Last night we were in the Sheraton Hiroshima; the best hotel we’ve been in so far. Two nights previous, after we saw the Geisha girls, our guide recommended a small lane parallel to the river for dinner. Both sides of the street are lined with restaurants. Five of us found a good and reasonably priced dinner at one of these restaurants. The next night Brenda and I went back to that area. We had an Italian dinner, small portions. Maybe one of our best meals ever. And service? The waiter put on white gloves every time he delivered a piece of cutlery.
Our meals consisted of 6 courses plus 2 bonus offerings . We began with a chef’s surprise which to my best knowledge was a custard with broccoli ash. It was delightful. Then a soup of creamed peas, drizzled with olive oil. Divine. Then a raw sea bream layered with steamed red and yellow bell peppers. Also divine. Then a pasta course of tagliatelli with beef ragout. Next was a pan fried fish served with a miniature corn in the husk and thyme foam. Very tasty. Then pork chop. Our dessert was a layered chocolate mousse. By this time we are stuffed. They asked if we wanted coffee, espresso, or tea. We both selected espresso. Then a chef’s final dessert of 4 tiny tastes came, which included 2 meringue bites, one hazelnut the other melon, a chocolate mint tiny bit and a fruit tiny bite. These were delicious even to our already full bellies
We’ve been in Japan for 2 weeks, first on the bicycles and then as pedestrians. We’ve used just about every type of public transportation, We’ve never been lost.
Until today. We took a local train trying to get the the island of Miyajima. I followed the announcements of the stations we passed through on my map. I thought we needed to get off at the 5th stop and we did. But it was not right. We waited for the next train and got off at the next stop. It was not right either. We learned we were still 3 stations away from our destination. Why weren’t those other stops on the map? I’ll never know.
In town our ryokan was about 0.5 miles from the ferry. We followed Google Maps and got lost. We debated on how to go. I asked two workers sitting on the curb. They studied it. Several times they said “Ok Google” to their smart phone and a screen full of Japanese characters appeared. We were maybe 0.25 miles from our destination and they gave us bad instructions. Up hill; with our luggage. When we found it it was right in front of the ferry. How could we miss it? Thanks Google Maps Japan. So a one hour trip with train and walking took a lot longer. Our worst navigation on this trip.
Both Kyoto and Hiroshima have free wi-fi throughout the city. We’re now fairly far from Hiroshima but I can still get their free service. It appears they’re ahead of the US. Speaking of high tech, they have escalators here which are at rest until you approach, then they start. And the bullet trans have bidet toilets. Where else? If you’re a passenger in a taxi, you can’t open the door. The driver pushes a button when it’s safe to exit. Love the Japanese technology.
Above is Torii Gate that leads to the Itsukushima Shrine (the shrine is to the cameraman’s back). The shrine was first built in 593, then rebuilt in 1168. A corridor of 280 meters spans more than 20 buildings. The shrine was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1996. The vermilion-lacquered shrine is breathtakingly beautiful in contrast with the blue sea and the green hills.
I spent the day wondering about town looking for photos. Brenda hiked up Mt Misen, a strenuous climb from sea level to 1650 ft. in less than 2 km. It took her 4 hours, RT.
Yesterday (or is it today? I’m confused) was/is a travel day, first ferry then 3 trains. We left at 9:00 and didn’t arrive until 5:00 pm. It’s 800 km from Hiroshima to Tokyo. While Brenda did the laundry and went to the Onsen, I explored the area for restaurants. I found a “Lamb Chops and Wine Bar”. The only mains were Lamb Chops 1 and Lamb Chops 2. There were plenty of sides; the chops were excellent. What did they season them with? I don’t care; I’m happy.
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