Inside Cheech’s mind

Electrical goods and porn

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Gambaku dome. We all know about the Hiroshima bombing (I think its August 6, at 8:15am). One place you have to visit once in your life is the Hiroshima Peace Park, this place really makes you appreciate life and also the devastation that occurred in Hiroshima.

Masake  and Haemi took me to Gambaku dome and the Peace Park. For those that don’t know about gambaku dome it is dome structure that had its walls ripped apart but the main structure stayed in place after the Hiroshima bombing. When you visit this place you can see the walls and main structure as it was after the bombing. Its pretty shocking the power that came from the bomb could tear apart a building, I don’t want to imagine what damage it would do to a person.

After visiting the dome we walked around the place to see some of the other memorials. The park is very peaceful and pretty. Lots of people around and nice flowers and gardens to see. Think I got here about 1 week too early as the Sakura’s hadn’t blossomed yet. But it’s still a good place to come to relax and rethink the damage that was done here.

After this we went to the Peace Park and inside. There were many images that I would like to forget, but you must see. The amount of damage that was done to this place and the current condition its in is truly a testament to the people of Hiroshima. Many images stick in your mind after you leave here, such images as people running down the street with burns to 60 or 80% of their bodies, pictures of toys and lunch boxes with the contents totally burned. But some of the photos and pictures of burned bodies and physical damages I tried to go past quickly. As there are so many there that you start to feel really scared.

But this place is a must see just to understand the damage that was done and to know the historical circumstances that the people of Hiroshima went through. It makes your heart melt and legs weak to know that someone could order such devastation on people. This place has truly changed my perspective on USA and its policies. Damn those Americans. But also it has awoken me to the fact that war is just crazy and many innocent victims are lost because of people wanting or thinking they are better. People may say that the Japanese deserved this as they had afflicted many cruel things on humanity as well during the war, which maybe right but then again this world will be a better place if war and cruelty never existed.

After visiting and spending some time here reflecting, we headed off to Miyajima to visit the Tori gates and eat some anagomeshi. Anagomeshi is basically similar to Unaji (which is eel) but just a different type. I found that the taste wasn’t as strong, which made it tastier. But then again could be just sauce. The place we went to was suppose to be really famous. We had to wait for like 40mins before a table was given to us, and then we still had to share with 2 other strangers. It was worth the wait tho, very good selection by Haemi.

After lunch we headed to the ferry to the island of Miyajima. This place is famous for the Tori gates aka Itsukushima shrine. These are the world famous red tori gates that are in the water. We walked around the island to have a look at the many shops and temples around the place. But the main attraction was the Itsukushima Shrine. Normally surrounded by water. But the time we got there was low tide and we could walk right up to the gates themselves. It was pretty big the gates, damn big infact. What was strange was that as you get closer they just look like some big wooden red trees. Miyajima was very relaxing and beautiful place to visit. Managed to take some cool photos too. But the day was closing in and the sun was setting. Which gave many buddy photographers a chance to snap some really nice photos. Hopefully I can show you some.

After this was the long train ride back and dinner at a izakaya. Once again everyone still thinks I’m Japanese which could be good thing. But often leads to many funny conversations. This time it was with the chef at the restaurant who just wouldn’t believe me until he spoke too fast that I had to revert back to English, and the fact I cracked up something stupid when he said “G’Day”. But he could certainly cook a good yakiniku and made us really happy with the meal he served us. Time for bed and another day tomorrow.

Well final left Niseko after 2 and a half months there and it was a sad day. Especially after the big farewell to everyone. A lot of friends had recently left Niseko as well so those that were left came out to say good bye. Which I appreciate heaps. I have made many friends here and hope to keep in touch with them. Hopefully my Japanese will improve heaps more by the next time I meet them all.

Got up nice and late at about 7:00 am after going to sleep at like 4am. Damn it. Still had to rush around and pack some stuff that was crazy. Then had to go fix up few loose ends with busman, but by that time we had to rush like crazy and my stuff wasn’t even in the car yet so big thanks to Etchan, D, and Kana for moving my stuff.

Then it was the super quick byes and hugs, as we had to rush off. Miss you guys heaps. Then it was off to the bus stop. Where Junji had come to see me off. I was so surprised and happy tho as he couldn’t make it the night before because of work. Was good to see him before I left.

I don’t think it had kicked in yet that my season was over in niseko yet. But finally I think it was sealed. With Bossman, Etchan and Junji at the bus stop waving good bye as I boarded the bus and then the bus rolling away past Alpen, then seico mart and then shizenkan, I think that was it. And I started to feel real sad, knowing I will leave many memories and friends behind but also half excited that I was going to see some old friends.

Now the journey was to Osaka and to meet Haemi chan and head to Hiroshima together. Got to Kansai airport and everything went to plan, got my bags, and then on the shinkansen to Himeji. Met Haemi at Shin-Osaka and then travelled to Himeji to meet her friend and then go on a small road trip to Hiroshima.

It took us about 3.5 hrs to get to Hiroshima by car but it was a fun ride. Lots of catching up and Japanese practise. Which was great. Nice scenery on the way and lots of mountains and stuff. It’s truly amazing what the Japanese ppl can do whilst driving a car at over 120 kmph. It was like playing GTA. He was flying in the car and some times using one hand sms, and eating, and also talking to me. Was heaps of fun.

