Until relatively recently (within the last 3 to 5 years), I was very uncomfortable with the concept of "alone time" in public.
I felt more comfortable in a group or a pair - not sure why as I've always been fiercely independent, but in this one particular area, not so much. I wouldn't have dreamed of exploring a new city on my own, eaten solo in restaurants, seen a movie with no one sharing my popcorn.
Thinking about this now, I'm quite simply perplexed. It just doesn't make sense. I think in some odd way, I felt it was a huge bulls-eye on my back - I AM LONELY. I DO NOT HAVE FRIENDS. But when I see people wondering the streets of my city alone, or dining alone or at a movie alone, I don't think that at all. I don't even really notice, and of course, no one else does either. It strikes me that I probably missed out on some great opportunities to explore new surroundings due to that limited state of mind. I often read about people who take an annual vacation with just themselves and they cite them as their most treasured trips. I'm not sure I've evolved quite THAT far, but I've come a long way (baby).
For the last 48 hours, I have delighted in discovering a brand new city in the company of myself. At my own pace, in the order I want, checking off the things on MY list, walking sometimes aimlessly just to see where I'd end up. All the while, letting my camera capture every new neighborhood, each new loved street.
And love, it is. I think I could live in Boston. It has plenty of nerdy history, which I adore, lots of culture, good restaurants and neighborhood after neighborhood that just reek of charm. And of course, it is literally a beacon to the pursuit of higher education, which makes me a fan by default.
I hopped on the subway to Cambridge this afternoon and wondered around the Harvard campus like a giddy high school graduate for more than 3 hours. I admired the architecture, smiled a the sight of current students hurrying to the library mixed with new students in awe on orientation tours. I really just lost myself in the history of the place; I was keenly aware that I was walking the same paths and staring up at the same buildings that have been home to some of the world's brightest minds. The bookstore was A-mazing. Not your traditional college bookstore bursting with souvenirs, but an actual wall to wall, old fashioned bookstore. I've never seen so many books in one place; I could have found a corner, grabbed a few good reads and stayed for hours.
This might be the first city I've ever fallen in love with all on my own, all in my way, all on my time.
What a cool revelation to know that I can be my own favorite travel companion.
Along the Freedom Trail, I stumbled on a very sobering holocaust memorial.
Beneath huge glass towers, there were quotes from survivors, rescuers, observers. Additional insights were carved into the ground.
I spent the better part of a full afternoon in Boston Commons, a huge park right in the middle of downtown - this is the "frog pond"
I walked the full length of this gorgeous street and did a little shopping. Stopped for a manicure too. Just because I could.
I watched this Mama and her ducklings for a good half hour; they kept diving to the bottom in search of food and did the cutest wiggly resurfacing you've ever seen.
I hopped on the subway for an adventure to Cambridge and surprisingly didn't get lost. Not even once.
Spent an afternoon wondering the magical Harvard campus
Main library - not surprisingly, they had MANY libraries. Lot's of thinking going on in there.
Aforementioned book store mecca!
Harvard Yorkie sighting - missing my guys!
Love your post! How fun to explore a city all alone. You must feel so free and independent right now! Glad you are enjoying your trip. Keep the inspiring posts coming! :) Much love, R
Posted by: Robin | July 28, 2009 at 08:51 PM