Public transportation can be something of a scene for all sorts of public interaction, display and entertainment. At times just looking out the window we take in the passing landscape as a narrative of places and people. It seems we often construct this narrative in our minds through projecting what we are familiar with onto the fresh scene.
On a recent sunny day I took a ferry to the islands in the Oslo fjord. The ticket was the same as the bus or train and the trip was about 45 minutes total with three stops. I got off and wandered the Gressholmen Island. Being caught unawares at a nudist beach, alone, with your camera can be a little em-bare-ass-ing. But I didn't let it slow me down, I found a nice pearch and worked on my tan for a bit.
The islands are full of nice places to hang out in the grass or to take a dip in the sea. No camping is allowed, but a few people live on the islands in nice cottages sited on rocky outcrops.
This bike is the best investment yet. Easy movement through the city is a great pleasure on this the smoothest of rides. My new Diamant has fat and soft tires, splash fenders, a spring loaded seat, rear pedal braking and a mounted front brake (on the right grip).
My favorite place to ride so far is by the river with its impressive waterfalls cutting next to urban walls and building foundations. An urban trail wild with city birds, sun bathing, dog walking and mischief. The trail is more like a roller coaster if you get cruising fast enough.
The Diamant is the perfect vehicle for spotting nodes of activity. Getting lost has never been easier than on a bike; essential to a thorough examination of the cityscape. At times the bike rides almost as if it's on rails going from one event/space to the next.
I sat a while and observed the activity around the street car at a small park in my neighborhood. The turnover of people in the park was really high. The street car was constantly re-supplying the activity in the park, giving it a dynamic quality which added to my experience as a sedentary park-goer.
