01：Natalie Donohue(UK)

　In my honest opinion, I found the Iwaki Tour to be even more interesting, informative and relevant than the Aizu and Kitakata Tour. I felt that the tour was not at all rushed and we had enough time to enjoy each of the many activities. My favourites included cotton picking before making and decorating small dolls with the cotton and visiting a relocated shopping area run by displaced local people. The most poignant experience for me was being so close to the sea and being able to see the vast amount of destruction caused by the 3.11 tsunami.

　It have spent a long time trying to describe how it feels to see the devastation caused by the 3.11 disaster –especially the damage caused by the tsunami, but I cannot put it into words. The first time I visited the coast in Soma in September 2012 and every time I have visited the coast in Soma or Minamisoma since, the same things happens –I become lost for words when confronted with the after effects of a natural phenomenon, that despite all our progress in science and technology, humans are unable to stop or control. Seeing the building foundations that are all that remains of whole swathes of towns is heartbreaking in a way I cannot describe.
But, on the other hand, it truly amazes me that out of all the rubble and destruction, the inherent drive of people and communities to join together amid the confusion and uncertainty and selflessly help each other to recover and rebuild what was lost.
　On the tour we had the chance to witness for ourselves the strength and determination of those affected by the disaster when we visited a shopping district that had been relocated after being destroyed by the tsunami. First we were shown a series of pictures taken before, during and after the tsunami, which were unbelievable to see, before having the chance to walk around the shops and chat to the owners. The shop owners were so friendly and upbeat and I am in awe of everything they have achieved since being faced with such adversity.

　I am frustrated that I cannot be more eloquent on this matter and accurately report on feelings evoked by standing on the coast and subsequently seeing the ongoing recovery, but, I urge anyone that has a chance to visit the coastal areas hit by the tsunami. Not only will it give you a real sense of the power of nature, but by seeing the reconstruction and speaking to the locals, you will also be able to see the power and strength of people who have joined together to rebuild their lives and their towns –both literally and figuratively.