So far the only rhythm I have been able to keep is a stop, drop, and roll pattern. That's stopping at red lights, dropping your foot down to wait, and rolling on again when traffic is clear. If you're a cyclist at all on the hunt for km's, you've just shuddered.
It's not a very quick way to get through cities, though we've picked up a few tricks, such as riding in the streets rather than sidewalks that are often peppered with the up and downs of driveways, cement sewer taps, and are sometimes more narrow than cycling next to cars in traffic.
All in all, we've picked up speed and consiquently distance. We've made it back in half the time, so far, it took is to get here. And we've also spent a lot of nights in hotels. I'm so looking forward to camping again =)
Here, as promised, is the scenery:
Natto. You may have seen these little fermented beans in a sushi roll or two. This is one of those dishes that you are either going to love or hate, like durian fruit. Tastes like coffee =)
To day was a great day for following into a biking rhythm, I felt we put a lot of km's behind us. Though, never too busy to fall out of sync for a few memorable pictures.
You can see in this set of photos the chain of islands that start the archipelago. Some of the islands are too small to invest bridges on, others are uninhibited. But, the ones we can go to, we will go to.
Not a lot of sand at your feet (that's relative, really. Sand are just small rocks and these are simply big rocks) but the water is crystal clear all the way out.
If you were here, you'd want to stop here too. Jealous of all the papa cyclists who have this route as their Sunday ride.
Clouds and a bit of sun rays.
Lonely island with beach.
This is a manhole cover my sister spotted as we waited a red light in Mihara. I like it, different than the others I've seen.
For all you fellow doctors out there, I'm looking at you Alex, make sure you study well for the m-cats!
Today we've seen the most prominent display of Sakura trees yet. Look closely and you can see a coue of lovers on the right.
What is my sister starting at? We decided to stay at yet another hotel because we enjoyed Onimichi so much the first time through. (See blog post day number eleven: stop-aneity).
What is sister looking at? Our hotel room view.
Our hotel is set right next to this old overreaching castle high above the city. So high, it turns out, that we are living at the same elevation as the top of the gondola ride. Except this time, we cycled up! Getting stronger....getting faster....
Sakura, Sakura, cherry blossoms everywhere you look!
The city has made much of its mountainous tops available for lounging and picnicking under the trees with amazing views.
A pink army of cherry blossoms. Now, just about every tree has blossomed and they all want their separate attention.
Mountainous sunsets. At times like these, it's as if everthing, the tress, the birds, the people, and the wind unanimously stop. And watch for ten minutes the sun dissapear.
I like this photo because of the looming cloud sitting behind all the feral bamboo. Almost looks like a UFO...
The only thing about living at the top of the world, you have to decend to find any really good food.
In the hunt for food, there are only a few prime real estate locations in the conveyer belt (or kaiten
) sushi game, and we sat at the forefront of those spaces. Table number one basically translates as right to first refusal on EVERY new dish that leaves the kitchen!
You wouldn't know it from looking at these photos, but this is our second time eating kaitenzushi today =)
Special rolls can be ordered if you don't like what the conveyer belt offers, or have a craving for something specific.
One of my favorites; grew up on these guys.
A final hill top sunset. As you can see, the clouds have disappeared and/or moved on towards more negative people. We are all smiles here and wish you where with us!
Much love my friends and family. Tomorrow we begin what I feel will be a major highlight of this Legend.
-A
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