Bicycle, bicycle...
Ah, the joys of having a bicycle!
As some of you may know, my Aussie friend Kim went home last month, offloading a great deal of untransportable household goodies at a very reasonable price. Thanks again, Kim! My place is a lot more comfortable now, compared to what it had been. My standing offer of a couch to crash on is made a bit sweeter by the addition of a much more comfortable couch, which folds down into a sofa bed, which is probably even more comfortable than my futon (or so it feels at the moment). There is more kitchen stuff than I know what to do with, although I've been doing my best to give everything a try. I've certainly been giving the toaster a workout, especially after finding Vegemite at the Meiji-ya in Sakae.
The bicycle needed a bit of fixing, which I finally got around to this weekend. It's nothing special to look at, which is fine by me, since anything that stands out is likely to get stolen (yes, even in Japan!). Mine still needs a shopping basket, though (it gets a bit too sweaty with a backpack) to complete the look (pic to come - when I get around to it). It reminds me a bit of Holland, the ubiquitous granny shopping bikes everywhere - the terror of cars and pedestrians alike. And now it's my turn to do some terrorising!
Of course, they build them tough here. You could run it over with a truck and it'd still work fine - and some of them look like that's happened more than once. For some people here, the bike is just as personal a space as a car. I've seen people smoking, checking (and answering!) their phone email and even putting on make up while riding their bikes and weaving through traffic. Some people even have a special attachment to hold the brolly when it rains, but most just have to hold it themselves and pray they don't need both brakes. And, of course, for those who are too poor to even own a bike, you can catch a lift with your friend by standing on the back fork, or ride sidesaddle on the pannier rack at the back.
The fashion here is focussed on showing off the girls' best feature, legs, which means short skirts in any weather and any time of year - not that I'm complaining, but I was a bit surprised back in March when it was snowing and I could see some girls turning visibly blue! On a bike, however, it becomes no mean feat to preserve one's modesty. I can't remember how many times I've gaped in awe (as opposed to the ordinary gaping! ;) ) at the dexterity and skill required to pedal a bike uphill while keeping knees together and answering your keitai and holding an umbrella without even breaking a sweat! But, of course, J-girls don't sweat, do they?
With any luck, and enough bike riding, I might just lose enough weight to fit into the shirts I bought here...
As some of you may know, my Aussie friend Kim went home last month, offloading a great deal of untransportable household goodies at a very reasonable price. Thanks again, Kim! My place is a lot more comfortable now, compared to what it had been. My standing offer of a couch to crash on is made a bit sweeter by the addition of a much more comfortable couch, which folds down into a sofa bed, which is probably even more comfortable than my futon (or so it feels at the moment). There is more kitchen stuff than I know what to do with, although I've been doing my best to give everything a try. I've certainly been giving the toaster a workout, especially after finding Vegemite at the Meiji-ya in Sakae.
The bicycle needed a bit of fixing, which I finally got around to this weekend. It's nothing special to look at, which is fine by me, since anything that stands out is likely to get stolen (yes, even in Japan!). Mine still needs a shopping basket, though (it gets a bit too sweaty with a backpack) to complete the look (pic to come - when I get around to it). It reminds me a bit of Holland, the ubiquitous granny shopping bikes everywhere - the terror of cars and pedestrians alike. And now it's my turn to do some terrorising!
Of course, they build them tough here. You could run it over with a truck and it'd still work fine - and some of them look like that's happened more than once. For some people here, the bike is just as personal a space as a car. I've seen people smoking, checking (and answering!) their phone email and even putting on make up while riding their bikes and weaving through traffic. Some people even have a special attachment to hold the brolly when it rains, but most just have to hold it themselves and pray they don't need both brakes. And, of course, for those who are too poor to even own a bike, you can catch a lift with your friend by standing on the back fork, or ride sidesaddle on the pannier rack at the back.
The fashion here is focussed on showing off the girls' best feature, legs, which means short skirts in any weather and any time of year - not that I'm complaining, but I was a bit surprised back in March when it was snowing and I could see some girls turning visibly blue! On a bike, however, it becomes no mean feat to preserve one's modesty. I can't remember how many times I've gaped in awe (as opposed to the ordinary gaping! ;) ) at the dexterity and skill required to pedal a bike uphill while keeping knees together and answering your keitai and holding an umbrella without even breaking a sweat! But, of course, J-girls don't sweat, do they?
With any luck, and enough bike riding, I might just lose enough weight to fit into the shirts I bought here...
posted by Ia Ftaghn at 9:18 pm
1 Comments:
I just keep my eyes open, and if anyone happens to get in front of them, it's their own fault... ;)
Post a Comment
<< Home