On Wednesday, Becca and I set out to buy a bike. I've been thinking about my options for a bike here and Japan, and scoping out some potential bikes. In Minneapolis, although I do not have a reliable bike of my own, I always steal my sister's fancy, lightweight hybrid tire bike. I love to ride around the lakes, or along Minnehaha creek to the falls. Her bike is so smooth to ride, especially compared to a tiny, old, squeaky red street bike that I call the Red Death and that I received second-hand. The Red Death, as its name implies, is both red and deadly. At any crack in the sidewalk, bump in the street, or sharp turn, it does its best to off you. My dear teammate Becca Bevans may be able to confirm this for you, as she took a bikeride on it with me once. It is not for the feint of heart! Anyways, because I have not really had a practical bike to call my own these past four years or so since I gave mine to my little brother and the unruly Red Death entered my life this spring, I have been dreaming of a bicycle. I knew coming to Japan that most bicycles here are not quite like those in the United States. Many are the style of "granny bikes" as I call them--with a long frame, comfortable seat, and a big basket on the front. Of course, these have their own appeal, but as I am hoping to take some long bike trips while I am here (if I can manage it, a bike trip across Hokkaido), I wanted something that could handle the miles. I think if I had time to do considerably more searching, I may be able to find the perfect bicycle for me here, nonetheless. At Aeon, the "target-like" grocery and what-have-you complex near to the International House, I have mentioned that they sell bikes. Becca and I also tried out a small used bicycle store nearby. We had also caught wind of a potential used-bike sale through the university, although these apparently tend to be rather beat up. After going to the used store, and after the very patient owner tried to find something to fit my pickyness (that being, something inexpensive, but also good for a journey), we decided to stop back at Aeon to compare one more time. There were some colorful hybrid-like bikes which had originally caught my eye. These were very inexpensive compared to the rest. In retrospect, perhaps I ought to have just chosen one of these. However, I was drawn to the idea of a lightweight bike like the ones we had seen at the used bike shop, although I was not a fan of their "drop" handlebars as they are too reminiscent of the Red Death. I was becoming overwhelmed by the end, because I wanted to buy a bike sooner rather than later, and as winter is approaching I have noticed that Aeon's bike selection is gradually dwindling. Becca had been very patient with me in my indecisiveness, and I was still struggling with a decision. After all, it is a BIG decision and a BIG investment. A bike is something which I reasoned would have a direct impact on my day to day life, as I intend to bike as much and as far as possible. There was a bike at the used shop that I was sorely tempted to buy because of its light frame, but I just could not get over the handle bars. Even though everyone claims they are great, I just can't stand being hunched over, and not being able to turn quickly (whether due to the bike's design or my ineptitude). Becca had already selected her bike, and we were about to head back to the other store when I started thinking about a bike that I had not looked at before. It was much like a street bike, with skinny tires and a light frame, but even though the handlebars were low, they were flat across. It was also cheaper than the bike at the used shop by about $50. Finally, I made my decision. I hope it will work well!
After buying our bikes, we bought some lunches at Aeon. The prepared meals in the grocery store section are, in my opinion, all tasty looking. They had vegetable sushi rolls, and inarizushi. Inarizushi is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It is so delicious. I've actually eaten it for a number of dinners now, because I love it so much. I had my second lecture course that afternoon at 4:30PM titled Field Bioscience. It is located in a building at the other end of the university. However, now that I have my bike it took only a few minutes to reach. This time I found the classroom with no trouble. I should mention that these courses are taught by multiple professors, and so there will be a new lecturer almost every week.
Today, in the morning I took my Japanese Placement Test. It was a little bit frustrating, because it was a computerized test, and fill in the blank. There were 100 questions to be completed in 50 minutes. I unfortunately was too laid back during the first half of the test, focusing a lot on each question, and so I was not able to make it through all of the questions in time. I am not too concerned, though, because I think I will (hopefully) still be placed in the Intermediate level which is likely where I fit best. I sure dislike computerized tests, although I am glad for the paper that they save. After my test, I stopped by the Agriculture building Student Affairs Office to see if my student ID card was ready. It was, and I was instructed to head to the Agriculture library next to apply for a library card. In the early afternoon I went for a run around the perimeter of the university. It was a good way for me to see what all of the outside of the campus looks like. I still feel as though I receive more stares than are necessary, though. I often have the feeling, based on everyone's faces, that I am breaking some sort of rules. But as far as I can tell, everyone else runs in these places too! Recently I have found myself a little bit frustrated that as a foreigner it appears that no matter what I do, I am wrong. I try to always be polite and respectful, but believe it or not, from many strangers I have felt somewhat rudely treated. That may have more to do with my self-consciousness than reality. Those who I have genuine interactions with, or who have assisted me, have all generally been very kind.
