Last weekend David had a speaking assignment for our church, in Iwakuni (a small congregation associated with the military base there) and I tagged along. We stayed in Hiroshima, and it was a "full circle" visit for both of us. For David, it's because his grandfather immigrated from Hiroshima in 1919.
For me, it's because I lived in Hiroshima three decades ago right out of college, to teach English. Back then, work teaching English in Japan was really easy to find and I was at a bit of a loss after college, so came here on a whim to have an adventure and earn some money.
I found a good job, then an even better one, and really enjoyed my two years in Hiroshima. There was a fun group of expat English teachers from all over the U.S. and Canada. I had some private English students. I took koto (a traditional stringed instrument) and calligraphy lessons. I got to know some young Mormon missionaries and ended up joining the Church. An unusual decision for sure!
So, a lot happened for me during those two years, and this was only the second time I'd been back to Hiroshima since then.
Naturally, the city has changed dramatically since the late 80's. Bigger trees, more buildings, more traffic.
This is the Peace Dome - the only structure that survived the hypocenter of the bomb. I would ride my bike past this memorial every day to and from work.
People come to pay their respects:
Ready to dig in:
I think it must be difficult to walk in a place that suffered such a horrific tragedy at the hands of man. The holly tree brought me to tears. A true testament to the strong will to live and forgive. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteI guess I never thought that Hiroshima would be rebuilt, and especially so beautifully. Thanks for sharing this story.
ReplyDeleteI wondered how you ended up in Japan with an attitude so familiar with the people and places. Now it makes perfect sense. You have quite an adventurous nature. I love the reverence the Japanese people have for life. I never seen anything like those holly trees - Wow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a story you have, Cynthia! I never knew all this history you have with Japan--or your husband's history with it, as well.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated these glimpses of Hiroshima. I, too, had never considered that rebuilding would have taken place to create what appears to be a very vibrant city!
I really love the holly trees.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your personal history. Now your deep appreciation of all things Japan comes into clearer focus! I had no knowledge of present-day Hiroshima, so thanks for that insight as well. Sobering but inspirational.
ReplyDeleteThese posts are very interesting. Thank you for the share...and, for the nice comments on my blog xox
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story. No wonder you know so much about Japan! Always enjoy your posts and seeing all the great places you visit. It must be bittersweet to go to Hiroshima. So many memories yet so much tragedy from years ago.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great travel post! I always so appreciate when you take us along on your travels.
ReplyDeleteJapan really understand symbolism and I respond to that very much. I loved the cat mascot :)
Thank goodness your husband's grandfather came to the U.S. decades before the bomb! These are beautiful photos and wonderful memories, Cynthia. It's hard to imagine having to rebuild after the bomb, and yet, like the holly, the people of Japan did just that. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good trip to Hiroshima. I didn't realize that you'd been in Japan right after college. For awhile we were walking the same path.
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