Posted in Traveling Tuesdays
I get why some people don’t like to travel. Actually it can be a royal pain in the ass. Figuring out exactly what to pack for your trip while trying not to lug too much stuff. Taking off your shoes, removing laptops and liquids from your carry-on for TSA screening, and then schlepping your luggage past miles of airline gates, only to battle for limited space in the overhead compartment and then fold yourself into your allotted space.
Upon arrival, you wait at baggage carousal number three, hoping your checked luggage actually made the whole trip with you. You trek to the rental car lot, all while crossing your fingers that the hotel actually lives up to the promise of the website’s photos.
Despite the inconveniences of travel, there can be plenty of benefits too, and this last trip gave me a new one: an appreciation for what's right in my own backyard.
Doug and I are not big sightseeing people. When we travel, we mostly like to explore the neighborhoods, take in the restaurant, bar, and music scene, and people-watch while we sip a cappuccino or a glass of wine. We’ll head to the major sights, but mostly to enjoy the surroundings, not always to join the throngs inside.
So how is it that in my very own town, I’ve failed to notice the little side street that hosts free live jazz every Monday night during the summer? I have lived here for almost seven years, and while I was well aware of all the shops, restaurants, and live music venues on the main drag, I was totally unaware of this little side street dotted with restaurants and a bar that features live music every single night of the week.
Once a week, the street is blocked off, a stage is set up, and the restaurant tables flow out into the street for the festivities. Restaurants, did I already mention, that I had never even seen before? Without the hassles of traveling to a distant land, we enjoyed music and people watching while sipping a martini a mere 10 minutes from home. We marveled at how much we felt like we were on vacation. And all in the city deemed “climate best by government test.” You can’t beat that!
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no matter where you go, there you are :)
Posted by: fred doe | August 23, 2011 at 07:44 AM
My wife and I feel the same way about our area. Except during the hottest part of summer, there are neighborhoods to explore, music, art gallery crawls, and various festivals every weekend. Parks,lakes, and hiking trails are everywhere. World class museums, Broadway shows, and concerts are plentiful. Resorts that charge up to $500 a night welcome locals to stay at half that cost.
Travel is fine, but home is better.
Posted by: Bob Lowry | August 23, 2011 at 04:28 PM