After my run, I prepared to set out on my bike excursion for the day. The past few nights, I have been mapping out potential routes. I found from maps that if I follow the little stream that I reach on my runs by heading due north from my dorm, the little stream eventually turns into a man-made river that empties into the ocean! There is a sidewalk that follows the river all the way there in a very simple straight line. So as it turns out, the ocean is only 8 miles away! I was excited for this, both because I have only seen the ocean a few times, and also because it would be simple to navigate. I took off on my new bike. One of the downsides of Sapporo is that there is a ridiculous amount of traffic. The roads alongside the river were very noisy and busy, and if there's one sound that I dislike and that stresses me out, it is fast traffic. However, it gradually calmed down the farther I went. I was so relieved once the traffic was less noisy. From outside my dorm room, I am able to see the outlines of tall hills, and my eyes have always been drawn there. The farther I went, the closer these appeared, and they were no longer so hidden by the cityscape. It was a beautiful sunny day, and this made everything even more pleasant. I passed what appeared to be a couple of community gardens, a golf course, and smaller, calmer homes. One remaining frustration was that--and I do not mean any offense--but folks here don't know how to bike in a safe, orderly manner. It feels like there are no rules! Of course, because I am a foreigner, that means that if something goes wrong, it is my fault. I found that to be the case many times when, although I was biking in a straight line without weaving on what is supposed to be the correct side of the road (I have been told left side), I often had to swerve around others who for no reason whatsoever were on the wrong side, or chose to drift whichever which way. Some folks even almost caused me to run into sign posts, just because they weren't paying attention or didn't feel like sharing the road even when there was space. I'm not sure what is going on. But I will do my best to stay safe, and stay polite. Anyways, that is a smaller matter for now, and did not manage to outshine the lovely river. The road all the way there is called Shinkawa, meaning "new river." I believe that it was redirected and straightened through construction. Its dead-straight course is certainly not that of a free river, and there are landscaped, cement walls along its side. It probably carries excess water out of the city. There were a few interesting bridges that I passed as well--one was called Tengubashi and had a carving of a tengu. Tengu are a sort of Japanese goblin, and so the name means Tengu bridge. In the end, I came to a gravel road that I was a little too nervous to take on my own, especially with my thin tires. I could smell the ocean, though, and it was not more than 800 meters away. Looking back at a map, I was nearly there and so next time I will know exactly where to go to reach the shore. The river was so beautiful though, and the soft breeze, mild temperature, and golden light. There and back it was only a 16 mile ride, which is just 2 hours total. How wonderful! This adventure gave me more confidence that I can reach the places I hope to see.
P.S. I should mention that I gave my bike the name Akaji, based on my ride today. I had originally come to this name using the 'ji' 自from 'jitensha' (自転車) meaning bicycle, combined with the color red, Aka to give 'Akaji'. Therefore, it would be short for Aka Jitensha (red bike). Curiously, Akaji is another word for Akachan, which means baby/infant as well as the name of a well-known Japanese actor, Akaji Maro. However, I wanted to use special kanji (chinese characters) to fit the pronunciation. 'Aka' as I mentioned means red, and my bike is bright red. To contrast my friend the Red Death, I chose a happier reading for 'ji.' There are a number of options for kanji that use the sound 'ji' in Japanese. I spent awhile thinking about what would be best. Some of the ideas I had included earth (ground) 地, road 路, briar 茨, and calm 次--all of which use the pronunciation 'ji' and I thought might be acceptable. One kanji stuck out to me in particular. It comes from the word 'haseru', meaning to run, gallop, sail, or to direct a wagon and luckily is read as 'ji' in combination with other kanji. Therefore, my bike's name came together as Red Runner/Galloper (赤馳), implying a fast moving red object, much like a fast red horse. And for short, on slow days I may call him 'jiji', meaning 'old man.'
After buying our bikes, we bought some lunches at Aeon. The prepared meals in the grocery store section are, in my opinion, all tasty looking. They had vegetable sushi rolls, and inarizushi. Inarizushi is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It is so delicious. I've actually eaten it for a number of dinners now, because I love it so much. I had my second lecture course that afternoon at 4:30PM titled Field Bioscience. It is located in a building at the other end of the university. However, now that I have my bike it took only a few minutes to reach. This time I found the classroom with no trouble. I should mention that these courses are taught by multiple professors, and so there will be a new lecturer almost every week.
