Still in the train on the way to Fukuoka. Missed mass and communion. Our train has been delayed 3 hours, and we nearly passed Hiroshima City unnoticed. Here Abubakar and Santos gave us castañas [chestnuts], and we took their letters and packages for home.
Hakata Station. Reached this station at 3:00 p.m., and the car and representatives supposed to welcome us were no longer there. Sent telegram to Nagasakis. Rode for the first time in jinrikshas to the famous Sakaya Inn where Ambassador Vargas, Aquino and all personages taking the plane at Fukuoka stay overnight. This inn is first-class and the best I have ever seen so far.
(Crossed Kanmon Strait this morning through the new undersea tunnel connecting the opposite tips of Honshu and Kyushu. Tunnel wide enough to peer out of window and get fresh air. Trip undersea lasted about 8 minutes.)
Alba, Mapa and Dominguez were there waiting for us. They slept with us and told us of bombings in Kyushu.
Tonight was our dress rehearsal for tomorrow’s flight. Practiced what it would be like wearing several layers of underwear, khaki shirts and pants, jacket and a thick overcoat filled with letters and small packages.
In the last-hour shopping at Fukuoka this afternoon, I bought a glasstex watch strap and sunglasses that cost me Y26. Paid a visit to the Blessed Sacrament at Fukuoka Church.