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Monday, April 18, 2011

Mama Chari Bicycle in Downtown Kyoto

Mama chari京都河原町のママチャリ

On a recent Sunday in downtown Kyoto, a woman was carting home a heavy-looking box of vegetables (green peppers, if the box is accurate). She is about to cross Kawaramachi Dori, heading towards the building where the Maruzen book store used to be.

On a useful beater of a bike - the all-purpose and ubiquitous mama chari - she has strapped on the large box above the rear wheel.

In addition, there is an umbrella held in place on the right fork of the front wheel.

There is, moreover, a holder for said umbrella attached to the handlebars. In the event of rain, she will pull out the umbrella, insert the handle into the holder, tighten it, and then open the umbrella. That way she can navigate the streets of Kyoto with two hands on the handlebar and not get (too) wet.

The bike also has a front basket, in which the woman has placed a plastic bag full of more goodies she no doubt got on her shopping expedition.

Last, she has draped a small cotton bag around the umbrella holder on the handlebars. That probably contains her wallet, keys, cell phone, etc.

Finally, note her wonderful sandals and socks.

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