Solitude
I'm on a school overnight trip to Queen's University and today I had some time to explore on my own. The last time I was in Kingston, Ontario was with E on our 1-year anniversary, which was almost 4 years ago! This trip is so very different: I'm staying in a dorm room, I'm here for work, and I don't know a single other adult here!
My day started out a bit soggy at first. The rain started just as I was making my way out the door. Good thing I had an umbrella!
I've been carrying a lot of tension in my neck and back lately and E has been pushing me to get a massage. How fitting was it that the first place I passed was a spa? I settled in for an hour of relaxation at the hands of a fantastic RMT. Luckily, once I emerged from bliss the rain had stopped.
After that, I walked along Princess Street to Starbucks for an extra-hot coffee misto . . . YUM! I trekked down to the Lake [Ontario], popping in and out of adorably quaint shops and boutiques. The sun even came out and warmed me up [but also made my hair a frizzy mess!].
don't fall in!
frizzy self-portrait
holiday inn by the water
minibux: mocha coconut frap, verdict? delish! [minus the whipped cream.]
best seat in the house
old stone and academia seem to always go hand-in-hand
luxuriously fragrant lilacs
10 comments:
Actually I don't much like exploring on my own- I always see something that I think one of my three boys would like… I dunno- I'm an only child so I think I got my solitude out early in life and now I embrace the chaos.
Looks like fun and I like your photos.
I love to explore on my own. It's one of my favorite things to do. And I love the chain link picture.
I'm not much of an explorer but have done it when traveling on business trips to the UK and Hong Kong. Funnily, I don't explore that much in India!
Glad you're having some 'you-time' and enjoying it!
Oh gosh a massage would be amazing.
I love exploring by myself you can do whatever you like and dont have to keep anyone else happy :-)
Love the photo of you!!
So happy that you had a day like this for yourself. You more than deserveit. It's kinda fun to feel anonymous sometimes too!
My walks home from work in the summer are often like this and I love connecting to my hometown and to myself.
Yay!
@ren, though not an only child, it takes a lot for me to venture out on my own.
@claire, can't wait to explore with YOU!
@corinne, i'm dying to explore india, but usually spend all my time catching up with family.
@megan, the "not keeping everyone happy" part was definitely the best!
@faiza, i'm looking forward to more walks home come september!
I LOVE to get out on my own, enjoy a cup of tea, wander around and explore! It's nice not having to worry about anyone else, and just take the time to enjoy myself. I don't get to do it very often, so when I do, it's really wonderful!
I wrote you a letter on Friday evening when I got out on my own to Starbucks. Will mail it in the morning!
Great pictures! Sounds/looks like you had a fantastic time!
I've only traveled alone once. Went to Vancouver for work and stayed for a few days to explore. It was scary because it was a new country and I had never traveled alone. Although the trip started off pretty badly, got lost in a BAD neighborhood, the rest of my time was awesome. I ended up feeling so accomplished after.
i really do love exploring on my own, especially art museums/galleries. i dont like to talk or be rushed in those places. but sometimes i can feel a little lonely in new cities if im by myself. your photos are seriously gorgeous! thanks for sharing :)
I spent the summer after I graduated college in Europe (time of my life!) and most of that time was spent at my brother's house in Germany. Whenever him and his wife were at work and their kiddos in school I would take the bus and just walk around downtown by myself. I absolutely loved it! Browsing stores, sitting at a cafe just watching people walk by on the streets and just simply enjoying my own company in a foreign city!
I absolutely looooove that photo of you! You are so beautiful! :) And those yellow arches of the Holiday Inn are amazing!! I hardly ever go to Starbucks (crazy I know) but I think I just might have to just to get that mocha coconut frap! I looooove anything coconut (I've recently discovered coconut m&m's and am addicted!)!
I'm glad you had such a great day exploring solo :)
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