April 11, 2004
Japanese Children at School and Play
Today my wife and I got away for a three hour break while a babysitter watched the kids. First, we went to an Italian restaurant that was pretty good. Then we rode our bikes to a spot on the river not too far from our house. On a beautiful spring day (like today) you can sit next to the water's edge and watch children wading, boys dipping nets in search of crabs, and fishermen with REALLY long poles proudly plucking three inch fish from the swirls (we call those minnows where I come from). We joined many families and groups of kids on the bank watching this scene. I regreted not having my camera. But sometimes it's better that way. My wife and I talked instead, and then I laid my head back on the grass and soaked it all in. Ahhh! I'll go back and take some pictures next weekend maybe.
By the way, about twenty years ago that river was basically flowing with sewage water. The town went through a massive renewal project about that time, so now the rivers (there are two that come together right by my house) are clean and quite beautiful. I'm always amazed that I can ride my bike, or take a walk, alongside such water within the city of Tokyo.
Posted by jw at April 11, 2004 09:45 PMWhat river do you live on? I live on the Kanda river and I really can't think of a better place to live inside of Tokyo. Although it isn't really a river, it's more like a big storm-drain, the landscaping around it is nice because either side only has a walking path with no cars, everyone along the river does a really great job of keeping their yards filled with all kinds of flowering plants. (everyone except me that is. My apartment faces the river but has no space for plants other than a six inch window-sill)