The past week I have been up on Long Island on a big project. The hotel is not visible from where I am working, but only because there is a big building in between. Most of the people who traveled up here with me got a rental car.
The first time I came up here, I did not rent, but instead just took the hotel shuttle over to where the work was.
It was not a quick ride. Depending on which bell boy was driving it would take either three lefts, two rights and a U turn or a drive through some parking lots.
Now I walk. When I first did it and told people, I got shocked looks. “You mean you crossed the highway?”
It’s only a four lane divided highway with stop lights.
I’ve walked it all week. It’s a quick walk, though at one point I have to walk through the grass. I like it. It slows me down and allows me to focus for work.
And I like being alone. So even those few minutes not having to deal with a bell boy, someone from work, or even having to keep myself safe from other drivers, is great. I like being in the world. And there is no better way to be in the world than to walk it.
Sightseeing buses just might as well be a film in a bouncing theater. The only way to see any place is in person. Right now I am not seeing any of Long Island, but one small piece, but I do have a feel for the place. One day there were rain puddles wind swept and turned into a frothy ice. I would not have seen this from any car.
Walk and see the world as it is.
