Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 10:51AM May 24_ Kobe (Chinatown, Japan)
;)
We woke up this morning and headed for Kobe (Sayonara Western breakfast!). With Amanda leading the way we were lucky to get to our hotel in Kobe (it was conveniently located right across the street from the subway station). We soon discovered that we were in the center of Chinatown (helloooooo, delishus Chinese FOOOOOOD!). Our lunch comprised of steamed buns with meat (?), wonton noodle soup and ice cream! Since we were in Chinatown, it was nice to finally be able to eat our food while walking the streets (well, all the kids were doing it). After lunch, we were led by Bernice down the treacherous path down to the Earthquake Museum and Hyogo Art Museum (Bernice claims it was David, but anyways, it was comparable to "human frogger").
When we arrived at the Earthquake Museum, we watched a simulation of the 1995 Earthquake of Kobe. It was really shocking to most of us because none of us have ever experienced anything like that. The damage from the Kobe earthquake was unbelievable to see but the scope of damage from this year's earthquake in Northeastern Japan far surpassed it. Although the museum allowed the visitors to understand the magnitude of the Kobe quake, it also showed how Kobe has recovered and rebuilt itself. The rebuilding of the city was really focused around the residents and their experiences by adding more quality public spaces. The Kobe quake was an important lesson for Japan to learn about future building codes and precautions to take; this tsunami should be a similar lesson.
;)
The redevelopment of destroyed waterfront of Kobe was designed by Tadao Ando (aka God…or Buddha). The complex comprised of an Art Museum, amphitheater, large boardwalk and smaller parks, had a very European feel as in being spacious and having a very linear organization. The art museum was organized into 3 bars with a curtain wall enclosing an inner concrete box (aka The Modern Fort Worth also designed by Tadao Ando). Jesse, Amanda and Bernice were running a little early (we're never early) so they decided to slow motion run to Chariots of Fire (well, it was only Jesse).
;)
FOOOOOOD time! Back to Chinatown…this time Jesse and Rochelle ate all of Chinatown's meat (?) supply (literally). Here's our tasty list of our meat treats: a steamed bun with meat (?), yaki-tori (skewers with either beef (?) or chicken (?)), Lord Stowe's custards (DELISHUS! and conveniently located in every city we have traveled minus the buddhist monastery…they're just not soggy enough), beef (?) croquette, a humburger (yes, that's right, humburger…FYI Jesse ate the last humburger (DELISHUS) and Bernice was pissed), a mango slush, french fries and a chicken snack from good ole' Mickey D's (seriously, DELISHUS!). Then we finished the day with Totoro (To-to-ro To-to-ro note: must be swaying while singing). That is all. Ok.
Sayonara,
Rochelle, Amanda and Jesse
Reader Comments (4)
that was a list of what rochelle ate right? sounds very similar to a list you told me from your trip to boston. better watch yourself! don't become that.
Katie is right, your posts always mention eating copious amounts of "FOOOOOOD". Aren't you guys supposed to be studying design?...Not having marathon eating contests everyday? Just sayin' :)
Exactly What is a humburger? Is this a Japanese rendition of the actual word,or is it something with ingredients that might not be pronounceable in the english tongue? lol I am looking forward to reading more on the blog updates; thanks buncheses
You guys must have really relaxed because today is 5-28 and nothing new to read!!
I do realize David may have you living in trees with some really obscure Japanese monks just to get the experiential sensation of the advancement they have made in the past 100 or so years!! lol and hence ,have no internet available.