Trip Continued

Sup again.

Monday we took a ferry (making me miss summer!) to Inujima (this island is named after a dog, so that's why inu (dog) is in the name). The island used to be a copper smelting factory, and the ruins have been made into an art project that takes you through the factory. One of the installations included a hallway that looked as though you were going to a drop off, but was actually lined with mirrors that created the illusion. I was creeped out by the whole thing, especially the falling-down smoke towers and didapilated refinery. But it was beautiful in a way, especially the black slag (residual material from the smelting process) sand and bricks. I would love to show you pictures, but for the art peices they weren't allowed. I do have some of the ruins, however.
Yesterday was also pretty full. From Uno Port we took another ferry to Naoshima. We got some famous udon (thick noodles) from a little shop as we waited for the ferry to Teshima, where we would spend the day. Luckily there were sixteen electric assist bikes at the rental store. And those things are cool- we spent most of the afternoon riding them in the mountains. Basically you turn the battery on and it gives you an extra push with every pedal. I know- I sound like a commercial. But they are seriously awesome. On the way was the Teshima Art Museum, a big white dome tucked next to bright green rice terraces on the side of a mountain. The installation was done by Rei Naito and Nishizawa. You go in and see something moving across the floor like little bugs, but when you get closer you realize it's water. Inching along the white floor, leaving no wet marks or any trace at all. At first it's weird but after awhile it feels sort of soothing. That was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The next museum was The Archives of the Heart by Christian Boltanski, and I registered my heart beat with the installation. Afterwards you can go into a room and hear it played on a speaker as a hanging light bulb flashes to the beat. That was also pretty fun and a little weird too. I got a CD of the recording, so if anyone wants to hear how my heart sounds through a stethescope, just ask! After the bike ride was finished we stopped for matcha (green tea) ice cream and visited some art houses on the island. Next we took YET ANOTHER FERRY(!) back to Naoshima. Everyone got dressed up for the fancy dinner, a seven-course French meal that included Amuse Bouche (like an appetizer) and a pre-dessert hibiscus palette cleanser. Delicious. Well that's all for today, got to go get ready for the Japanese dinner tonight. I hear it's getting cold there, but today it was about 90 for us! Missing you!

-Georgie (^.^)