The Beauty of Travel

I saw a clever subway ad once. It said, “Love the city, flirt with the country.” That's exactly what I'm doing this weekend. It's time to leave New York and head back up North, to the “town” of Boston, and then the empty forest called Wilbraham. It's a little ridiculous how excited I got for this trip. I've lived in Boston for about a year (although it feels like five), and I've lived in Wilbraham, for 18 years. However just the thought of picking up and being in a new location stirs excitement that can't be matched by any other emotion.

I'm a traveler. Long bus rides, and unreliable transportation are my life. Just boarding the bus today made me feel all giddy inside, just the way I felt when departing for Japan for the first time in June 2006. I guess the travel bug has made a nest inside of me that it refuses to leave. That's okay little guy, I'll take care of you.

Something funny did happen though before I left. I felt something a little unexpected. After work today I had to rush home, gather my things, and then rush back out to catch my bus. Busy busy busy, just the way I like it. I had left work, and arrived at my home station. As I exited the subway, and started walking down 86^th Street, I started to feel sad. I was already missing New York before I had left.

I thought to myself, “This is strange...I've been waiting for this trip for months, and now I almost don't want to go. What's happening?” I've narrowed it down to one of two options:

A: The city is such an adventure, that leaving it right now with three days off is like leaving the theater right after THE introduction ends, and before Ayu has made her epic entrance.

Or

B: I'm starting to crave a home base. I'm just getting my nest set up, and I'm falling in love with my neighborhood more and more every day. I want to stay there and make it my HOME.

I don't know which one of those is accurate. Maybe both of them are. Having a home right now is a very desirable thought. I've spend over two months living off of my friend's floor. It's time to have a place of my own. But also, my neighborhood reveals new surprises every day. Yesterday it showed my a hidden movie theater. Today it showed me some adorable thrift shops. What will I uncover tomorrow?

I'm on the bus now, riding through rural Connecticut. The change in scenery is so refreshing for my spirit. I feel like for many people, steady lifestyles, and similar environments offer security. For me it's the opposite. I feel much more comfortable being on the go. I feel safe when I'm in a new location, or even just a location I haven't visited in a while. It's what I'm used to, and it's what I love.

So watch out Massachusetts, I'm back. It's only for a few days, but hey, let's be honest. A few days is all we need together. Once I get back to Manhattan, I will be officially moved in. I will have all my clothing, all my Ayu crap, and most importantly my shamisen.

So it's official, New York is going to be my new home base. That is until the little bug inside me wakes up from his sleep and is ready for some new fun.