Hiroshima

Introducing my Hiroshima hosts Bims and Joris. Two tattoo loving Parisians soaking up the Hiroshima life. To them Hiroshima is a beautiful tranquil heaven coming from their home in the suburbs, district 93 of Paris. Joris had spent the last 2 years in Hiroshima, he manages to speak fluent Japanese, English and French. He spends his time sleeping a whole lot, photography/graphic design and working at an awesomely fun bar called '2Up'.(owned by the coolest boss TAKA, who shouted me a Tequila shot upon meeting) Bims just got to Japan himself, and is adjusting to the country slowly. He can't speak much English, I can't speak much French, and we both can't speak much Japanese. Between the 3 we've managed to communicate and be partners in exploring the city of Hiroshima.
The first thing we did was going to eat Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki, it's made with noodles and without the drizzly mayo over the top.

After that we were ready to tackle the town in style. I was lucky enough that they had a spare bike so we each had a ride to cruise around town on. Bims and I hit up the main city sights.


Ganbakudomemae
The atomic bomb was dropped right above this building and it stands as a constant reminder of the event.

We then moved onto the International Peace Memorial Hall for the A-Bomb Victims. Both Bims and I came out traumatised by the displays of victims from the A-Bomb. The stories that accompanied some of the tragedies often involved children going to school at the time of the blast (8:15am). The memorial hall was teaming with schools of children there on excursions. I wondered how they felt about seeing something so horrific happening to people their own age.

Strings of 1000paper origami cranes.

Model of the bomb site before and after the blast.

Really scary model of the school children and their burnt clothing melting off of them after the blast.

A piece of a boy's finger that melted when he had it sticking out of a window during the blast.

On a lighter note we went to see the Hiroshima castle and then swung by Joris' tattoo artist.

Chez Bims