So I went to Hiroshima over the weekend. Here are a few of my views on the place.
First off, its an extraordinarily depressing place. I don't think I've been anywhere that oozes depressing vibes in quite the same quantity as this place. As soon as you get off the tram you are greeted by the A-Dome. A spectacular mess of a building that use to be prized by the people of Hiroshima before the bomb went off almost directly above it. The devastating effect that this had on the building is being preserved. Its quite odd.
After this as you head deep into the Park now dedicated to peace and memory of the first Atomic Bombing you are greeted with eery silence. The place is really kinda busy with tourist but is just soo quiet. So full of reverence, its uncomfortable. The park itself is really nice. Lots of nice sculptures and palm trees along side normal trees. But it just doesn't seem right to appreciate it for a park. Its just too plainly a grave at the same time.
Lastly you get to the Peace Museum. A stunning bridged building that houses a large amount of information on Hiroshima before and after the bomb. It really is a great museum. Lots of text to read so that you can learn up on the bits that interest you. Lots of pictures and diagrams and models and video feeds. Its also really cheap (35p) as I think its mostly funded by donations. But it is a little upsetting when you stop to think about it. The first half of the museum mostly informs you about the history and horrors. Unfortunately the second half decides to show you the horrors. Needless to say I spent most of the short time I spent in the museum in the first part. I wish I had more time but considering how uncomfortable it makes you maybe its good I didn't.
Overall I'm really glad I went. I felt a kinda pull to go there, almost like a pilgrimage or something maybe. To see how science can be put to the wrong means. Now I can say I've been, and that I'm slightly better informed. But it wasn't an easy trip to make or come to terms with.
