Japan 2010

Some pictures from the most amazing study tour led by the Asia Education Foundation (@ Melbourne University)

Felt so incredibly privileged to attend.

The first image is of some shoes I saw at a former geisha's house in Kyoto. Thought I might photograph them. It's amazing how Japanese women get around in these shoes.

The second image is of the floating shrine gates at Miyajima. It is a world heritage listed place and incredibly picturesque. A real feeling of calm permeates across this little island.

The third picture is a monument to Sadako - the young Japanese girl who died after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. She believed that if she made 1000 cranes, she would live. Visiting the Peace Park and the Museum and hearing a survivor speak of his life and ordeal is something I will never, ever, ever forget. There is no way you can ever walk out of a place like the museum without shedding a tear. Every artefact was attached to a name. I am not going to post those pictures. Some are just too graphic, but I did photograph them, because they tell a story and are a reminder of why nuclear weapons are a threat to world peace.

The fourth picture is of my host family. Takiko San and Towako San. Such lovely women who made me feel so incredibly welcome. Takiko san cooked the most delicious dinner. It was such a privilege to be allowed into the home of this most generous Japanese family. They live in Osaka. We went to an Onsen, Nara and a Shinto New Year's Festival in Osaka.

Met the most amazing people. My group leader, Meredith is one of the most inspiring women I have ever met. The final picture in this collection is of her and I. She is fluent in Japanese and is Director of Teaching and Learning at a girls' school. She is the kind of leader I aspire to be.