It all started when Lisa Hansen Conway, and Charlie Conway announced that their son Jacob would be formally married in Rio de Janeiro. Well, that settles that. We are going to Rio. Always an interesting experience when my favorite activity is “random social interaction “ yet I don’t know the language.😳. This morning, around 6:00 am, I hear cheering, drums, and shouts. It continues….. so at 8:00 am I HAVE to explore! It’s a huge marathon with very enthusiastic crowd cheering! 📣 Yesterday and today will be all about soaking in the energy of the people! 75 degrees and sunny!

Just a week with my sister and family, but what adventures may await ….. or lack of!

Gratitudes: 1) Mike wanting to take me to the airport, warming up the car, having my coffee ready, reminding me of meds and I.d. (But I remembered!). I love that he responds so sweetly and naturally to my anxiety of being a passenger. Like, oh don’t see that car without their lights on, you can get over now , or I’ll say “I’m feeling anxious for some reason, can you put your hands 10 and 2. We are long past the trying to understand but pleasantly living in the “sure, whatever helps!” 2) The mom and 2 littles who was waiting for spouse. Me: “Hi, can I say hi to your kids?” Mom: “sure” What proceeded was a delightful transaction. 3) Young dad managing a stroller and 2 carry on’s going through security. Me: “how can I help?” Dad: “ can you help collapse the stroller?” Well, I couldn’t but he did and I was able to at least put it on the conveyor belt. 4) Super gracious waitress who is letting me hang out at this table for an hour!

Gettysburg was not on my bucket list.  But, it was on Mike’s and so I was happy to tag along.  What I didn’t expect was that it would emotionally impact me in a similar way to my WW2 trip to France.  Going to Gettysburg is the only way you will know what I am talking about.  I will share with you how we were able to get such a great perspective.

Sunday 4:00 p.m. Check-In:

1. Gettysburg Battlefield Bed and Breakfast. This is a gorgeous Civil War era farmhouse.  It has added on comfortable and inviting spaces for casual conversations with fellow travelers, the most amazing breakfast, and walking trails/outdoor spaces on Gettysburg South Calvary Battlefield.  Every morning they offer a 9-10 a.m. history presentation.  This is part of the package…..and gives you a personal experience and historical significance of the battle.  Our bedroom was called: 2nd U.S. Dragoons.  The room commemorates the 2nd U.S. Dragoons.  Dragoons were part of the regular army who were taught to fight equally well on foot and on horseback.  These soldiers were the stereotypical calvary of the west, brought back for the civil war.  This B and B is just 7 minutes from downtown Gettysburg.  OH…homemade cookies every afternoon!!!! (We paid for a 3 c-d auto tour guide that was in our room.)

Monday Morning

2)   Auto Tour, 8:30-9:45 a.m.

3)   Gettysburg Licensed Town Historian/Guide.  10-11:30 a.m.  Kurt Kramer was awesome.  I wrote a review on tripadvisor.com.  “We are going to talk about ordinary people who lived here and were thrust into extraordinary circumstances.”  K. Kramer.   This was our first really real experience in attempting to put ourselves in the shoes of this small community when thousands of soldiers and horses came like a tsunami into their town…..wiping it clean of supplies and leaving behind all the smells that come with horses and death.

4)  Lunch at the Blue and Gray Cafe.  Split a salad and an excellent cuban sandwich.

5)  Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.   1:00 – 4:00 p.m. This continues to establish the framework or the battle.  There you will see a film, cyclorama (360 degree oil on canvas painting.  377 feet long by 42 feet high), and various presentations and artifacts.  Don’t expect to connect everything together in one place.  It takes multiple experiences in order to begin to understand what really happened here AND WHY.  I actually got overwhelmed at this point with the intensity of it all and took a break outside.  It is not only a lot to take in…but very sad.

6)  Auto tour continued…4:00 – 7:00 p.m.  At this point we are exhausted and would rather not go to a restaurant or really fast food.  We needed to get something for our lunches for Tuesday so we went to a local grocery store and got microwave Beef Stroganoff, Frozen veggies for 2, and sandwiches and carrots for the next day.  The Inn has a wonderful place set up for re-heating take out as well a a beverage bar available.

