Walking the Invisible Line

According to some of the people that I've been speaking with, there is a difference here in the Rotterdam between streets (straat) and lanes (laan). Those that live on the lanes are usually more affulent than those living on a street. I happen to live on a street which comes off of a lane. When comparing the outward appearence of each of these areas, I notice right away that the lane has much more greenery, a diversity of large and diverse housing with more decorative items, as well as higher priced cars and motorised vehicles. Although my street includes a playground there is no grass or trees. Don't get me wrong, there are a few trees on my street but they are small and look quite stark when compared to the aged trunks of the trees that shade the lane in the summertime. This separation apparently also translates into the kinds of shops that are present in streets versus lanes. If you shop in a store on a lane you can expect to have better quality items for a higher price than if you shop at a store located on a street. I asked if this division was something that could still be seen today and indeed, I was told that this tale rings true even now. While I can see the contrast between the outward appearence of the streets versus lanes I'm not sure that my experiences of shops measure up quite the same. However, it is interesting to have understandings of certain places explained to me from someone who has lived here longer than I.

It was also mentioned that there is an invisible barrier separating my neighbourhood from the more affulent area above me. Although geographically very close, the area just across the highway from me has much more expensive housing. What this means is that I'll also find a different group of people living there. That is, there is a possibility that I might not find as many first or second generation immigrants there and that I may potentially find more double income couples. While our neighbourhoods are very close geographically, our neighbours are very far apart/removed from us. The invisible lines of division and I'm sure at times combination are an interesting area to pursue in my research. I'm also left wondering where 'ways' and 'avenues' are supposed to fit in the mix...