I have been living in Hirakata for almost 2 years. I moved here from my hometown to go to Kansai Gaidai but I did know nothing about Hirakata before I came here though I had abstract image about Osaka as crowded, cheerful, friendly, and sometimes harsh. But I realized those stereotypical images only fit to big cities in Osaka not Hirakata city. I like Hirakata for two reasons. First I can go to both some big cities in Osaka and lovely cities in Kyoto. Next reason is the quiet environment with lot of nature and pretty residential area. Though I am a Japanese student I have lived in the dorm for the international students since last semester. I used to live in an apartment in Hirakata before but I like the neighborhood better now.
This is near the place I used to live.
On Saturday it was sunny and warm in the morning so that I decided to go for a walk with my camera.
1 minute after I left the dorm I saw a lady who was carrying a dog walking towards me. She was smiling and said “お散歩？”(Are you going for a walk?) and I said yes. Then I realized that was a lady living in front of the dorm and that was my first time that I talked to her though I have lived in the dorm for over 6 months.
Right: The way to the supermarket
Left: The way to school
Next neighbor that I met was this guy :)
He showed up suddenly from the corner and seemed really happy. I whistled to get his attention but he was really excited about the spring weather and having no leash or owner.
I was walking as I go to school everyday but this time was not to go to school but to see and take picture of the neighborhood. I found many things that I do not notice usually and felt I was seeing some new things with different aspects.
You have some nice pictures here and I am glad the assignment encouraged you to walk around your neighborhood. Part of this assignment is to encourage international students to interact with their Japanese neighbors. It is interesting that it was successful in allowing a Japanese student to do the same. I hope you have more opportunities to talk with your new friend.
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