It was also really funny that speed zone is 80 km and hour but everyone was doing at least 120. Masake was a great host and drove us all the way to Hiroshima. After that was dinner time and on the menu was the famed Hiroshimayaki. This is basically Okonomiyaki mixed with Yakisoba. Sugoi Oiishi.

After dinner cruised the streets of Hiroshima and saw the downtown area. Very busy place compared to Niseko. lots of activity. But I was tired now so off to bed we go.

Bye bye NISEKO

Well the power of the mind and the will to ride again has driven me on and after missing 2 days riding with a twisted knee. I have pretty much recovered enough I think for one more days riding.

Its spring snow today, not super epic powder which is probably a good thing. Because I don’t think I would go nuts if it was. Its a bit overcast and slightly windy at the top, but I don’t want to leave Niseko with my last moment on the snow being a stretcher.

So getting changed I see who is around, but everyone that can ride has gone. So i moped around trying to pscyhe my sellf up. Decided to email Junji and Etchan and try and meet them. Also Kana was going to head out so I strapped my knee and off I went. Straight up the King 1 to have a look at the Kogen Park where I got carted. The condition looked awesome in the park.

Worse thing was that i hurt my left knee, which meant i had to sit on the chair with a board dangling off it. But the first time up it was good I was very careful. So after that it was time to get off. This took a lot of concentration but the knee actually felt ok. So I strapped on, but I had to sit down to do this so that wasn’t good. But Now it was the moment of truth.

At the top of a beginner run looking down thinking, this could be really hard. But I pointed the board down and gravity took control, and everything was just as easy. No pain, no strain, and smooth ride. After a few more praticise runs met up with Junji & Etchan and headed over to Hanazono area.

The rest of the day was spent riding around with them in the park. I didn’t hit any jumps but I was so happy to be just riding. I filmed them through the park the rest of the day, and Junji was going big off the big tabletop in the Hanazono Park, and Kana and Etchan were trying to do stuff off the other jumps.

Managed to get some good photos and video which was awesome. The day was very windy tho, but still it was awesome to be out there.

Went for the last lunch in Hanazono Hut and saw all the staff there. They all knew it was my last day and came up to me and said there good byes. They also left me one final Niku Man. I probably will be forever known to some there as "Niku Man Futatsu onegashimasu" Had a quick chat to everyone and told them I will try and come back as long as you guys do the same. Got a group photo with them too.

This now brings down the last day riding in Hanazono and snowboarding in Japan has come to an end. But I was so happy that I was able to get out and ride one last time that i couldn’t stop smiling.

HANAZONO DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA!

ROAD TRIP! Our plan of attack today was to head to Otaru and look around and check out a late night movie. Last night Seb was saying that he would head to Otaru in the morning, but what he forgot to do was wake everyone up and get us to go with him. So after some quick emails around and calls, Etchan, Kana and I decided to head on a mission to find SEB!.

We headed off just before lunch at around 11am, Etchan had gone for a ride in the morning, kana was quickly cleaning the place, and I was moping around with my busted knee. I was feeling really sad that I couldn’t board today but still the road trip was exciting.

As we headed off things weren’t looking too good as I forgot to charge my ipod and it was dead, so music wasn’t going to be easy to get, but luckily Kana packed her MD and we had music. Then it was off.

First stop was Yoichi for some famous seafood lunch and donuts. The place we went to was famous for its seafood and I could see why. Everything looked so delicious. But I was running low on cash so selected the Kani salad. Etchan got her favourite meal the Scallop with rice while kana got the Hokke. After devouring this meal we all decided that some donuts from Mister Donut wouldn’t go astray, so off we went. Now the Donuts from here aren’t your normal round donuts, they come in all various shapes and sizes.

I only got 3 donuts and I thought that was heaps but, those 2 girls, they got almost a BOX each! Damn.. I still wonder how they stay so skinny.

Well after this we were off to Otaru. Once we got there the hardest thing was to find a carpark. Haven’t been in that situation for a while so I felt totally uncomfortable. I still hate finding carparking, we eventually found a spot and walked thru the many shops in Otaru. There are heaps of glass shops, gift shops, jewellery shops, and heaps of food places. I found a shop selling some cool tshirts. Ended up getting one that says "Bimbo ni" which means Poor Man!

After walking around the famous places in Otaru on our mission to find Seb, we decided it most likely that we wont find him. So off to Otaru Shopping Centre. Forgot the actual name but it is Huge! its like Parra Westfield but with no one there.

We went around shopping a bit and we found a games arcade where Etchan and Kana both kept trying to win lollies. After about 100 yen Etchan won a whole bunch of Haichu which are lollies. But Kana failed in her attempt after about 500 yen. They had some crazy games, i kid you not, there is a game where u have to chop sashimi and also toss salad in a wok.

After this was Ice cream, the japanese have the best ice cream ever. So tasty.

The market was so big and awesome, that we ended up having dinner there. Heaps of restuarants everywhere, some were authethic and well decorated. We had to pick one quickly because we went everywhere and bought stuff, so by the time we ate it was late and we still had to catch a movie.

We planned to watch a scary movie so that when we drove back in the dark it would be scary. We ended up watching "The exorcism of Emily Rose" which was ok, but nothing special.

In the end today was super fun, we didn’t find Seb, but still had heaps of fun and was a great day. Good for a change to get out of the house, since i couldn’t ride. But also the super fun company made it an awesome road trip. Lets hope my snow season hasn’t ended. But if anyone wants to head to a nice little town, head to Otaru. Lots of great food too.