Tuesday

7)  gettysbike.com.  10:00 – 5:30 p.m.  We signed up for this $$$ tour because we loved the idea of being on a bike and really seeing up close the battlefields as well as the history continued.  We were NOT disappointed.  The cost was well worth the experience.  BOB STEENSTRA put his heart and soul into this tour.  He had maps, war tactics explained, mistakes highlighted, and explanations of the many monuments (there are 1,328).  When I say heart and soul…I truly mean it.  He would ask us to place ourselves in the shoes of the soldiers…he had memorized speeches of war and spiritual leaders…..quotes from letters of survivors.  We would stop at what looked like an ordinary field and he would share the significance of what had happened.  When we gazed at the National Cemetery, Bob recited the Gettysburg Address.  Although it was misting on and off, the cloudy fields were a good representation of how it would’ve looked with all the smoke that you would’ve seen from the cannons and gunfire.

Once again, emotionally exhausted, we went by KFC for a quicker dinner and back to the Inn.  After a nice hot shower and rest we venture outside to fire pits and a fun 1 hour fireside ghost story time.

Wednesday

8)  9-10 a.m. Historical program.   This was our first and last opportunity to continue to connect the civil war story….and boy were we entranced!  The gentleman showed up in a Union Uniform and took on various personas, complete with the accents.  Steven Gunlock is a professional battlefield guide, former CBS newsman “On The Road with Charles Kurat”.  He has studied the Civil War for 50 years and lives on a battle site.  Once again, the poignant stories of those involved comes to life, as we held artifacts and continued to comprehend the devastation of this war.

After Mike had a work call, off we went to Christianburg, VA for some R and R and the wedding of Jaclyn and Chris!

BUT, before I leave this journal of Gettysburg, I will attempt to imagine what my life would be like if I had been a 61 year old woman in Gettysburg during this time.  I am weaving true stories and facts into this illustration.

July 1st, 1863, Sweltering Hot.  I woke up this morning with a feeling of impending doom.  Rumors are flying that the war is coming to our little town.  I’ve already lost my husband and 2 of my 3 sons in  The Battle of Antietam (/ænˈtiːtəm/), or Battle of Sharpsburg particularly in the Southern United States, was a battle of the American Civil War fought on September 17, 1862, between Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’sArmy of Northern Virginia and Union Gen. George B. McClellan’sArmy of the Potomac near Sharpsburg, Maryland and Antietam Creek. Part of the Maryland Campaign, it was the first field army–level engagement in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War to take place on Union soil. It was the bloodiest day in American history, with a combined tally of 22,717 dead, wounded, or missing.^[9][10    NowI’m trying to get in to town to be with my Grand daughter, as she just had her 4th child.   Silas and his family have fled north, fearing that the Confederates will soon arrive and enslave every black person they come upon.  They don’t seem to care that he has been a freed man for years.  How can my heart take any more blood shed and grief.  This war was supposed to last 3 months and it has been going on since April of 1861.  My last letter from my last living son said that the dysentery has him gripped with fever.  He has no shoes and will look for some when one of his poor Union Brothers is killed.  He may not die of a gun shot or cannon blast, but lack of simple necessities that I’ve thus far taken for granted.  I leave the farm, south of town, and briskly walk the 2 miles to my Grand Daughter’s home.  In the distance, towards the north, I hear the sounds of battle and believe that my fears are coming true.  Soon, we will be in the middle of it all.

