Thursday, July 17, 2025 - Hiroshima Peace Park

 Our time to take the free hotel shuttle to transportation, central train station was 855 am.This hotel is remote from public transportation, an buses and streetcars serve the city. We each had a banana to eat before  meeting Kenji and Leo. I walked aroundthe lobby enjoying very much the sounds of the central fountain and water falling over small rocks.

A city bus stop is right in front of the hotel. We rode into the center of the city to a stop near the Peace Park. We were there for the next six hours. It includes memorials to those who died in the atomic bomb attack August 6, 1945 as well as those who succumbed to the after effects - radiation, burns, I juries. There was a memorial to children killed in the attack and to the young people who volunteered to fight for Japan in WWII. And then there was the museum: video recounting some first-hand survivor stories, and more stories through photos - before and after the bombing. Moving were remembered words of victims as they responded to the 8:15 am attack. I was glad to see the museum crowded. The photos and words shall remain prominent in my memory. The exhibition concluded with photos and descriptions of the circumstances which lead to the bombing g as well as to the talks among nations that had developed nuclear weapons to reduce the threats of their use. It left a strong message that no unclear weapon must ever be used.

What a change was the experience and scene at a nearby restaurant located in acovered mall.  Stairs led up to a small landing where one selected and paid for the ramen dish of choice as well as completing a sheet with options for levels of spiciness. We four were then shown to a counter, sat on stools and noted each stool and counter area was separated from the next by a wooden barrier. In front of each of us was a window through which I could see a little bit of the serving/,kitchen area.  Someone came and picked up the papers with  my order, and a few minutes later a bowl with ramen in Roth with pork and vegetables arrived it was delicious. I could talk with Kenji over and around the wooden barrier between us, yet I think that this sort of setting is meant for eating without conversation. Nevertheless, I am g,ac for the experience. 

Our supper experience was also unique. Afer cooling down at our hotel we took thecity bus again to downtown Hiroshima Karin led us a building occupied by thepree floors of small eateries all of which prepare okonomiyaki. This dish is prepared in front of the guest who is seated on a stool at a counter. A very large and hot griddle separates the chef and the guest. First comes pancake batter swirled in a circle with a firm spatula. On to is laid a huge mound of cut cabbage, the some seaweed and beansprours, the a few slices of bacon. An egg is cracked open onto the griddle and swirled into a circle. The entire  ound is turned over on top of the egg mixture, turned back again and covered with a brown sauce. It is ready to eat. With a small and firm spatula I cut away a portion, much like a piece of pie, and place it on a small plate to eat with chopstick It was delicious  and fun to watch and talk with the older pair cooking for all others seated around the griddle. What a happy and  new and memorable eating experience this was. I topped it off with green tea smoothie as we walked through the lively street to locate a cab, for the municipal bus had concluded its runs for the day. It was just before 9 pm.

Rain had stopped, and we were happy ready to call it a day.

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