Margaux in Japan: Hiroshima in Pictures

Looking from the park out into rebuilt Hiroshima.

An installation of artwork.

One of the first pictures I felt comfortable taking in the memorial park.
Truly a heavy trip.
Initial feelings: overwhelmed and guilty. I felt like I didn't deserve to be there, like I had no right to be there. I don't feel like there's a lot that I can say about what it felt like seeing the preserved evidence of the bombing. It was horrific. I've got this really odd pressure against the front part of my ribcage that started up as soon as I started reflecting on how I felt in my body being there.
Listening to the atomic bomb survivor talk was wild. This woman had so much energy and such a desire to communicate with us. Really reaching out and laying her soul bare for us.

The reflecting pond and the flame they keep burning.

Right after you leave the first part of the park, there's a beautiful rose garden. The flowers were really lovely. This is Joanna enjoying the blossoms.
The trip wasn't all heavy and melancholy. The whole group took the ferry over to this absolutely breathtaking place called Miyajima. Its like Bali Hai from South Pacific, or something. Mountains right next to the water is truly magnificent. Probably one of the most beautiful days I've had in Japan.