Qu: Hey! I saw you went to Hashima Island. How was it?

Maria: Crazy! They call it Battleship Island because from afar, it looks like a warship stranded in the sea and it kind of felt like it too. 

Qu: How so? 

Maria: The island is surrounded by huge walls and it's not like a sandy beach resort, its surrounding walls are concrete right up against the open ocean. 

Qu: That sounds pretty cool, but if it's not a beach island what is it?

Maria: It used to be a mining town and thousands of people lived there and it was one of the most densely populated places on earth. But once the mines shut down the island was completely abandoned.

Qu: That’s eerie. What’s it like now?

Maria: Its like completely crumbling and rusted over. It really was like walking through a ghost town that was frozen in time. 

Qu: Did you see any ghosts?

Maria: Ha! No, unfortunately not. But it wasn’t all adventure. Its pretty scary to think about the loss. 

Qu: That sounds intense. Did you explore the whole island?

Maria: Not all of it. Some parts are too dangerous to enter because the buildings are collapsing. But the accessible areas have plenty to explore. I found an old school, homes with personal belongings still inside, and even a theater.

Qu: A theater? On an abandoned island?

Maria: It’s like the people just vanished overnight, leaving everything behind. The theater had decaying seats and a rotting stage, but you could imagine it being full of life once.

Qu: What was the most memorable part?

Maria: I was able to make it to the roof of one of the safe buildings to look out over the whole island. The contrast between the desolate island and the endless sea was kind of haunting.

Qu: I can’t even imagine how that must feel. Did you take any souvenirs?

Maria: Just photos and memories. Honestly, I was scared of bringing home an evil spirit. 

Qu: I’d love to see those photos sometime. 

Maria: Anytime, Qu. Maybe one day you’ll get to Hashima Island too.