After three weeks of travel, it was good to return to Japan yesterday, in time to spend my first evening in our apartment. My wife moved in while I was on the road, so this was my first real chance to see where we will be living for the next two years. I think I’m going to like it.
This morning was my first walk to work from the apartment. It was a beautiful morning, warm and dry. My walk took a little over 10 minutes at a leisurely pace. I walked along a little canal, with boats tied along the bank and ducks of several kinds all along the way.
On my walk, I saw many Japanese grade school children walking to school. Most were in groups, with their vibrant yellow or blue hats and school uniforms. One was on crutches, with a leg in a cast. Her friends were all around her, accompanying her on her obviously slower-than-normal pace. It was refreshing to see so many kids walking to school…they seemed to be enjoying the walk, and although they were young, there wasn’t an adult in sight. Reminded me of walking to grade school when I was that age.
I’m sure there will be days, when the rain is pouring or the heat is bearing down, that the walk won’t be so appealing. But this morning, it was a refreshing and really enjoyable way to get to work. Quite a difference from the stressful drive to work on the interstate at home. I think this “commute” is one of the things I will enjoy about my time in Japan.
Four Years in Japan ... and now Three Years in London 