Kyushu cities

The heat wave that welcomed me almost knocked the breath out of me. I couldn't stop the sweat perspiring down my back. I was forewarned about the stifling heat in Kyushu. But it was nothing compared to the blazing sun that burnt my skin. Do I really want to put up with the heat here for the next two weeks?

I sense hostility in the people here. Maybe the weather breeds the temperament. I was expecting Kyushu to be less developed, more countryside. But stony grey and brown buildings greeted me.

The lady at the bus-stop was trying to calm her two wailing kids. I offered her children two biscuits to calm them down. She didn't even say thank you and goodbye.
The grandmother stared at me unsmilingly, not very keen to enter a conversation with me and in a hurry for the bus to come, so that they can all go away from the scorching heat.


An unexpected scene - morning exercise before the start of the day


An unexpected statue - After hearing so much about the group that was sent overseas to kickstart Japan's open door policy, it was good to see the statues but surprising to learn that they were from Kagoshima.