2:00 p.m.  The confederate soldiers and their horses keep coming and coming.  Worthless I.O.U.’s are given to shop keepers as every supply in the town is wiped out.  The streets are turned into horse manure and the stench is so bad that we apply peppermint oil on our kerchiefs to keep by our noses.   A loud boom rocks the house and we are sent scurrying to the cellar.  The children seem to be shocked into silence as we await the gunfire to subside.  Hours go by before we feel it is safe to go upstairs.  To our dismay a wounded Union soldier is laying on the kitchen floor.  He begs us to hide him.  Confederate soldiers are going door to door, looking for Union soldiers.  My daughter had a brilliant idea.  We quickly undressed the man and put him in her husbands clothes.  Shaved him and bandaged him.  If the confederates were looking for a Union soldier, they would only find a local.  Unbelievably this plan worked.  The confederates did come to our home and we feigned surprise and state we had nothing to hide.  We saved one soldier, at least.  Somebodies husband, father, and son.  

July 2nd.  Gettysburg has turned into a hospital.  Every able bodied person and every space is filled with injured and dying soldiers.  Red banners fly from any building housing injured souls and are protected from either side.  I go to help at the church and it has been turned into a hospital.  The groans and screams are unbearable.  The blood is so deep that holes are being drilled to help drain it away.  Young men screaming and crying for mothers and wives…I go from one soldier to another, starting to become numb to their pain…because I have to.

Please God, keep my boy safe from this pain and horror.  Bring him back to me, to his family.

July 3rd.  The bodies are piling up.  Where to put them and what to do with them.  Sawed off limbs pile up, the stench is unbearable.  I’m worried about my Grandson.  He is 14 and because he weighs less than 135 pounds, he was recruited by the calvary.  How can one so young be ready and prepared to go into battle?  We are passionate for The Union and the emancipation of slavery.  No human should be enslaved and the south is so afraid of losing their free labor, but God knows that what we stand for is righteous.  I am proud of my men for facing the enemy and for their sacrifice….but my heart is broken and I can only  hope that the generations that come after me will know what we sacrificed for them….because this life is a horror.

November 19, 1863

I fear that I am in my last days here on this earth, outlived most of my friends but blessed to have borne 8 children and seen 12 grandchildren and then 6 great grands.  President Lincoln came today to dedicate the cemetery.  I wasn’t strong enough to go but my family told me that he gave a powerful speech…..something that will go down in history.  Maybe his speech will, but will anyone ever really know the pain of the heart when confronted with such extreme death and loss…and for what?  I have to believe that the future generations will know what happened here and will respect that all have been created equal in the eyes of God.  We will serve each other, and prosper, and hold each other up.  These men have not died in vain, my husband, my sons…..President Lincoln said, “that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.^”

——————————————————————————————————-

The Civil War was America’s bloodiest conflict.  The unprecedented violence of battles such as Shiloh, Antietam, Stones River, and Gettysburg shocked citizens and international observers alike.  Nearly as many men died in captivity during the Civil War as were killed in the whole of the Vietnam War.  Hundreds of thousands died of disease.  Roughly 2% of the population, an estimated 620,000 men, lost their lives in the line of duty.  Taken as a percentage of today’s population, the toll would have risen as high as 6 million souls.

The human cost of the Civil War was beyond anybody’s expectations.  The young nation experienced bloodshed of a magnitude that has not been equaled since by any other American conflict. 

Last thoughts.  I will never pretend to understand the courage of those volunteer farm boys and innocents who went into those killing fields.  I won’t pretend to understand how people thought that other people should be slaves…..all the way from one african tribe to enslave another to sell to others….. it’s all beyond my comprehension.  But maybe that’s ok.  Maybe that is what my ancestors are hoping, that i couldn’t comprehend that kind of evil.  Now, what do I stand for and what do i stand up for?  I am not asked to make the sacrifice of my life, but what small sacrifice can I make?

After a last look at the falls and a rather scary ride down an elevator ride of a long ago used power plant…..we were off to Ontario County.  WHY, you ask?  Well, It’s kinda a wonderful mistake!  In my genealogy research I THOUGHT I had discovered some family ties to that area.  I most recently discovered that my research was off and I really don’t know of any long lost relatives or great great great great anyone living in “these here parts!”  Ooooops!  Too late, reservations made and off we go.  A lot of mistakes can be negative…but this was the most wonderful mistake I’ve ever made!  The Canandigua lake and surrounding area is beautiful!  

