I’m wondering how many of those I came on the ferry with returned later that day. They walked Main Street, browsed in Ralph Lauren, ate some fudge and maybe hit the beach. Great day. But I feel privileged to stay longer. Tourists can come away from a place with an impression, a summary of sorts. I’m hoping to soak in a bit more than the sun while here.
Already, I’ve learned quite a bit in my first half day here.
1. Walking back is always easier than walking there.
2. At night, rule one becomes more true.
I think I have a solid sense of direction. The skill is innate. But walking in near-complete darkness while looking for a bus stop at a rotary after passing a parade of rotaries first tested then laughed atmy skills. Mitigating factors include that there are no signs for bus stops here, just posts with a stripe of red reflective tape around them. Also, the street signs are brown in many areas. They give a great New England charm and seem to be painted on driftwood when seen from far away; but once the sun sets, forget seeing them outside of three feet without a cell phone to illuminate your surroundings.
I felt stupid, blind and crazy walking up and down the deserted street looking for the sign. However, now that I’m back, it seems I’m no worse for the wear. I have the feeling the reflective tape is now so deeply supplanted into my subconscious that I won’t be missing any more. Same goes for grocery shopping in sandals -- great Nantucket beach shoes but not practical for marching on the cobblestone downtown. Sneakers: my back now agrees.
So I tell these hard learned lessons like war stories and resist taking cabs. I consider it cheating or at least taking a shortcut that keeps me from really understanding how to get around this place. If a day tripper can walk back onto the ferry with a general impression of this place, those who stay longer, I feel, should leave here with something a little more personal. People my age often dream of changing the world; but now, I’m holding on and waiting for this island to change me in some way instead.
Already, I’ve learned quite a bit in my first half day here.
1. Walking back is always easier than walking there.
2. At night, rule one becomes more true.
I think I have a solid sense of direction. The skill is innate. But walking in near-complete darkness while looking for a bus stop at a rotary after passing a parade of rotaries first tested then laughed atmy skills. Mitigating factors include that there are no signs for bus stops here, just posts with a stripe of red reflective tape around them. Also, the street signs are brown in many areas. They give a great New England charm and seem to be painted on driftwood when seen from far away; but once the sun sets, forget seeing them outside of three feet without a cell phone to illuminate your surroundings.
I felt stupid, blind and crazy walking up and down the deserted street looking for the sign. However, now that I’m back, it seems I’m no worse for the wear. I have the feeling the reflective tape is now so deeply supplanted into my subconscious that I won’t be missing any more. Same goes for grocery shopping in sandals -- great Nantucket beach shoes but not practical for marching on the cobblestone downtown. Sneakers: my back now agrees.
So I tell these hard learned lessons like war stories and resist taking cabs. I consider it cheating or at least taking a shortcut that keeps me from really understanding how to get around this place. If a day tripper can walk back onto the ferry with a general impression of this place, those who stay longer, I feel, should leave here with something a little more personal. People my age often dream of changing the world; but now, I’m holding on and waiting for this island to change me in some way instead.
1 comment:
good call on the sneakers! A bike's an option too.
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