"Sharrie's Kobe Steel" a Kobe Travel Page by Sharrie

KOBE - well known for its beef, steel & port, it did not become world famous until the earthquake disaster in 1995 (EQE Summary Report). Today, it's been fully reconstructed & things seem to be back to normal.

After a wonderful meeting with VT member Jeremmy & Sakuzan in Tokyo, I made my way to Hiroshima where I stayed for 2 nights. I was fortunate to find my way to Miyajima, where one of the most celebrated & famous shrine (Itsukushima) in Japan is located. It's also known to be one of Japan's 3 most beautiful spots! Miraculously, this island off Hiroshima escaped the disaster that had struck Hiroshima. Upon my return, I then realised I had actually visited 2 cities that had recovered from disasters in the past! From the exterior no one would ever have guessed of prior events; but I often wonder how does the Japanese feel about all these. Don't you? I am certain of this though: the Japanese does possess the will of steel to have recovered from these disasters & to continue to build an even better society to live in. To me, the ability to rise again after a fall is all that matters; that's a great accomplishment & one of the very reasons why I respected the Japanese a great deal!