Route (Part one)

Today, I decided to do something I've been meaning to do ever since. I've always wanted to take photos of the things I see on my way to school on a regular day. Well here it is now. But since I am such a shy boy, I only took photos when I see no one was on the street (I don't want some stranger to see what I'm doing and give some sneering look). I was with Toru, my bike, so it was a little difficult to take photos and maintain my balance at the same time.

This is my first installment. I hope to get the rest done during the coming winter break.

This big building is the first looming structure I see as I go out of my block and start biking along the creek. I see many clothesline and clothes hanging on the balconies every time, so most likely this is an apartment.

This is another apartment complex along the street I often use when I bike to school. This one is beside the creek. The bald trees here are sakura trees. During cold months, they look like wicked, thorny shadows. During spring however, many people say they bloom like crazy. I can't wait to drive my bicycle and pass by here everyday on spring.

The street I'm using is very narrow that every time there's another car passing from behind me, I quiver and have to stop. I hate gaunt spaces. They make me feel very uneasy. (That's also one reason why I never learned to drive a car. I'll just end up scratching it to the next one).

That's why I always take another route when I am not in a hurry, just like today. This one is parallel to the street above. However, this one is two times wider. The only thing that amuses me is how always empty this street is. Sometimes, I feel like I'm in a town of horror where streets are deserted because the people are either zombies or vampires.

I always look for this house with a nice lemon tree. That's because this is where I have to turn left. Or else I will get lost. Which I did several times. Funny how Tokyo's suburbs always look the same in any nook and cranny. Especially this neighborhood I'm cruising everyday.

This is after the house with a nice lemon tree. This part is a little confusing for me because after this street, the next block branches into 3 narrow streets. I sometimes still scratch my head which one to pick.

I cross one train track. This is the most challenging part to get through on my way to school. Lots of cars pass by here coming from an uphill. Sometimes, they swerve so fast that one has to be very careful, especially if it's a cab. To stop or not to stop? Sometimes, when I'm in a hurry, I don't care anymore.

That's the end of my house-to-school project. I hope I don't get lazy adding more details next time.

***Today, too, is the birthday of my father. He would have been 77. To paradise, happy birthday!