The Joys of Not Having a Car

I can't decide which standard of transportation I prefer, car or train. I always liked the thought of giving up my car and living in the city where everything can be reached by subway or by foot, but now that I am living it, I realize not having a car affects your life in so many more ways then I imagined. For example, not having a car forces you to seriously consider the weather. Usually, before going anywhere we check the weather forecast  If its cold out, we have to do some major bundling up before leaving, and if it looks like rain, forget it.

The other day I took a chance and tried to beat Mother Nature. Although the sky was cloudy, and I knew rain was in the forecast, I thought I could make it to the grocery store and back before the skies opened up.

WRONG.

Luckily I was prepared with my umbrella, but riding a bicycle with a load of groceries and an umbrella in one hand is NOT easy.

Not to toot my own horn, but I was feeling pretty proud of myself when I got home after this trip. I stayed considerably dry and made it home without dropping anything or running over any Japanese people. There was one left turn that was a pretty close call, but regardless. Those of you who know me know that once upon a time I was not the best bike rider in the world, so this is a big step for me!