The peace park, Hiroshima

I'm quite sure the Mayor didn't say "What the hell was that?" when Enola Gay dropped her payload. There simply wasn't the time to notice before the intense blast, air pressure and heat disintegrated pretty much everything within a 10 mile radius. Visiting the war museum in HCMC and now the peace park in Hiroshima, it's clear to see that the bomb dropping yeehaws need to be stopped, somehow. It's not the immediate effects of annihilation (one of Hitler's favourite words need I say), more the prolonged misery caused for years after that will move you.


There is of course another side to this hellish nightmare; that it actually creates purpose and work. Much like everything else, the castle was obliterated, setting in to action a plan to rebuild a decade after the end of the war. Buildings have risen from the ashes making the city feel like a concrete Phoenix with a clear design – to abolish all nuclear weapons from the planet. And the sights on display inside the museum will certainly make you feel for the cause.

Take a minute to see how much good actually came from "dropping the bomb" and it's something unfamiliar to the visitors - who can only sympathise with the apparent suffering. The grander picture however it's painted, is one of miraculous recovery and the overriding reason is because of hardship; the Japanese had something to strive for and are in all actuality probably better off for it. Never have I seen such a safe place - the lady sat opposite me just returned from the toilet, having left all of her belongings behind, including her purse. And believe it or not – it’s all still there, left completely untouched.


I thought I'd try an experiment of my own on the Shinkansen yesterday, where only a few people were sat. Returning from the lavatory everything was just as I left it. Perhaps the reason is the blame culture; it's not black and White here and most definitely grey. For example: Rear-ended whilst stationary at a traffic light and your handbrake on - doesn't matter, you'll still be at least 5% accountable. This creates a somewhat over precautious society - not that I have issues with it - but it does go some way to explaining the introvertedness of the locals.
Where I ask, could that be considered normal practice except in a place that has doctrined peace and safety to all. It's wonderful that from such a cowardly and inhumane act of destruction, this Phoenix has risen far stronger than ever.




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Portion sizes

I want to go back to Thailand. Not because of the cheap booze, radyboys or even the whores gowdammit. No, I just want a sodding meal that fills me up! Portions here are so small you could consider a main course an aperitif. A "starter" is a mouthful.

I've just ran 13k; not very far but I want some pasta. Preferably with cheese and enough to replenish calories both burned and used by default through existence. Penne al arrabiata sounds great and with a small Spanish pizza to kick off, my stomach is quite ready to get to work. My eyes, however, are not as big, having been confronted by around twenty pieces of penne and some sauce. Delicious though it is, six quid leaves me requiring some soothing cream from such a sore arse.

Potentially it's a great way to lose weight; being in perpetual negative calory count. I just miss the 70 pence Pad Thais that left me feeling like the bloke from Alien just before his stomach burst. South Korea won't be much better I don't suppose, so here's hoping the bones and cartilage of china will be enough to satisfy me.