they just think of everything here...

One thing that I think is really cool about Okayama is that most of the major streets have these yellow lines on them so that people who are blind can walk down the street without the help of a seeing eye dog. Apparently this was developed by an Okayaman (is that what people from Okayama are called?? It is now, apparently) and it's so simple and so smart...why isn't this everywhere?? The lines are raised and have a pattern on them. Whenever there is a corner or a turn the pattern changes (e.g., from vertical lines to small circles) so people know they have to turn or stop. How cool is that?? The only problem is that sometimes people park their bikes over the lines, but I suppose that's where canes come in handy. I tried using it with my eyes closed and it I didn't get run over, nor did I run into anything, so I was impressed and it has my seal of approval! Give it up for Okayama!!