Thursday, September 26, 2013

Seven Mile Walk


Why would anyone want to walk seven miles along the Washington mall? There are plenty of logical reasons why. There is no parking. You are some kind of walking guru. Or in my case you want to see the MLK Jr. 50 year anniversary speech. Maybe you could compare this short walk to the March on Washington. When you think about that, it makes the seven mile walk seem like a leisurely stroll.

There are many ways to tour the city. You can rent a Segway (which I might say is rather funny because they look like a herd of native lions in the wild prowling their territory……maybe it’s just me). You can rent bikes or take bike cab. Lovebirds can even take a horse and carriage. However, walking in my view is the best way to take in the city. I can go at my own pace and stop at any time to take a picture.

While I am walking, I see beautiful marble buildings from the most beautiful angles. When I walk, I see things that my eye wouldn’t catch if I were driving. Looking at the sculptures, I can stop and admire them. Instead of catching a flash of silver and which then disappears behind a tree, I can admire the outdoor sculpture garden with a metal tree reaching for the baby blue sky. I can hear the banter between the construction workers as I walk past. I can hear the city: the sound of the birds, people, vehicles, bikes, shoes. When I walk, I get the essence of the city.

There is no better way to explore a city than to walk it. And at the very end, you can sit down and enjoy a nice cup of coffee from one of the coffee shops. Or stop by any of the diverse food trucks and pick up some grub. My personal favorite after a long walk is ice cream. Feeling the coolness slide down my throat makes the whole thing all the better.
 
This was written for the Wandering Educators Teen Travel Blogging course online.
 
 Where there is tea there is hope
Arthur Wing Pinero

Friday, September 13, 2013

Postcard from Assateague

There is a soft aroma of burnt wood and sea salt swirling around me like the ocean itself. I smell sunscreen faintly, probably from the hours we spent on the white sand beach. In this moment I thought we were in a complete state of happiness. The sound of crashing waves softly wafts from over the dunes. The crackle of the fire mixes in there, and the sound of wild ponies chomping on grass made me believe this place is to perfect to be real. 

I never wanted to leave this state of relaxation, but alas the fire has to be put out. With a loud hiss and steam surrounding everything like a cloud, the warmth I so love was gone. Luckily this feeling of perfect bliss is not a once in a lifetime experience. I still have a couple more days of bliss.

Along comes the day I have to leave my personal paradise, but I have no need to fret. I will be back. I can continue to replay my memories without sadness knowing I will soon be in my paradise once again.



 
 
Where there is tea there is hope
Arthur Wing Pinero