The Train has Come!
This photo was such a poor picture to begin with. It took a some work to get it to look half way decent. Anyway, my train was to depart at 8:20AM. I took the Nozomi train which is the fastest Shinkansen or Bullet Train there is! Before March of 1992, it used to take 7 hours to get to Fukuoka (from Tokyo) using the Bullet Train. Now, if you use the Nozomi, it only takes 5 hours. One of my Japanese friends whom I met while I was a college student in Miami knew that I was in Japan. We kept in touch by phone, and one day he invited me to spend my vacation with him and his family in Fukuoka. Fukuoka is in Kyushu - which is not part of the main island of Japan; it's actually an island south of the main island. More information about Kyushu can be found here. While I was in Fukuoka, I stayed at his sister's house with her and her family. I was so impressed not only with Fukuoka, but with the people. They are so friendly, down to earth, and they are such warm-hearted people. This trip took place in mid-March of 1993. Of course, Fukuoka is the place of Tonkotsu (pork) Ramen, so.... you better believe I ate that! It's my all time favorite ramen!