We stayed in a cute airbnb just off the lake.  Comfy bed and all the amenities we need.  October 2nd, Saturday morning, we went off to explore Palmyra, New York and the origination of the story of Joseph Smith, Jr and the Mormon church. We took a very leisure and peaceful walk in what is known as the “Sacred Grove.”  This is where the 17 year old Joseph Smith Junior reports a vision to answer his question, “Which church should I join?”

SORRY FOR THE SCREEN SHOT

  I can only imagine how confusing it would be if every church claims that they are the right and only church…. Well, whatever your opinion is of the Mormon religion and the religions that were to come after….. finding a quiet and peaceful place to center yourself and gain direction is a good thing.  The church of our heritage is a breakout of the Mormon church.  Once Joseph Jr. was killed, his wife Emma and family stayed back while Brigham took the “Saints” off to Utah.  Joseph Smith the 3rd eventually established The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now known as The Community of Christ. Both Mike and I were raised in this church and highly value the love and spirit that enveloped us.

The afternoon took us to Freeport, NY and a wonderful 3 hour boat ride on the Erie Canal.  Beautiful 75 degree fall day with a great Captain giving us tie bits of history along the way. That canal was HAND DUG, 4 feet deep and 40 feet wide from 1817-1825. In 1912 it was widened to 70 feet and 7 feet deep. Have you ever sung the tune, “On The Erie Canal?” Low bridge, everybody down, low bridge cuz your coming to a town, and you’ll always love your neighbor and you’ll always love your pal if you ever navigated on the Erie Canal! WELL, we get it now! We had to duck a few times AND anytime you saw people they waved! Some of you will be surprised to note that I DIDN’T break out into song….loudly. The Captain saw my startle reaction when he honked the horn and kindly asked me my name. After that, whenever he was about to honk it he would say, “DANA” and I would be prepared. THAT was really appreciated!

That evening we enjoyed a wonderful meal at a Mexican Restaurant and packed the car in preparation for our departure the next morning to Gettysburg!

Oct. 3rd we hit the road…..and although we were warned it would be scenic, it was truly breathtaking! It was a mixture of highway and low-way. High high hills full of trees and villages along the way with homes so old but well cared for. We didn’t get to far when we drove through Naples, New York and I finally gave in…..”STOP, turn around, I have to try a piece of grape pie!” Mike was unbelievably happy to do so!!! We had never heard of such a thing and we had seen it a lot in the last few days. It was very good, think blueberry pie consistency but grape flavor! It was called Bob and Ruth’s Vineyard Restaurant. On we drove, marveling all the way and taking pictures that just won’t do the scenery justice.

AN ASIDE: Recently I heard that we dont need to put 2 spaces between sentences….that was for the typewriter days. Well, It feels weird not to so I will continue to do so! Plus I love to use exclamation marks and ……… dot dot dot……deal with it!

OMGosh!!! We are staying at THE BATTLEFIELD BED AND BREAKFAST!!!! It is beyond the coolest place EVER!!! It was built in 1809. The folks who lived here during the Battle of Gettysburg were abolitionists. Cornelius Hougheton was Vice-President of the Gettysburg Anti-Slavery Society in 1835. He and wife Anna were involved in the Underground Railroad. On the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, a calvary battle took place right here on the Hougheton’s farm. The barn was a civil war field hospital. SO….evidently the GHOST HUNTER SHOW was here on Jan. 22, 2014 and filmed the spirit of a soldier walking on the lane here.

After settling in we quickly went to put in our reservation at The Dobbin House, on the National Register of Historic Places, Gettysburg’s oldest and most historic building built in 1776. Look it up at http://www.dobbinhouse.com for more info! Well, at 4:45 they said it would be a 90 minute wait…perfect. We headed over to the Gettysburg National Cemetery which was across the street. Gettysburg National Cemetery–Civil War Era http://www.nps.gov. Somber, incredulous, and in awe. I gravitate towards trees and think that THIS TREE

was here during that time…..and the spot where Lincoln spoke for 2 minutes and what he said was so powerful that I didn’t even know some other guy spoke for 2 hours before him. The number of “unknown” graves that are marked…..just seeing the rows and rows of markers….. I hope it isn’t too late to offer up prayers for them.

