hiroshima - the warmest welcome

We sail into Hiroshima at 7 AM greeted by the sun-lit peaks of the islands nestled in the harbor. Initially, I was ambivalent about this location as it carries such a heavy story. When we disembark I find a deep kindness in the people here, never have I felt more welcome. 

This morning we board a coach to be ferried across to Miyajima Island. Here the Tory gate stands proud symbolically marking the transition from the mundane to the sacred. This a spot where deities ‘ kami’ are welcomed and thought to travel through.

A short water taxi ride and the first to greet us are tiny Japanese deer ( Nihonjika ). They are not afraid of humans and have the same appetite as goats. 

We find the Torii gate and take a few snaps before the crowds get too thick to navigate. The chill in the air nibbles at the nose and we find shelter at a hotel lobby cafe. The host waits on us with pristine Japanese hospitality and we begin to thaw. This solitary moment was needed to escape the masses and we hide out here until summoned back to our coach.

After a Wikipedia-esk talk on Japan (we even learn the percentage of school kids who feel apathy) during the return coach, we are home and grateful to be.

Back on board, the pool deck is a suntrap and the water beckons. Who knew in the middle of January, docked here in Japan I would be swimming outside in full sunshine? Anything you wish as an aside is merely a request away. 

The energy is light and everyone is reclining or relaxing in that direction. The sun slowly tracks across the sky and warmth gives way to cool. We head back to our cabin and discover a set of Japanese drums arranged in the harbor to see us off. This time I am determined to get close. Racing down the gangplank, have the privilege to watch the Hiroshima Taiko Club at this vantage point. This moment is beyond delightful! I learn they are the top Taiko Club in Japan and meet some of its members. We use charades to fill in the words we cannot say and giggle throughout an animated conversation.

The drums commence and their reverberation is intoxicating. At this distance, the vibration feels deep and primal! The faces of the kids playing are full of pride. One beams like he is entertaining a royal court, his joy is beautiful. We are given a world-class send-off!

It’s been almost a week and it feels like a floating family. I am well and truly hooked! 

At 10 PM we sail for Beppu.