remembering the great hanshin earthquake

i have three days off, specifically sunday, tuesday, and wednesday.

tuesday: earthquake memorial day it is. i wake up and head to kobe harbour, and examine the perserved part of the harbour from the earthquake. it is sad to witness. that day, on jan 17th, 1995, over a thousand people lost their lives. here i observe over 10 years later, the damage of that day. it is truly horrific.

i head to the earthquake museum to learn more. I watch a recreation of the earthquake. sugoi. what a terrible experience to undergo. my heart goes out to the earthquake victims. the suffering is unbelievable. People losing relatives, having to live in school gymnasiums for months. My empathy for the great city of Kobe grows. I listen to personal stories of the surviours. a man in a wheelchair survives, having to pull himself out of the rubble. I am amazed.

i finally understand where the mutual respect and character of this city comes from. i always wondered why, if you loose a bag filled with cash and valuables, will it be returned the next day with nothing missing. now in understand. this city has developed a ridiculous amount of trust and compassion; people have so much integrity. this city is awesome. rock on.

wednesday

i go to an outlet mall in tarumi. the mall is amazing. the worlds largest suspension bridge lies in the background. sugoi. inside, lacoste outlet store sucks me dry. i walk out with a winter jacket, a long sleeve shirt, and a sweater. amazing prices though, 50 percent off most merchandise.

at night i go to the most beautiful cafe ive ever been to. lit trees and nice decor surround me. i eat cheese cake and coffee. happy b-day boo-bi (bobby in japanese).