Back to The Dobbin Tavern. After a delightful meal where we shared their amazing Onion Soup, Salad, and Crab cake sandwich, we went to see the place where the Underground RailRoad had a stop. It hid folks in a small area under the floor.

This photo shows the steep stairs and they made an opening in the wall to demonstrate. Have you ever wondered what you would do? I think about 2021 and how people are reaching out to those who are persecuted, providing shelter, clothing, and other resources. I am further inspired to return to my community and be of service in some way…..I will figure it out. One idea, as long as I am on the subject, has to do with a passion of mine. Well, it’s an unfulfilled desire anyway….it would be to salvage, re-purpsose, re-vive, etc old furniture and make it useful and artistic. Then, donate the furniture. Whenever I pass a salvage store I want to stop and check it out. I love love love Flea Market Flip….I could even engage volunteers or the folks who need the furniture! Well, you are the first to hear my idea…we shall see what happens! Oh, and it isn’t an original idea. When Mike and I and the kids went to NYC for a mission trip, refurbishing furniture for those in need was one of the things some of our group members did! That is where my inspiration came from.

Well, I will place a photo of my current view. So many wonderful places to sit, breathe, ponder, and write this log of my traveling thoughts. Mike is up in the room watching a football game! I may wander outside and look for that soldier!

OK, I did go outside and if you want me to send you the 2:37 video, text me. 🙂

10:15 a.m.

I started it off with going to a little neighborhood market. It is surrounded by abandoned and boarded up buildings. This neighborhood is within 10 blocks of our hotel in the little tiny tourism area of Niagara Falls, New York. We have been quite surprised at this depressed area. So I’m out to find more information about Niagara Falls. I go inside the market and it certainly isn’t quite what I had expected and I wasn’t comfortable to purchase anything. It wasn’t clean and it almost looked like a living space behind the counter….confusing. There was a young lady behind the counter and since I was the only person inside, I asked if she could share with me a little bit about the area. She said that the corruption of the city makes it very hard to have a successful business. She stated there is government corruption, high crime and high poverty. This, she thinks, is largely due to the de-industrialization that started in the 60’s. If you couldn’t afford to move, you stayed.   Her little market is one of the only places where the neighborhood can buy items within walking distance of their homes. Next door is a church that used to be our Lady of Lebanon, established in 1914 and now it calls itself Chocolate Vision Church.  Evidently a gentleman purchased the building in 2008 and was going to turn this into a chocolate factory. He never did. Unfortunately in 2007, half the churches in this area closed…..as the community continued to deteriorate. There’s a big sign that says Niagara Falls re-development so I’m wondering if someone is buying up all the buildings in this area for some bigger purpose. The gal at the market said it’s been like this for a long long time and nothing has happened.

10:45 a.m. 

I’m headed toward the Underground Railroad Museum. I was supposed to go on a tour but I was the only person signed up so it got canceled. I have yet to eat breakfast and realized I needed some thing. Having absolutely no idea where I could go I turned right and thought maybe I could find somewhere that I could grab something to eat. Have you ever had an experience where you absolutely realized that there is a God? Well, that’s what it felt like when I walked into DiCamillo bakery on 811 Linwood Ave. Established in 1920 this Italian bakery was everything a girl could want. A piece of pizza, a cappuccino, and cookies for later! After I placed my order a tour bus arrived and I thought to myself “our tour guide yesterday did not tell us about this place and that was a big mistake!” However, my spirit guides were on it and here I am.

11:20 a.m. 

After going down the MOST DILAPIDATED Main Street that I have EVER seen, I find myself at the beautiful Underground Railroad Museum. Such contrast to its surroundings. Once an 1863 Customs house, the facade has been saved. A small museum with enough information to learn some of what African Americans went through to gain freedom. Here is a quote from one of the exhibits: Freedom seekers in the 1800’s experienced some of the most dramatic moments of their lives coming through Niagra Falls. In most cases, the details of their journeys are left to our imagination. Fortunately, a handful were documented and the museum highlighted those. I stood where Harriet Tubman likely stood, gazing at the waters and not even being able to imagine what it would be like to escape the U.S. side to the Canada side…however you could…Harriet Tubman states she rescued about 70 people in approximately 13 trips from Maryland to Canada.

