I’ve lived in Boston for nearly 10 (!) years now: a real switch, in all kinds of ways, for this small-town Texas girl. (I grew up in what is technically a mid-size city, and went to college in another one. But I still run into people I know at the grocery store when I go back to either place.)
I’ve been thinking about the triumphs (and trials) particular to living in the city — those moments where you either think, I have nailed this, or the city itself seems to give you a little gift. I’ve had a few lately, so I thought I’d share them with you.
In no particular order:
- Finding the random item you’re looking for at a grocery store/corner store on your regular route. (Last week: tea lights.)
- Having just enough quarters (or a couple extra) to do the required amount of laundry.
- Memorizing your public transit route so you don’t even have to glance at the map (and/or can keep reading your book as you switch trains).
- Finding out there’s a subway station/bus stop located exactly where you need to go. Bonus points if it’s a route you’ve never taken before.
- Exploring the library branches and how they’re tailored to their particular neighborhoods. (Though the central Boston Public Library is my neighborhood branch, and it has my heart.)
- Deciphering the local accent. (Smaht Pahk, anyone?)
- That moment when a new neighborhood/area gets added to your mental map. Sometimes I can almost hear the puzzle pieces snapping into place.
What would you add?