June 7th We just returned from a weekend at Hiroshima and Miyajima. More on that later.

Here's what we were up to last Thursday (June 2) before we left.

Kobe Lampwork glass Museum. The museum didn't allow pictures. It was just 2 rooms of miniature glass works. But the draw of the place is the hands on experiences.

Hannah made an orange bead.

Open flame....no waivers to sign.....just adults working with kids..

.expecting you to use common sense.

Spencer was so focused.

Matt found a piece of art that he wanted. But guess what? The artist is from Arizona, not far from where we used to live. The museum owner met the artist at a glassworks conference in the U.S. The artist donated it to the museum.

 I dared Hannah to eat a hot pepper at lunch. If she did, I would buy her a coke. She did it!

 As we strolled through Kobe, we ran into Ikuta Jinja Shrine.

Another Shinto Shrine. Possibly one of the oldest in the country. Dates back to the 3rd century.

This one was used for festivals to welcome back warriors in their attempt to invade Korea.

 A few more torii.

A gardens behind the shrine, we called it the "Haunted Forest" and sent Matt and Spener in first.

Here's Spencer praying at a shrine. I'm not sure why it clipped my video. He offers his offering...rings the bell....offers a prayer.....and bows.