I have to add that I appreciated the museum for offering an opportunity to listen to “others” stories of inequality. A reminder that freedom from prejudice and injustice are ever present. Listen to people’s story.

Adapted from Martin Luther King’s, I HAVE A DREAM, speech……

………………….Let us not drink from the cup of hatred to satisfy our thirst for freedom……………………….

Old Fort Niagara’s history spends more than 300 years.  I think I absorbed about 1 day of it! It is about a 30 minute drive from Niagara Falls and definitely worth the trip! The French built the Fort/Castle in 1726-27. 1759 it falls to the British. 1796 the fort is turned over to the United States. 1812, Fort Niagara and British Fort George trade artillery bombardments. The fort’s heroine is Betsy Doyle! Look her up. This is the movie I want to have made!!!! 1813 Fort Niagara is captured by British Forces. 1815 it is reoccupied by U.S. Troops. VERY INTERESTING FACT: During the Civil War, Britain supplied the south with supplies. The fort constructed brick revetments, fearing that Britain might strike. They never did….just in case you fell asleep in history class and thought you missed it!

History is depressing and inspiring. If you’ve ever wondered if there really is a glorious after life or not…. I think I have to believe it. If one is to go through so much heart ache in this life, there’s got to be a hope that there is another one.

Our evening ended with a return trip (for me) to the Lewiston, NY area for a wonderful Pasta dinner. WHEN you choose to venture out this way, I have now changed my mind on where you would want to consider staying. NIAGARA CROSSING HOTEL AND SPA, Lewiston, NY. Very quaint area with a wonderful view. I would be WARY to stay in an Air BNB unless directly referred in the Niagara Falls area, US or Canada. A photo may show a beautifully preserved home that could be surrounded by boarded by and abandoned structures. Even some of the name brand hotels were just enough on the edge that we were very very happy that we were at The Sheraton. It was clean, comfortable, and felt very safe.

Lastly, we went to Goats Island to see Horseshoe Falls at night and lit up! Wonderful!

As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing.

I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche.

I’ll acquaint myself with glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.

—–John Muir

Today I felt the power of nature like I’ve never experienced it before. The Maid of The Mist got us as close as it could….the water sprayed and spewed and I took off my hood to get the full experience. A young man was jumping up and down saying…this was on my bucket list! Well, it wasn’t on mine really but in that moment it was and then checked off! The above is taken from a video that Mike took!

TIP #1 – Wait until you can get into Canada and then come to see the falls.

TIP#2 – DO NOT come during a holiday long weekend or busy season.

TIP#3 – If you can, stay on the Canada side as well.

I’m waiting to board. Happy to be going home. Hoping that this trip has made compassion and love further ingrained in my soul.

A man on a bike offered me a snack of dried squid!

Favorite meal!

Favorite ceiling

My “Matt Claghorn will be so proud of me” shot!!!

Last word has to be about toilets! They have antiseptic that you can use to wipe seat clean and seats are mostly heated in peoples home… and let’s not forget the bidets and tush drying!!!!

Tanoshii tabi wo Arigato

Today I departed Nara and the sweetest hosts ever. They took the definition of HOSPITALITY TO A new level!

They also scored points because Midori’s cousins favorite baseball team is the KC Royals!!!

SO, I needed to get from Nara to my hotel in Osaka and after dropping off luggage, back to train station to head towards Hiroshima and my travel guide waiting for me. Of course, it wasn’t until the 6th that I fully realized what a huge navigational challenge this would be. Mike, the guide from the 6th, volunteered to escort me during this entire transition. Could I have done it alone….. maybe/maybe not really! Sparing you the details…. I arrived to Hiroshima by noon!