Today, in the morning I took my Japanese Placement Test. It was a little bit frustrating, because it was a computerized test, and fill in the blank. There were 100 questions to be completed in 50 minutes. I unfortunately was too laid back during the first half of the test, focusing a lot on each question, and so I was not able to make it through all of the questions in time. I am not too concerned, though, because I think I will (hopefully) still be placed in the Intermediate level which is likely where I fit best. I sure dislike computerized tests, although I am glad for the paper that they save. After my test, I stopped by the Agriculture building Student Affairs Office to see if my student ID card was ready. It was, and I was instructed to head to the Agriculture library next to apply for a library card. In the early afternoon I went for a run around the perimeter of the university. It was a good way for me to see what all of the outside of the campus looks like. I still feel as though I receive more stares than are necessary, though. I often have the feeling, based on everyone's faces, that I am breaking some sort of rules. But as far as I can tell, everyone else runs in these places too! Recently I have found myself a little bit frustrated that as a foreigner it appears that no matter what I do, I am wrong. I try to always be polite and respectful, but believe it or not, from many strangers I have felt somewhat rudely treated. That may have more to do with my self-consciousness than reality. Those who I have genuine interactions with, or who have assisted me, have all generally been very kind.
After my run, I prepared to set out on my bike excursion for the day. The past few nights, I have been mapping out potential routes. I found from maps that if I follow the little stream that I reach on my runs by heading due north from my dorm, the little stream eventually turns into a man-made river that empties into the ocean! There is a sidewalk that follows the river all the way there in a very simple straight line. So as it turns out, the ocean is only 8 miles away! I was excited for this, both because I have only seen the ocean a few times, and also because it would be simple to navigate. I took off on my new bike. One of the downsides of Sapporo is that there is a ridiculous amount of traffic. The roads alongside the river were very noisy and busy, and if there's one sound that I dislike and that stresses me out, it is fast traffic. However, it gradually calmed down the farther I went. I was so relieved once the traffic was less noisy. From outside my dorm room, I am able to see the outlines of tall hills, and my eyes have always been drawn there. The farther I went, the closer these appeared, and they were no longer so hidden by the cityscape. It was a beautiful sunny day, and this made everything even more pleasant. I passed what appeared to be a couple of community gardens, a golf course, and smaller, calmer homes. One remaining frustration was that--and I do not mean any offense--but folks here don't know how to bike in a safe, orderly manner. It feels like there are no rules! Of course, because I am a foreigner, that means that if something goes wrong, it is my fault. I found that to be the case many times when, although I was biking in a straight line without weaving on what is supposed to be the correct side of the road (I have been told left side), I often had to swerve around others who for no reason whatsoever were on the wrong side, or chose to drift whichever which way. Some folks even almost caused me to run into sign posts, just because they weren't paying attention or didn't feel like sharing the road even when there was space. I'm not sure what is going on. But I will do my best to stay safe, and stay polite. Anyways, that is a smaller matter for now, and did not manage to outshine the lovely river. The road all the way there is called Shinkawa, meaning "new river." I believe that it was redirected and straightened through construction. Its dead-straight course is certainly not that of a free river, and there are landscaped, cement walls along its side. It probably carries excess water out of the city. There were a few interesting bridges that I passed as well--one was called Tengubashi and had a carving of a tengu. Tengu are a sort of Japanese goblin, and so the name means Tengu bridge. In the end, I came to a gravel road that I was a little too nervous to take on my own, especially with my thin tires. I could smell the ocean, though, and it was not more than 800 meters away. Looking back at a map, I was nearly there and so next time I will know exactly where to go to reach the shore. The river was so beautiful though, and the soft breeze, mild temperature, and golden light. There and back it was only a 16 mile ride, which is just 2 hours total. How wonderful! This adventure gave me more confidence that I can reach the places I hope to see.
P.S. I should mention that I gave my bike the name Akaji, based on my ride today. I had originally come to this name using the 'ji' 自from 'jitensha' (自転車) meaning bicycle, combined with the color red, Aka to give 'Akaji'. Therefore, it would be short for Aka Jitensha (red bike). Curiously, Akaji is another word for Akachan, which means baby/infant as well as the name of a well-known Japanese actor, Akaji Maro. However, I wanted to use special kanji (chinese characters) to fit the pronunciation. 'Aka' as I mentioned means red, and my bike is bright red. To contrast my friend the Red Death, I chose a happier reading for 'ji.' There are a number of options for kanji that use the sound 'ji' in Japanese. I spent awhile thinking about what would be best. Some of the ideas I had included earth (ground) 地, road 路, briar 茨, and calm 次--all of which use the pronunciation 'ji' and I thought might be acceptable. One kanji stuck out to me in particular. It comes from the word 'haseru', meaning to run, gallop, sail, or to direct a wagon and luckily is read as 'ji' in combination with other kanji. Therefore, my bike's name came together as Red Runner/Galloper (赤馳), implying a fast moving red object, much like a fast red horse. And for short, on slow days I may call him 'jiji', meaning 'old man.'
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