I'm so happy to get such positive responses to the recent post I wrote about modeling a fulfilled single life for my niece. Oh, Terry, it's taken me so long to get here. LOL. You were with me in the Dark Times, and I thank you for it. And Macoosh, it's funny you should mention Boston because after I wrote that post, I did a little thinking and researching and without even seeing your comment, I decided where I want to go.
Concord, Massachusetts.
For reals.
I've decided to take a literary journey through time. I've always loved Little Women (especially the movie), and so I was thrilled to learn that Orchard House still exists! And you can visit it! And guess what else is in Concord? The home of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ooooooh. And!! And!!! Waldon Freakin' Pond. Squeeeeeee. Makes a nerd's heart pitter patter. And did I mention Nathaniel Hawthorne?
But I think the two most intriguing things that make me want to go the most are Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and the Salem Witch Museum. Prrrrrr.
So as I was collecting my list of Fun Things to do on my little vacation, I realized that I would most enjoy staying in a little bed and breakfast in Concord. The problem? I would have to rent a car to get to Salem and to get to/from the airport and to see my beloved Macoosh. So the price of my vacation kicked up a notch upon realizing I would need transportation.
1. Plane tickets to Boston (ridiculously expensive--probably like $300-$400)
2. Car rental (at least $150)
3. Bed and Breakfast room for 3 nights at least (unknown, but I'm sure it will hurt)
Hmmmm. Vacationing sucks when you're paying for it alone. HOWEVER, this is the EXACT reason I never travel and explore far away places. I get all antsy about the money and then lose my mind. Screw the money. I don't have any money anyway. It's not like I've EVER been on a solo vacation in my entire life. I don't do this every year. I don't hemorrhage money on things I don't need to be doing.
It's OK, Blondie. You can have your vacation. You deserve it. You're 32 years old, for crying out loud. And because you're smart, you'll find a way to make it cheaper. You will research public transportation options. Sweet.
After doing my research, I got kinda giddy. I pictured myself wandering through Concord on my own time without any pressure from a travel companion. I saw myself snuggled up in my B&B bed with a book by one of the great American authors I'm visiting. I saw myself feeling awesome and proud while writing a postcard to Little to tell her all about my solo adventure. And I saw myself feeling proud of me--just as I am--for going ahead and chasing a dream.
Be not the slave of your own past. Plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep and swim far, so you shall come back with self-respect, with new power, with an advanced experience that shall explain and overlook the old.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
3 comments:
Wait, $300-400 on airfare is expensive airfare? Dang. Be thankful you don't live in Canada. That's CHEAP. (Why do you think I drove to Chicago? lol)
you're awesome, blondie! you are going to have a wonderful time on this trip.
and yes, you so deserve this!
just thought I'd drop another line...
I was in Boston for 10 days a couple of years ago celebrating my 30th with my best friend from high school who lived their at the time.
Within the city itself forget about a car, the public transportation works fine! And the metro goes to the airport! You should probably look into buses to Conchord, the whole thing might turn out a lot cheaper than a car rental! (but then I never rent a car if I can avoid it).
Also, writer-wise, I seem to remember some very interesting walks around Boston (Beacon Hill area) that hinged on writers (including Louisa May Alcott's final home). You should look into the Boston tourism office, I think I got a couple of flyers of historic walks from them.
You should definitely go! It's a great city! I spent several days just walking around visiting and it wasn't nearly enough!
Oh, and on the non-author side, the aquarium is wonderful (opinion of a marine biologist)!
Post a Comment