Snow Days are Happy Days

In case you hadn't guessed by our long, snow-filled drive a week ago, winter has truly come to Tajima. Japan is getting record snowfall all over the country, with a few deaths [mainly from auto accidents or elderly folks falling off the roofs. If you don't shovel off your roof, the roof might collapse under the weight]. While nothing too dire has happened in Wadayama, two of the three school days last week were cancelled. Of course, only students had the days off, as we teachers had to demonstrate our loyalty by braving the weather. It took me half an hour to bike to school, but at least I didn't have to drive.

No new snow on Christmas, but today has more than made up for it. I got pretty tired of hearing "Abunaiyo" [dangerous] from everyone who saw me on my bike. Just for the record- no, riding a bike in snow is not dangerous. I can't go very fast, and if I did fall, there is tons of snow to cushion me. What's dangerous would be the scary drivers. The drivers hate to share the road with bikes- so most cyclists weave in and out of pedestrians on the sidewalks. Hate to support any stereotypes, but "DWA" is really true out here in Inaka, Japan. I think it's the anonymity- it empowers drivers to run lights, cut you off, crowd you, etc. I am very glad I don't drive here.