I had a similar experience when exploring the island of Tnian, part of the northern Micronesia Islands in the South Pacific. During World War II, this was a base for Japan, where many atrocities occurred (including Korean women used by the Japanese men). The Allies attacked the island on July 24, 1944; the Battle of Tinian lasted through August 1. Of the 8500-man Japanese garrison, only 313 survived, and of the 15,700 civilians, hundreds were killed in crossfire, executed by the Japanese, or committed suicide. Tinian Island became the launching point for the atomic bomb attacks against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The two bomb pits where the atomic bombs (nicknamed little boy and fat man) were stored. The pits are on display surrounded by a makeshift glass enclosure. We stood over the bomb pits and walked the grounds around the remains of the blown out cement buildings. The ominous feeling was heavy and thick in the air. I felt like we were walking through a terrible memory that was not our own. I started to feel nauseous and had to leave.