Is The Grass Greener?
Posted: February 18th, 2010 | Author: Shawn | Filed under: blah blah blah | 6 Comments »
Do you ever have those days when you’re not certain why you travel? I’m in Victoria BC for February, and this morning I was out running errands. As I was about to turn into a government office I noticed a hardcore looking photographer taking pictures all around him. As I paused a moment to not walk into his current shot, I got to looking at what he was shooting and wondering what was so damn photo worthy. It quickly became a moment of realization that what I was ignoring as just normal scenery was some other guy’s great photo.
It’s so warm and sunny today that the closest thing to snow here is the layer of cherry blossoms lining the sidewalks. I had taken completely for granted that I was walking around clean, safe downtown streets. Passing great architecture, interesting shops, and several tempting little cafes. I got to further considering the amazing amount of activities in this region and all the great spots to see. Just in this small, yet beautiful, corner of the world there’s more things I want to do than I can comfortably list.
To illustrate my original point a little bit, here’s what Victoria looks like from that random spot where I paused to let the photographer get his shot. Taking this hasty photo gave me something to do while I waited. It’s by no means the most picturesque spot in town. In fact, it’s a bit average. Which is what I find really exceptional.
No, I’m not canceling my future trips to instead stay here and partake in the myriad local experiences. I am however clear in my mind that as I continue to travel around, I’m not looking for something better, but am instead simply looking around.
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// shawn
What are you doing while in BC? Is it your hometown or is this just one stop on an extended trip?
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Shawn Reply:
February 20th, 2010 at 17:36
Hi Keith, for me Victoria is both my hometown and a stop on an extended fit of homelessness. I had a few weeks of classes to take so I chose Victoria so that I could spend time here and get some stuff done. I only have a couple weeks left here though which is sad.
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What an unexpected, little piece of prose. My handclaps go to you. Keep at it, I’ll make you a travel writer yet. (I know you’re gonna take a swing at me next time I see you. Too bad, it had to be said).
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The pub patio on the left hand side of the shot is a great place to people watch. I remember sitting there celebrating Canada’s olympic hockey win there a number of years ago…it was cold that year. Enjoy Victoria…especially the small brew beer (Canoe and Spinnakers are the best).
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I think we all take regular spots for granted and can’t see what a visitor to the town sees.
Just recently I was back in Melbourne and actually stopped a few times looking at the city buildings. I’d walked there before just never noticed how amazing they were till now.
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Great reminder. I have to kick myself once in a while to take a fresh look at my home, which hosts millions of travelers a year.
One of the things on my prep list includes visiting some of the sights in Los Angeles that I’ve never seen, before I leave.
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