Hello to all of you!

 

Today was the day we spent travelling from Tokyo to our host city, Hiroshima.  We left our hotel at 9:00 and headed to the Tokyo station.  Once we arrived, we boarded the Shinkansen (bullet train) and set off for Hiroshima.  We had a 4 hour train ride going 185 miles per hour. That's fast!  We travelled through many cities and towns.  I got to see houses and fields, mostly rice as well as beautiful mountains and forests.  I learned that most of Japan's farmers are small family farmers who share the cost of farm equipment with other farmers in their town.  They grow enough rice to feed their families with just a little left over to take to market.  Most of Japan's land is covered by mountains that are too steep to build on so the houses and towns are crowded together on the flat land that is available.

 

We reached Hiroshima around 2:00 PM and got onto another bus.  This bus took us to the ferry terminal to go to Miyajima, a small island in Hiroshima bay which has on of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan.  It is a large complex of beautiful buildings built on the edge of the bay.  The tide was out when we were there but when the tide is in, the whole complex looks like it's floating.  Our group director taught us the correct way to wash our hands and mouth for purification before we entered the shrine.  We also learned the correct procedure for making a wish or sending up a prayer at the altar.  It was a beautiful and peaceful place.

 

We also had the opportunity to try buns in the shape of maple leaves which are the symbol of Miyajima.  Mine was filled with vanilla custard.  It was yummy!  I bought a rice paddle, which is another symbol of Miyajima. It has a saying for family health and safety.  I can't wait to show it to you when I get home!

 

All in all, it was a wonderful day filled with more new experiences.  I wish you could be here with me to see and do it all.

 

with love,

Mrs. Calkins