Hiroshima

Well, I don't really like writing about it... I've been to Hiroshima before and every time I go, it really affects me and troubles me for a long time.

We went and saw the Atomic bomb dome, which as the city hall above which the atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945 at 8.15 in the morning. Countless people died instantly and suffered greatly in the aftermath of it.

There is an amazing museum attached to the building, where you can read up on the history of it, the creation of the atomic bomb, who was involved and the politics behind the decisions made. A lot of the historic documents are on show as well, such as memos and diary entries from both the US and UK people in power at the time. It is incredibly detailed and very interesting.

They also have a big section, where they show what it meant for the people of Hiroshima. There are pictures of severely burned men, women and children. People who died, were dying and those who survived and saw what happened. There are remains of clothes, toys and lunchboxes that schoolkids had with them on the day and that was all their parents could salvage of them. The horror of it all is very clear.

Around the museum is a Peace Park with statues in memory of the children affected and just symbols of peace. There is also a flame that burns until the last nuclear weapon in the world has been destroyed, in order eliminate the threat of nuclear warfare forever. A shrine also houses the names of all those who lost their lives to the bomb, then and even now. There is also a big bell that people can ring and wish for peace in the world.

We spent a long day there and then needed some cheering up. It's hard to see good things when confronted with the horrible, but I guess it's important to remember that there are good things and good people in the world and to always stay positive.

Well, that's the thought of the day and now, I'll close this chapter. I should end it with a joke and lift the mood. I'll think of another crap japanese joke and put it in the next posting.