It was a stunning hairpin curve.

There were a few Japanese silver grass blooming in the foreground.

The clear white sky with the ocean in the distance.

My heart was at peace.

I got out of the car with my camera.

There I stared at the mountains, the sky, and the sea in the distance.

Everything was wonderful. Everything.

I am remembering what happened that afternoon.

Reference

Japanese https://note.com/yasuharunagura/n/naad114f615d8

Here is a sentence I almost wrote before, but never got around to it.

I was once again recalling my first trip to Unzen.

I remember when I took the trail before sunset.

I came to an observatory from which I could see the old town and the Unzen Hell.

I was walking and shuttering, walking and shuttering.

I thought. My life is here.

Reference

Japanese https://note.com/yasuharunagura/n/n1e45b6234306

I was out somewhere in Shimabara, taking as many pictures as I wanted, wherever I wanted.

I would wander around and pass the time at my leisure.

I would stroll through the samurai residences at my leisure.

I would reminisce about my trip alone at my leisure.

I was taking pictures while holding an umbrella.

I remember that.

Reference

Japanese https://note.com/yasuharunagura/n/n12727bdae4c1

When I arrived in Shimabara, I first went to Shimabara Castle.

I climbed the stairs of the castle tower up to the 5th floor to the observation deck, where I took pictures.

I am looking out over the Ariake Sea.

I am taking pictures of that sea, a wonderfully beautiful sea.

But what was I thinking at that moment?

I wondered if I could see China in the far distance.

Reference

Japanese https://note.com/yasuharunagura/n/n87fe9915ae9c