Tourist traps, guided tours, “must see” sights from guidebooks…
This kind of travel tends to divide folks. There are those who can’t fathom visiting Paris without hitting the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame. Then there are certainly travelers who think about visiting these busy sights and get anxious just thinking about it, preferring to stay out of the crowds. Others express a certain distaste for all things “common” and make a point to travel (cliche alert) “off the beaten path.”
Personally, I like a mix of all of these things! I had a fun enough time at the Space Needle when I stopped through Seattle, but I wouldn’t have been too upset had I missed it. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the side streets of Prague without once entering the famed castle, and main tourist attraction in the city. I love seeing farmers markets, beaches, and seeing quirky little museums that aren’t overly populated, and yet one of my favorite New York City memories was a guided tour I took with my mom and sisters.
To be fair, it was a Literary Pub Crawl through the village, so this tourist trap had one key element… booze!
On a rainy afternoon during our visit we set out to discover what this winding and cobbled neighborhood had to offer in the way of history, libations, and literary diversion. We strolled around Greenwich Village, a cluster of umbrellas and strangers, enjoying the theatrical and lighthearted nature of the tour.
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| Don’t worry, man-go-round, I retain my aura of mystery! |
I sipped Newcastle at the famed White Horse Tavern, while quite sure at the time that the thespian-tour guide was in fact my “Americans in Paris” prof from the year before (he was not, just an incredible resemblance and similar interest I guess). We wandered over to the Kettle of Fish where I decided to think a bit more locally and switched to a Coney Island (it’s not often on tap in Minnesota, after all…). By this time I was enjoying alternating between conversation and fun with my companions and branching out a bit with the rest of the “crawl crowd.”
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| I heart James Baldwin |
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| and Friends! |
By the time we arrived at Marie’s Crisis Cafe (and this was about what it sounds like, my type of place!) I was finished with the fancy schmancy beers and had moved onto whiskey. It felt most appropriate at our final location. We were slowly winding down our afternoon dalliance in the life of literature’s most famous alcoholics, and ready for what was ahead of us (Lombardi’s Pizza, a story for another day!). But this afternoon was a favorite among my travel mates and I, as we got to share each other’s company, learn a little bit, and enjoy some entertainment in the process.
Before I sign off, I better take care of some blog business…
That’s right- both Kelsey of Eat, Drink, and Be a Tourist and Nadiine of Nadiine Loves have been gracious enough to award this baby to me. I am tickled pink! However, in the spirit of keeping my loyal readers, I won’t bore you with more details about myself. This post is long enough already! Instead, I’ll direct you to my recent Stylish Blogger win post, and you can read on as you wish, IF you wish 🙂
And who do I think are a few stylish bloggers who are oh so deserving of your readership?
Argh! after typing and linking all of those, it linked my entire post and I had to redo them. So these awards are REALLY SPECIAL!!
Thanks again for all of the lovely comments and feedback. They feed me and the bloggity blog with fuel and fire!
Cheers!
Meri
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