Nagasaki

February 10th-12th Andrea and I jumped in her little sardine-can van and drove to Nakasaki. We didn't leave Fukuoka until after lunch so we reached Nagasaki at about 4pm. We had only enough time to go to the Peace Park before it got too dark. As well as the main statue, there were peices of art donated to Nagasaki in recognition for the need for peace. This one is one of the most beautiful ones there. There was also some very abstract ones too. We then drove up to Mount Inasa to take in the night view of Nagasaki. It was very beautiful, but was incredible windy at the top of the building. Nagasaki had a huge influence with the outside world and has a large connection with China. Chinese food has become the famous food in the area. I ate Champon which was delicious although I did regret it after as the pork in it wasn't kind to me! For those of you who don't know I haven't been able to eat a lot of pork for a few years. No idea why! Anyway Nagasaki also had a very strong history with the Dutch sothere are many Dutch buildings and churches built by French missionaries.
The following day we looked at some temples, a series of famous bridges. One is called Megane Hashi or Spectacles Bridge, you can see why in the photo. The lanterns were displayed along the famous areas in preparation for a lantern festival that was to being a week after we went there. The lanterns were spectacular. After that we caught a ferry to Ioujima. Ioujima is an island 20 minutes from Nagasaki City. It had a lovely hot spring which overlooks the harbour that we soaked in. It was very relaxing but some people were a little shocked when some boys ran past. We could see the top of the heads, I doubt they could see any of us. I just thought it was funny. We then drove to Shimabara which is the main city on a large peninsular. Ten years ago a volcano exploded above this town. We stayed the night there and the following day went to Shimabara Castle, and learnt about the history, the volcano and the religion rebellion. On this peninsular there was a resistance of Christians when the religion was banned. It was very interesting. It was interesting to see the melted items from the heat of the lava flow. The volcano is very different from Mt Aso, the one I have visited multiple times before. It continues to steam out of the top.
We then drove to Unzen Jigoku. Jigoku means Hell or hells, Unzen is the mountain. Heating gas and steam from the volcanic activity comes up from the ground. It also has that lovely smell of sulphur. During the condemned time of Christianity in Japan, some Christians were brought here and boiled. Not a very nice death.
If you ever go to an area with hot springs/hot hells, you must try the eggs. Even though the sulfur stinks, the eggs cooked there are delicious!
After that we drove back to Fukuoka and I caught the train back to Yukuhashi. I was only 30 minutes late for karate.