Miyajima

This morning we met Moeko at the Hiroshima Eki to head to Miyajima together. She said she was on the train around 5 am this morning to meet us here by 11. So so nice of her!

Miyajima was one of my favorite places I went to on my mission. Because I had a few areas close to it, I got lucky enough to venture out there for p-day a couple times. Marty has also been before--on the mission and with his family--but before today had never gone to the top of Mt. Misen (which is my favorite part!). The view over the ocean and the surrounding cities is breathtaking.

After meeting up with Moeko, we headed on the train and then took the ferry to the island. We walked around for a little bit and saw the deer and the famous shrine. I learned from Moeko and Marty that the tide changes throughout the day. I guess I've always gone at the time of the day when it's low tide, but seeing it higher was so beautiful! 

Moeko and Emi

Us and a deer

Family picture at the shrine!

Moeko and me at the shrine.

Then we stopped for lunch at a little restaurant. You could tell it was authentic because it was just us and the Japanese people. Marty and Moeko got the famous oysters and I settled for pork cutlet bowl (katsudon). Marty also tried Hiroshima Cola. Very adventurous!

Marty's fried oysters and Hiroshima Cola

Then we made our way to the tram. I had hiked to the top of the mountain before with one of my districts, but I had seen people take the tram and thought that might be fun. Especially because the hike up takes awhile! We bought our tickets, and then realized that taking the tram up the mountain had a short line, but there was an 80 minute wait to take it down. Oops! Still fun to take the tram up. 

To get to the top of the mountain you first take these little carts, and then switch over to the tram. Marty and I thought it was pretty, but Moeko was very nervous heading up. (Sorry Moeko! You didn't know what you were getting into coming with us!)

Moeko took so many pictures and it's so fun to see all of them!

Do we look like tourists? lol

In the carts we took up to the tram.

The view on our way up. All these mountains here look like broccoli to me!

After taking the tram, there was still a 20-30 min hike to the top. I didn't realize that, so we were not dressed the best for the long hike.haha. Ooops! The view at the top was so pretty though! Totally worth it.

Another gem Moeko caught of us haha. I think she was more worried about Emi getting burned than we were. haha.

We made it!

The crew at the top: Moeko

Marty

Emi

Me 6 years ago as a brand new missionary.

Me today!

Marty checking out the view.

Is this not just beautiful?!

On the way down, we took the path because the tram wait was so long. It ended up taking us an hour to get down, including taking a few stops. However, it was fun to get to chat and catch up throughout our descent.

The trek down.

By this point, we were well into the afternoon. We began heading back to the ferry, but stopped for some Momiji manju on our way back (they are a specialty item in Hiroshima).

Us with our momiji manju. They are maple leaf shaped pancake-y things with fillings in them. Marty got custard filling, I got chocolate filling, and Moeko got bean filling.

On the ferry ride back, this little boy came up to Emi and introduced himself and told her he was 3. He just stood by us and talked to her during the ferry ride. So adorable.

The train ride home was crazy. There were soooo many people on the train. Emi, Moeko, and I were smashed against the front of the train and Marty was smashed in the middle of the train. Moeko sacrificed her bag zippers and watch to keep Emi happy. I have never experienced a train ride quite like that one!

We made it home in the early evening, and said our goodbyes to Moeko. We were so grateful she took the time to come see us on her day off! 

Bye Moeko! Until next time.