I don't travel much probably because I am not good at it. I detest airports and travel by flight, the jargon (stow your personal belongings, etc.), the inevitable humiliation at security checkpoints. Once I arrive at my destination, I am bewildered, jet lagged. I feel disoriented - not in a good way. A friend says it's important to put your feet on unfamiliar ground, but it takes me about a year to touch down anywhere I am, hence in a travel situation I never quite get my bearings. I'm exhausted but can't sleep, my stomach goes sour, I dislike living out of a suitcase. I could go on but you get the idea.
But I love day trips by car, bus or train out of DC. Yesterday some friends and I sped out of the city, drove north into the charming and picturesque Maryland countryside. We looked at antiques, drank coffee, took a walk across an old iron bridge, listened to the chatter and song of the Little Patuxent river. It was a glorious escape from the usual routines.
In a couple of weeks another friend and I are going to spend the day in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, a magical and historical place. I'm hoping for good weather so we can explore the town in comfort but even if it rains all day I'll be happy to spend some hours away from the jaw-clenching vibe of DC.
I am an urban person, never more comfortable than here in the chateau in wonderful Capitol Hill, DC, but oh man it is so great to go fast in a car sometimes, leave it all behind. A series of modest trips out of the city, those that do not involve crossing time zones or airline jargon, is what I look forward to this summer.
There are people far away I would love to see, too. Maybe I'll take one flight sometime this year to one of the places where my beloveds live. Maybe. I did not step onto an airplane at any time in 2011. It was such a great year!
9 comments:
Harper's Ferry is beautiful. I love the ferry crossings. Always wanted to try White's Ferry it still runs across the potomac, despite ll my years here I have never been on it. Want to come with?
I've crossed on that ferry. It was fun. Felt like I was in a movie.
Do it Reya. Fly to Oregon!
Big cities always seem like stand-alone universes of their own, so it must be refreshing to get out once in awhile, to the tangled world that lies beyond.
I know what you mean Reya. I've recently returned to home soil after a 36-hour travel stint from the Northern Hemisphere, experiencing all you've mentioned. Australia is such a long way from anywhere, if you discount New Zealand. I've often thought you'd like Australia, but I think it would just about finish you off getting here!
Sounds like a great outing.
Rivers always seem to hold a lot of history. I like that bridge too. No need to fly - so much in arms reach. maybe we should all fly to you :)
Pam I would love to visit Australia! I have several friends there. It could happen!
ugh, airplanes are so uncomfortable, unless you can afford first class. Looking forward to some road trips this year - who knows where we'll end up?!
Tom, come to DC!! PLEASE!
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