August 17, 2007
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Still alive folks! I left home on the 10th, hung around in Kagoshima until the following Monday, headed up with Hub to Fukuoka, and have returned to Kagoshima today. Fukuoka was a nice hot break. I suppose that you are all reading about record breaking temperatures in Japan. I am careful to find an occasional air conditioner, so I am surviving it all right.
Fukuoka Day 1: We walked down to a beach from Hub's place. It was unbelievably uncrowded, but since we were not attired for a romp in the surf, we just took some pictures. We also went up Fukuoka Tower to get a full view of the city. This place was also unbelievably underpopulated considering we were in the middle of summer holidays. We then went to the Municipal Museum, which was interesting as well as cooler than outside. There is a large temple in Nara, the name of which escapes me at the moment, that was in danger of falling in upon itself. The temple building has been totally dismantled for repairs, which means that all of the historical artifacts there must be either be stored somewhere or go out on tour. I suppose that if they put these various Buddhas and whatnot on display they will be earning their keep rather than devouring funds, so it is on tour they have gone, and we were lucky enough to catch them in Fukuoka. One extremely famous wood carving of a priest called Ganjin was on display, and were were amazed that we were able to view it at such leisure. In Tokyo this particular piece of art draws large sardine-can style crowds.
Fukuoka Day 2: Hub wanted to check out the site of the Fukuoka Castle remains. The walls were still there, but no castle. They are not even sure if a castle building had ever really been constructed on the plateau overlooking the city, but if there had been one that certainly would have been a nice place to make it. Fukuoka is not making very good use of this historical site, as the city is allowing it to be populated by homeless fellows. I did notice that most of them had bicycles, different from Tokyo's tent population. The next stop was the Municipal Art Museum which gave us a chance to cool off. One picture that interested me first appeared to be a cross, but when viewed from further back it appeared to be a barred prison window flooded with light. It was food for thought and I would have liked to have purchased a post card of it, but none was available. We then went back outside to Oohori Park, which contains a lake with a very nice tree lined path leading through the center of the lake.
Fukuoka Day 3: Hub had to go to work so I had no choice but to check out the downtown area of Tenjin. The Mitsukoshi department store was having an exhibition of works by Okamoto Taro and Rosanjin, which was an unexpected treat, as I kind of like Okamoto Taro. He is a bit different. I walked around Daimaru department store, too, but did not see anything I really needed for a price that I wanted to pay. It is nice to be able to say that I don't need anything. I then took a walk to a local shrine and discovered a curry shop to keep in mind for future reference.
Now I am back in Kagoshima. Bachan gets her endoscopic encore tomorrow and then will come home for the weekend. I will take her back to here temporary home Sunday night and then head back to Tokyo on Monday where I will try to catch up with everything. Hats off to all for their prayers and support. I will post pictures next week.
