Mark and Carol- traveling fools: April 2007

>>>>>>>>bullet train>>>>>>>>>

April 2, Monday
This morning we had a great buffet breakfast at the hotel and then we were off on the super bulletin train Rail Star to Hiroshima.

Here everyone is reacting to a bug on the floor.......

We next transferred to Miyajimaguchi by local train. We then departed for Miyajima Island by ferry. We visited Itsukushima Shrine and Pagoda on Miyajima Island. Its a World Heritage Site.

Next Alice is getting attacked by a killer bambi....

Brandon is having his fortune read by Yuko.

After some touring, lunch and shopping, we took the ferry and tram to downtown Hiroshima. Here we visited the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum- these are also World Heritage Sites.

This is ground zero.......

Philippe hung our 1000 cranes of peace

After a bulletin train ride back to Osaka, we ate undergound in the community under the city.

Sayonara Nakayama......

April 1, Sunday
This is our departure day from Nakayama/ Daisen. We met at NJHS with our new families and friends. It was hard to say goodbye.........

And that was the first half of our exchange- the wonderful home stay half. Now its time for the touristy stuff!!!???

After a stop in Kobe for some shopping and sightseeing, it was off to Osaka Castle.

Is that Hello Kitty stuff??

Finally we settled into our hotel in Osaka- the Osaka Dai-Ichi Hotel.

Star light, star...........

March 30, Friday

Today we had a full day bus excursion of Matsue and Yonago with our host friends. It started at Adachi Museum- a beautiful museum of Japanese arts with a Japanese garden.

Next it was off to Matsue Castle

Then it was off to a river boat ride around the old castle area.

Watch it, low bridge!!!.........they lowered the top many times

This was followed by a tour of the Mizuki Shigero Memorial Museum, he is a famous Japanese cartoon writer. One of his most famous cartoons involves eyeballs!!!?? The kids knew of him.

We then went to a candy factory- with many FREE samples- a huge hit with the students. Followed by a shopping spree at Jusco- you name it, they have it- and in huge quantities.

That evening, Koji took us to a woodworker friend of his ceramics master (teacher). His wood shop was on a hill top called Jupitarian Hill

.

He mostly works by hand and is into natural materials and processes- truly amazing!

After showing us his work shop, he took us into a field where he is constructing an early Japanese shelter built into the ground. Here he is stoking the fire, using his wood chips as fuel, by blowing into a hollow bamboo tube. He offered Carol, Koji and me sweet potatoes cooked in the coals.

It was then off to his studio for tea and viewing his unbelievable work.

This piece of Zelkova, is probably one of the most beautiful pieces of wood I've ever seem. And it was one of many. Most of his materials come from old foresting, temples being taken down and trees that have to be cut.

Lastly, he led us up a ladder and across a wooden catwalk to another shelter he build on the roof of his storage building. The view and the stars were spectacular! But its not a place to go after mucho sake.......... or is it?

It turns out, this guy is internationally known and a genuine artisan. Who would have known? The gracious way he shared his time, studio and information is what we came to expect in Japan. What a pleasant experience!

It is definitely one of the highlights of my trip!! And I came away with a beautiful piece of 2" curly Japanese maple.......so much for lighter luggage on the way back to So Cal!!!

FORE!!!!

March 19, Thursday
Today we tee'd off with some Ground Golf, which is especially popular in the Tottori Prefecture. It's a cross between croquet and golf. We had such a great time, this is something Carol and I hope to bring back to Temecula, perhaps starting at the Senior Center.

Guess who won??!!- our own Connie......

Everyone walked away with goodies........ Next we're off for a tour around Mt. Daisen and Daisenji Temple.

The red cloth is supposed to keep them warm.........

We came all the way to Japan to find some snow....

Bell? what bell? Huh, I can't hear you...........

On the way back we stopped at a park with plenty of distractions........

Everyone enjoyed the activities.......... including Mr. Hayashibara

Then everyone returned to their host families' home. But Carol, Koji and I visited Obaasan at her family garden. Its hard to believe that at 80 young years, she tends these 3-4 acres all by hand and does all but the very heaviest tasks. Most of her/our meals come from the garden or products that were bartered from the garden.