a little different architecturally wise. It is a quaint little island but is an awesome place to visit. I must say, it was really neat to be able to pet deer right in front of you. The deer are actually sacred animals in Japan but many locals think that they are a nuicance. Today was an emotional day yet complimented by a stunning island with DEER!!
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