We spent two days amongst the areas that were ravaged by the Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima, centered around the Atomic Bomb Dome. We learned about the past and present of nuclear weapons and Japan’s view of world history and World War II as the people there experienced it in real time. As we’ve come to learn through life experience,...
There is no shortage of things to do on Miyajima. You can play with deer, visit the Itsukushima Shrine and Grand Otorri gate, eat fresh oysters, go hiking, play on the beach, visit the aquarium, explore the neighborhoods and streets, take a gondola ride high into the mountains, and hike up Mt. Misen. It is a children's playground!
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Hiroshima is a sobering city that amplifies the devastating effects of what it means to live in a war zone, and how that affects the human condition.
It is also a city that has risen from the ashes, not to forget its past, but to dedicate every day towards the promise of the future.
The city of Hiroshima is also...
The grounds of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park include the Atomic Bomb Dome, the flame of peace, cenotaph, children’s monument and peace bell. We were fortunate enough to spend two days at this site surveying the grounds and appreciating the monuments and the significance of why they are here.
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As we walked around the grounds here we...
The truth is you can get by in Japan knowing virtually none of the Japanese language, but there are a few words that will make things a little easier. Words like okay in Japanese, and toilet of course.
For more advanced conversations, you can simply use Google Translate! Type what you want to say into your phone and a free...
We planned a trip to Hong Kong, specifically, so we could visit Hong Kong Disneyland! How’s that for hard core? On our current ranking of Disney theme parks, Hong Kong comes in at #4 of the six parks. Our family agrees that it was definitely one of our favorite parks, coming in very close to Shanghai Disney. Ultimately, it...
The experience of hiking in Kyoto at Fushimi Inari-Taisha can only be described in the most eloquent of words. This shrine, built over centuries of time is a tribute to the Shinto beliefs. It begins as a wave of blood orange gates that sing a melodious song of loyalty. Each gate is one voice in a chorus singing hymnals...
The JR trains, or Japan Railway East Company, in Japan are incredible. The network of trains that go in every direction, crisscrossing and weaving with the utmost fluidity, are remarkable. Take the opportunity to walk around the city, and take an elevated crosswalk that crosses above them. You’ll see upwards of 10 lines working their magic. (Even if it...
With over 10 million people visiting the Great Wall of China every year, it’s safe to say this place is on everyone’s bucket list! Remember a few years back when a huge section of the wall crumbled into nothing? If you were like me, you thought: “Gah! If I don’t go now will it even exist by the time...
The brand spanking new Disneyland in Shanghai, China is pretty amazing. You can read about our thoughts about the Disneyland park as a whole, but this post is just about the new Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Sunken Treasure Attraction.
It is worth every penny you possess to go ride the new Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. In fact, they...
