She’s So Rich: Hiroshima Part II
She is more than her scars, wounds and broken heart.
If you would allow me to assign a gender to Hiroshima, she has an intriguing essence interwoven with the intricate fibers of a strong woman.
Hiroshima has a lot more to offer than the memories of her painful past.
Temples, festivals, baseball games, mouth-watering food, mountain trails and entertaining shows.
My experience there was wide and varied.
There wasn’t a planned itinerary. We just went with the flow.
Eats: Elk Vegetarian Café
In Japan, it has been quite difficult to find a chill café offering protein shakes, smoothie blends or delightful salads that make you go “Mmmm” as if it were a BigMac burger. But our selections of an oyster burger. panini and chocolate vegan cake from the menu did not disappoint. At Elk Café, the Disney soundtracks may not have been jazz music but they still gave that nice, mellow vibe we’ve love at cafes. In terms of space, it was a bit of a “tight squeeze” with very basic “squared” seating. However, they had nice light fixtures with mini-chandeliers hovering above the table. The lavender-colored crystal of the chandeliers up-scaled this modest den.
Shopping: Hondori Street
As a big city, people flock to Hiroshima for the shopping experience. That was not our intention. We were in full tourist mode. However, it would be remiss of us to not catch a glimpse of the commercial side of Hiroshima. Close to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is Hondori, a busy street flanked by all kinds of stores, arcades, cafes, restaurants, EVERYTHING!!! Simply put and for comparative reasons to my Bajan readers, it is like a super-extended version of Swan Street but…with everything in Japanese. But that description doesn’t do justice to the futuristic architecture of the ceiling which really gave it a cool, sci-fi, time-travel vibe. Walking on the streets of the “big city” is every rural dweller’s dream come true. Bajan Injection: “D stores does got yuh head turn!” Turn left…Ascis, Northface?? Turn right…LUSH , H＆M is that you?”
Gamers: Anime-nia
We only went to this anime store because our friend wanted to go there. I’m not an anime fanatic but I’m glad we went because after all, Japan is the land of anime and that is a part of the cultural experience. So this was a quick out-out-of-the-box moment for me. YOLO…new experiences. Each game station was ‘lit’. Figuratively but mainly literally! Flashing neon lights captured the hearts…and money of avid gamers. Each game station was unique with prizes of anime and manga memorabilia or chocolate and candy sweet treats for the kiddos.
“Home Drums”
Home is where the heart is at.
After being “out of my element”, we ventured back to where home drums beat the loudest for me. Of course the beat isn’t louder than the thought of landing at GAIA, Barbados to see family and friends. Nevertheless…they are loud! And the rhythm led my prancing feet right to…STARBUCKS BABY!!! –I know you don’t understand this weird obsession- So let me explain.
When I walk into Starbucks and my eyes are greeted with those warm, earth-tones, the “just right” lighting, extra comfy seating and the intoxicating smell of freshly ground coffee beans, I just want to pour that entire experience in a bottle and bathe in it every day. All in favor say “Aye!”
Man’s Best Friend ＆ The Feline Dynasty
Japanese love, love, love dogs and cats. We visited a store where you can buy puppies. It was fascinating to see the sheer excitement on the faces of Japanese children AND adults. They really do love dogs. One of my very first cultural observations was that Japanese take their dogs for a walk every day, sometimes twice a day. Not even the below zero degrees weather could stop them from their early morning and late night strolls with their dogs. The air of elation in the store was infectious with streaks of “Kawaii, kawaii kawaii” which means “cute” in English. Nearby was a cat café but I’m still trying to “wrap my mind” around that concept. Also click this link to see Tokyo Cat Café.
Kurious Korner
What type of tourist are you?
① Zen-thusiasts- There are many shrines and temples in Japan. So if you are interested in different types of religions, you can visit the Peace Pagoda or Mitaki Temple while in Hiroshima.
② Nature Lovers- Do you feel inner-peace and an indescribable “one-ness” when surrounded by trees, plants, rivers, mountains and breath-taking views? Then, you should visit Shukkeien Garden .
③ Cultural Chameleon- To me, immersing yourself in a true cultural experience is one of the most authentic ways to enjoy your stay in another country. We didn’t get to attend this festival but it is certainly on our to do list: The Hiroshima Oyster Festival in February.
④ Sports Fanatic- When I arrived, I was surprised to learn that Japanese are huge baseball fans. Baseball games are very popular here.
⑤ Bajan Injection: “Eyes-Bigger-Than-Yuh-Belly” Tourist- Of course oysters and okonomiyaki are the local treats but there are also many regular and vegan cafes.
⑥ The SHOW me more Tourist- For those psyched by entertainment shows and theatre, Kagura is a theatrical dance based on the Japanese Shinto religion. The elaborate costumes will more than peek your interest. These shows are in December. Hiroshima also offers the Shimizu Gekijo show which combines theater and dance performances by Geisha and Samurai!