This is a story about making myself proud.
I was convinced, after pathetic days spent alone in London and Amsterdam pre-law school, that I do not travel well by myself. This has cramped my traveling style in the years since, and also made me feel bad about myself. But after the partial success of my Morocco challenges, I decided it was time to try again. My self-imposed challenge: a day-trip to Utrecht, solo.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
8:58 a.m., Utrecht Central Station: Half-hour train ride passed too quickly in whirl of anxiety, both general and specific. Stumbling onto train platform amidst flow of passengers, uncertain what to do first - go straight to the museum? Find a cafe for second breakfast? On escalator up to the station hall, notice the lights above create a cool effect in the escalator shaft. Hesitate as escalator comes to an end. Step back onto down-escalator while digging camera from backpack. Spend 10 minutes riding escalator back and forth, taking pointless pictures of the light.
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| Note the yellow train, which I heart. |
9:22 a.m., Utrecht Central Station (still): Pointless escalator picture-taking is oddly liberating. Understand that I should head straight to the city center to find an atmospheric cafe full of university students. Thinking what I really want is a "misto" at the Starbucks in the unremarkable train station. Realize the power of choice is entirely in my hands.