Stop One: Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine.

Miyajima Island

After a boat ride back to the mainland, on to Hiroshima City proper.

Visitors to Peace Memorial Park see brightly colored paper cranes everywhere. These paper cranes come originally from the ancient Japanese tradition of origami or paper folding, but today they are known as a symbol of peace. They are folded as a wish for peace in many countries around the world. This connection between paper cranes and peace can be traced back to a young girl named Sadako Sasaki, who died of leukemia ten years after the atomic bombing.

My guide, Maximilian, taught me how to make a crane and we were able to add them to the thousands of cranes from around the world. As I was learning how to fold my crane, I glanced down and the following was at my feet…. left from a fellow traveler.

Misumi’s father was 17 when bomb was dropped. He was recruited to enter the area for relief efforts. At 90, he passed last month and will be included as a Survivor.

The bomb exploded very close above this building. The “Atomic Bomb Dome” symbolizes the pledge to convey the horror of the atomic bombing and the call for the abolition of nuclear weapons and eternal world peace. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The HiroshimaPeace Memorial Museum exhibits the realities of atomic bomb damage.

Too many stories, very heart wrenching. Very complicated.

On September 6 my traveling buddy, Lily, had to return to Shanghai. I entertained the thought of panicking, freaking out, and melting down. It’s like a cross roads in your emotions. Do I veer right and get all upset or do I veer left and make the best of it. It was a close call, but I took the road to the left. I realize in my mind I can tell myself “it doesn’t do any good to get all upset about this”. But to actually make that a reality is another thing. I believe what really helped me to turn left is that I feel very safe in Japan and as a tourist very well taken care of. It is confusing but everyone is so happy to help. So, I moved forward and reserved three different guided tours. I did cancel the tea picking tour for the ninth because I hear a big hurricane is coming and I just don’t wanna deal with it. So on the sixth, I found myself on a train to Ise Shima and Mir, with the absolute nicest tour guide who wanted to be called Mike. Masahisa works for triple lights and come to find out is also a SGG

SYSTEMIZED GOODWILL GUIDE

800 across Japan.

Provide free assist for tourist, like

good time with ordinary people or

Translation if need health care

Nara-135 guides 800 across Japan.So Mike, who also worked for an American company for many years, has decided to not just be my guide but my angel! More about Mike later… here is an explanation of the day:

Mir is known as a place blessed with the bounties of its mountain and the sea. It is rich in nature history culture and modern amusement. Ise-Jingu shrine is an extensive complex of the most sacred shrines in Japan. We also saw how Mikimoto Kokichi King of pearls, succeeded in pearl culturing at Mikimoto Pearl Island. We started at Pearl Island where we saw the traditional divers who would get the clams.

Always women, and they would wear white to throw off the sharks. They did say that they didn’t see any sharks in this area. We then took a wonderful boat ride. Mr. Mike insisted on taking the picture so I wouldn’t have to worry about it, so now I don’t have many pictures to insert. I promise that will come later. I have no idea why my font is going in and out !

This Mikimoto guy was really really cool!this tree isn’t the 900…. probably just 4-500!

The best part of the day was touching a 900 year old tree. Pics later!!!

Nara (奈良市 Nara-shi, Japanese: [naꜜɾa]) is the capital city of Nara Prefecture located in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, bordering Kyoto Prefecture. Eight temples, shrines, and ruins in Nara remain: specifically Tōdai-ji, Saidai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, Kasuga Shrine, Gangō-ji, Yakushi-ji, Tōshōdai-ji, and the Heijō Palace, together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest, collectively form “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara“, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. During the Nara period, Nara was the capital of Japan, and the Emperor lived there before moving the capital to Kyoto.

Our Airbnb hosts in Nara are wonderful! They live in a typical Japanese home, make amazing breakfast for us, and answer all our questions! The personal connection is so valuable.

Nara is known for its friendly deer!

Lily spent a long time studying the National Treasure so I made new friends while waiting.

I am crazy about trees!

The bidets may even have dryers…. I’m obsessed!