Posts

13 We're all shook up in Hiroshima April 18

Image
High tide and calm seas at the #O-tori Gate of the #Itsukushima Shrine Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima Do have to start with the overnight highlight. There was a 6.4 magnitude earthquake with its epicentre just 165 kms south of us. Minor damage was reported, but the most important thing was that no tsunami warning was issued.  A jolt or two, phone alarms going, no idea what to do ... better prepared for next time Definitely got a fright as the building jolted at 11.15 pm last night. I sent a text to @Yasuna for advice but many guests in the hotel went out into the corridors asking what to do. An emergency broadcast came through on the phones (very loud) but @Yasuna indicated the safest place to be in our hotel room - was with our head under the table. @Mac and I had a bit of a laugh because we are not sure we could both fit under the table. Some in our party of 12 slept through it all! And, was not comforted by @Yasuna's heads up for our ferry visit toda...
Post a Comment
Read more

12 Morning prayer and thoughts of world peace April 17

Image
A very moving experience - cannot begin to imagine the horror of August 6 - there are 220 000 names of victims in this Cenotaph Koyasan - Hiroshima The call to prayer today was at 6.25 for a 6.35am start. Eight of the group made their way to join the monks for this relaxed and reverent start to the day. Some made morning prayer - and some missed it ... guess who We were seated on chairs, provided with blankets and warmed by floor heaters and heated floor mats. The session began with an invitation to offer an individual prayer with the help of a monk. This was followed by the chanting of the sutras in front of the Buddha. Gongs, symbols and the deep-toned voices of the monks made up the Morning Prayer and this was followed by an opportunity to have a wish granted. You name was written on a piece of pine along with your wish. These were gathered and thrown into the frames and your wishes were sent out in the rising smoke. Breakfast and then farewell - ...
Post a Comment
Read more

11 Seeking solace in the monastery April 16th

Image
Today's destination ... a long haul Osaka -  Koyasan What a a difference a day makes. Almost a pilgrimage to get there but after half a day of travel, we had left the neon lights of #Osaka behind to enjoy some time in a #Shikubo in #Koyasan . A long day of travel ahead A journey of many stages. A couple of local trains and then a specialist train to complete the mountain stretch on the #Namkai Electric Railway . We even saw the massive solar array dug into the mountain side that this company created to support their rail service. # Namkai were the first rail system to be fully powered by sustainable energy sources and I am pleased to say, our little train made the climb effortlessly. IT was a long morning of public transport - up and down escalators and swapping tracks and trains. Not sure foot massages passed the good manners test This track seemed to run along a ridge. We were perched high above the road...
Post a Comment
Read more

10 Big city vibes in Osaka April 15th

Image
Rubbing Billiken's feet for luck   Osaka A day that is definitely a blur. Without the photos I am not sure I would actually remember the day. All I can say, is the lasting memory is all about food. Started the day with food at the hotel - moved onto the train and ate more food - had a late lunch in #Osaka at an okonomiyaki restaurant and then joined @Petjin for a food walking tour. More train travel - Thunderbird! Took a different train today - The # Thunderbird and marvelling at how organised the stations continue to be - a blue # Thunderbird trail was clearly marked and there were plenty of staff to direct us through the up and down maze of station platforms as we transferred from the local train to the connecting #Thunderbird. This took us on a scenic trip through the #Japanese Alp s to # Osaka - having said that, we really need to be in a plane to get the overhead view of the Alps 😉.)  The landscape alternate between cityscapes and agricultural l...
Post a Comment
Read more