Amagasaki 3 (for Mar.19)
Today’s objective was to tour Kobe. First priority is the Kobe Earthquake Museum, commemorating the Jan. 17, 1995 earthquake that killed 6,400 people. We got away around 10 and arrived at the museum by 11 after a short wait for the train, a half hour ride, and a walk from the station.
Our tour began with a dramatic video of the earthquake taking place. Carla figures the whole thing was a reenactment. Some parts obviously were, but some parts may have been actual video from security cameras and such. It was pretty dramatic anyway to see buildings, elevated highways, and such falling over. From there we went to another video presentation telling the story of one survivor and her experience in the quake and its aftermath. Next was a floor of displays of pictures and artifacts from the quake along with comments from survivors about their experiences in the quake and the aftermath. Another floor was devoted to what was learned about construction techniques, building codes, emergency preparedness, and such.
We bought combination tickets to also tour the adjoining nature museum. One floor was devoted to appreciating nature and enjoying its serenity. It basically tried to give nature experiences to city people who might not get many. Another floor was kind of like a science centre. We finished up about 2:30 and grabbed some lunch.
From there we hiked downtown and explored. We checked out an open air mall a few blocks long. It was all roofed over, but not totally enclosed. The street was about 40 feet wide and filled with people. From there we went to Chinatown. It was also several blocks long, but the street was narrow and uncovered. It too was full of people. There were about a million little eating stalls and restaurants.
Next, we went to a cheese cake place around the corner that Carla and Tyler wanted to show us. Above ground there is just a doorway and a sign. We went downstairs to find a cozy little eating area packed with people. The twist came when our cheese cake arrived. It is literally a piece of cake, about 4 inches in diameter, dusted with icing sugar, and with cheese melted on top. Not what we were used to, but very good.
Next we went down to the harbour area where they have some earthquake monuments and a redeveloped shopping and entertainment area. We explored until late, and then ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Different, but still spaghetti. We got back about 10:30 and went straight to bed.
It was a cool day – high about 12 – but sunny. The killer was the breeze, which was pretty stiff. It cooled off pretty good after dark. It was 5 degrees when we were rifing the train home. I think I like heat better!
Our tour began with a dramatic video of the earthquake taking place. Carla figures the whole thing was a reenactment. Some parts obviously were, but some parts may have been actual video from security cameras and such. It was pretty dramatic anyway to see buildings, elevated highways, and such falling over. From there we went to another video presentation telling the story of one survivor and her experience in the quake and its aftermath. Next was a floor of displays of pictures and artifacts from the quake along with comments from survivors about their experiences in the quake and the aftermath. Another floor was devoted to what was learned about construction techniques, building codes, emergency preparedness, and such.
We bought combination tickets to also tour the adjoining nature museum. One floor was devoted to appreciating nature and enjoying its serenity. It basically tried to give nature experiences to city people who might not get many. Another floor was kind of like a science centre. We finished up about 2:30 and grabbed some lunch.
From there we hiked downtown and explored. We checked out an open air mall a few blocks long. It was all roofed over, but not totally enclosed. The street was about 40 feet wide and filled with people. From there we went to Chinatown. It was also several blocks long, but the street was narrow and uncovered. It too was full of people. There were about a million little eating stalls and restaurants.
Next, we went to a cheese cake place around the corner that Carla and Tyler wanted to show us. Above ground there is just a doorway and a sign. We went downstairs to find a cozy little eating area packed with people. The twist came when our cheese cake arrived. It is literally a piece of cake, about 4 inches in diameter, dusted with icing sugar, and with cheese melted on top. Not what we were used to, but very good.
Next we went down to the harbour area where they have some earthquake monuments and a redeveloped shopping and entertainment area. We explored until late, and then ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Different, but still spaghetti. We got back about 10:30 and went straight to bed.
It was a cool day – high about 12 – but sunny. The killer was the breeze, which was pretty stiff. It cooled off pretty good after dark. It was 5 degrees when we were rifing the train home. I think I like heat better!
posted by Celeste at
8:04 p.m.
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