We pulled back the curtains this morning just as we were passing under a bridge, it wasn’t something either of us had anticipated.
We had formulated a plan for today but hadn’t factored in something to eat as nothing was coming up on the Happy Cow app so although not really hungry, we both forced down some breakfast that neither of us really wanted. We were eventually off the ship at 8:50 and started to make our way to the nearest tram stop on the blue line which was Dejina.
The plan being to start with the furthest away and gradually work our way back to the ship and our first place to visit was the Peace Park. I had lots of preconceived ideas of how I would feel when visiting this particular place but it delivered the feel and atmosphere it obviously sets out to relay. The statues relate exactly what they need to and are very poignant.
What I don’t understand is the need to have your photo taken with them which is what we witnessed many times this morning. You should be reflecting on how hideous the human race can be an making sure things like this should not be replicated ever again. We found the area very apt for reminding us such monstrosities and in particular the 8th of August 1945.
We also visited the Atomic Bomb Museum but again found a lot of the remnants, artifacts and photos too much to comprehend so although glad we made the effort, we ended up skimming many of the displays. It was a really tough place to visit.
So, moving on, back on the trams and the blue line to Nagasaki Railway Station where I found a couple of EKI stamps and we had some lunch in the adjacent food hall, Nagasaki seems to behind the rest of the world when it comes to veganism as there is only one place which is a Bento Bar.
We got back on the Blue line to the end of the line where it was a short walk to Yasaka Shrine then another couple of hundred yards or so to the Sofuku-ji Temple.
As we were in the area we made our way around the bottom of the cemetery and visited Kofukuji Temple as well.
We then walked back to the tram stop and caught a couple of trams back to the cruise ship one of which was virtually empty.
We are very tired tonight but very thankful of our time in Japan, this trip was a taster for next year and and has planted a big seed for the next installment. Tomorrow we are in Busan, South Korea which has the potential to be another full on day so an early night is in order.
Fitbit Steps – 19,609