Nagasaki

17:30 (9 hours ahead of UK)  Sorry that yesterday, 23rd February, we couldn’t communicate again.  This time it was the fault of the Japanese authorities who decided that we could not use the internet while in port, for reasons unknown.  Strange for a supposedly free country.

Our visit to Nagasaki was extremely interesting.  We all know it as the second city where the USA dropped an atomic bomb on 9th August 1945.  One kilometre from the ‘hypersite’ was totally destroyed and other parts of the city suffered lesser but more long lasting effects. 

So the city now is virtually only 67 years old.  We travelled up the Mount Inasa cable car which gave a clear viewpoint for the whole city (see Arcadia in the harbour).  We both found the museum fascinating and there are many artefacts to show the dreadful effect of that nuclear explosion (see the bottles fused together).  A trip to the hypersite and to the Peace Park concluded what was an educational experience.  

The Statue of Peace is massive, right hand pointed to the sky to warn of the atomic bomb, left hand outstretched for peace.  74,000 were killed on the day; numerous others died later.  The children of Nagasaki make origami cranes as a symbol of peace.

Today, (24^th February) a relaxing day at sea with friends – and a bit of a lunchtime session.

Tomorrow, we visit Osaka independently. Then we start five days at sea, while we sail to Papua New Guinea, before Australia and the end to this fascinating cruise.