One of the most interesting experiences I come across in Japan is when it rains. Well, when it rains and I have to be somewhere, that is. Here, I do not own a car, so my transportation options are limited to my rusty old bike, bus or subway. But most people, including me, choose to ride bikes because it is the least expensive way to get around. On rainy days, bike riding turns into mass chaos (almost mint chaos). First, the tires on the bikes here are BALD - all of them, unless you own a super expensive mountain bike. So the sidewalks become slick and you slip and slide everywhere you want to go. Secondly, there is the battle of umbrellas. This is where all the bike riders try not to get wet by holding an umbrella as they ride along the slippery roads. I am included in this mess, because I too do not like getting wet. But it is definitly a battle - against both people and wind. See, as you ride, your umbrella catches the wind, pulling against you and causing you to swerve. Causing everyone to swerve. So you have to be on your guard against those swerving bicyclists with umbrellas. Then, to make matters worse, you have to watch out for: pedestrians, masses of school students on tour in Kyoto, cars on the sidewalk, ramen noodle "signs" (massive circular lamps that swing to hit you in the wind), ridiculously narrow sidewalks, posts in the middle ridiculously narrow sidewalks, motorcycles and bags of trash. life is so exciting!
Posted by Kristen at May 18, 2003 11:47 AM
| TrackBack