Cody's First Day at BIS (Bonn International School)

Monday, August 24th, 2009 was Cody's first day of school at

Bonn International School (BIS).

The school was created in 1997 with the merger of 3 other local

schools: The Bonn American High School, the British High School Bonn,

and the Bonn American Elementary School.

Cody ready to take off for school!

When we had to spend $70.00 (45 euros) to

fill half the gas tank in the car, riding

a bike to school has become an expectation.

Which is one of the explanations why

there are many bike riders here!

It takes just under 15 minutes, and its

a pleasant ride as you will see.

I've run along this route just to enjoy

the beautiful canopy of trees.

This is an underpass near our home.

It is the busiest intersection Cody has

to cross. An underground train stop is just

under this bridge.

Once he is past the bridge the ride is pretty smooth.

For much of the way the sidewalks are marked for

both walkers and bike riders.

There are bus stops along the way.

Taking one to school is not a time saver.

With all the stops Cody would have to

get up earlier and be on the bus much

longer than a bike ride would take.

On the left is a small food store, on the

right is apartment type housing. The

whole road he rides is all for homes and

living places. Occasionally you will have

these shops for neighborhood convenience.

After crossing another somewhat busy intersection

the road narrows and it is more housing.

Now the bike path is on the road, as you can see

the markings. Drivers are typically very

careful of bike riders and pedestrians.

Although Jim did see remnants of a

car/bike accident on his way to work one morning!

This is a store mainly selling water and other

drinks in this neighborhood. It's a lot about

convenience and not having to go far for necessities,

to minimize the cost of transportation.

This is another pleasant part of the ride.

This is the first and only turn on

the road Cody takes to the school.

The road narrows here and cars/busses

take turns moving through at

this point.

Just around the corner, ahead to the right,

is the road the school is on, named

Martin-Luther-King-Strasse.

Following the road to the far right takes you

directly in front of the school.

Here is the front of the school.

BIS backs up to the Rheine River,

a plus for our cross country runners.

This is a view headed back home.

I'm loving that fall is beginning to

show its beautiful colors with the many

trees along the way!

This last photo is of a restaraunt

along his school route.

We love their mousse here!

Cody's already planning his birthday dinner here,

and any other event he can think of!