We're back from Hiroshima... got back at 11pm after a 7 hour train endurance trip (thanks to Eli). Kyoto was beautiful and modern at the same time. We found many shrines in the city... many in the middle of shopping areas, random street corners and hiddened behind small neighborhoods. We did meet some very nice Japanese people who help us out while we were stranded in a quiet neighborhood without a taxi drenching in the rain. They exhibited warmth beyond the outward curtousy of other strangers we're meet. While we stood outside of this tiny coffee shop drenched in the rain trying to hail a taxi, the owners invited us in, paid for a call on a pay phone to a taxi company to arrange our ride, and then offered us water while we waited.
We also had the chance to visit the Hiroshima Atomic Bombing Memorial Museum which was eye opening. I had to choke back tears as we passed one horrific picture after another. Over 140,000 people died from the Hiroshima atomic bombing, with many more who had to suffer lifelong physical and phychological consequences. Because of this tregedy, the Japanese people have a strong desire to find peace and stay out of wars.
Our last few days here will be spent doing some manual labor, and spending one more Friday night event to hang out with the Japanese students. Then we're set to fly back to the US on Saturday morning. See you all then.
