Hiroshima and the Tulip Factory

Our ship headed towards Hiroshima and we passed many islands jutting out in the water like the images on an old Japanese silk painting.

After going ashore, our little group of Craft Cruisers entered a bus provided by our Host the Tulip Needle factory. We were to be honored by being the first group of foreigners ever allowed to tour the factory.

On the way we were introduced to a variety of tulip products and the means by which they were produced.

The presentation was fascinating, but the sights of Japan outside our window still distracted me on occasion.

We had unexpectedly cool weather and as we got out of the city, it began to snow.

Meanwhile our hosts had ingeniously arranged to present the process of needle production with large illustrations.

Outside the snow continued to pile up.

I  never expected to see so much snow this late in the year, specially in southern Japan.

Neither did our hosts, they actually had a truck get stuck in the drive way which had to be pushed out f the way so our bus could park. The employees awaited us patiently under the eave of the factory.

Along with them was the company president, Harada-san. 

We were divided into groups and taken on a tour of the needle production. We saw grinding, polishing, cleaning and many ingenuous processes. We were asked not to take pictures because some of the techniques are cutting edge and might be sought after by competitors. After the tour we took the obligatory group picture. The workers were exited to share their work and company with us and we felt very welcomed and well cared for on our tour.

After the tour we were each given a tulip in honor of the company's name.

The tour was not the end of our visit either. 

After shoveling the walk and providing us with carpet so we wouldn't soil our shoes in the snow...

we were escorted away from the factory ...

...to our bus with umbrellas to shield us from the still falling snow.

At the restaurant we were treated royally. The decor was definitely picture-worthy.

Outside was a traditional style japanese garden with each of the kinds of stone lantern.

The balance and structure of the garden were sublime.

We all danced around the garden ecstatically, enjoying the perfect proportions and carefully planned vistas.

I can just hear Chris singing, "Heaven, I'm in heaven..."

There was a calm and beauty to the garden despite the snow and coldness of the weather.

In the dining area they had set up all kinds of stands of needles and supplies against the far wall.

Our hosts invited us into the room and then left us while we had an exquisite dinner.

Even the restrooms were gorgeous. I was particularly taken by the basket woven ceilings.

The hall leading up to the dining room was tranquil and lent a feeling of calm.

Of course it couldn't quell the excitement we felt over the meal and the beautiful needles just waiting for us on the wall.

The presentation of the meal was exquisitely beautiful. Alas, my photos do not do it justice. My friend Chris Abbott however did a wonderful job of capturing the beauty of hte dishes.

Here is her picture of the first course from her blog . 

The next several photos are also from her blog and I highly recommend following the link to enjoy her beautiful presentation on the visit.

Everything was both stunning and edible of course.

Chris captured the grace and elegance of the dessert with this photo.

My photos on the other hand are lackadaisical  and careless in their look.

Hers have strength and elegance.

Each dish was a treasure of its own.

The rule of 33 different food per day seems to have been fulfilled in this single meal.

And for dessert my absolute favorite ice cream - GOMA!!!  In my ever pesent search for sesame ice cream, it had been presented to me without effort at our meal with Tulip!

We purchased our tools after lunch and then raced back to the ship. The snow had diminished the amount of time we had to enjoy the company and presentations of our hosts, but nonetheless a strong bond had been formed and we were eager to go home to the US and promote the use of the high quality tulip products to our friends. At present these excellent needles are only available in a few places. Like at Yarnstick.com Online . Tulip will be attending major shows in the US soon and will become available shortly though, so keep your eyes open for them!

On our way home, we passed the Peace park, with its skeletal dome of remembrance.

and then alas, it was back to the ship and the landmark of Hiroshima's harbor.

We waved goodbye from our porthole and sat knitting contentedly with our new tulip needles. What a lovely day of perfect food, friendship and dancing! "Heaven, I'm in heaven..."