Walking was nice tonight. I was able to see how long it takes to walk from my apartment to the elementary school where I'm currently student teaching: 25 minutes.
When I walked tonight, on the streets of Koreatown, I felt like I was in another country. It makes such a big difference to be on the sidewalk rather than on the road. I've lived in this town for several months now and always, new discoveries on foot. I bumped into stranger's shoulders. Saw children with their parents. Commuters on their way home, off the bus. Deserted alleyways. Dark schools. People selling food stuffs, pirated dvds, shiny trinkets. Several taco trucks. I was out between 7:30 - 8:30pm. Valet people waiting. The white doors, with door knobs and the signs of Korean hostess bars. Oaxacan signs indicating they can send money back home there. El Salvadorean restaurants I haven't tried yet. Bangladeshi markets, Vons, Ralphs, and Jons and a Mexican carniceria. People lining up for loans - payday loans? Homeless men with their shopping carts. Drivers in their cars, that don't see me. A cool breeze.
I liked how cramped the sidewalk was. I didn't mind being surrounded by people. I was reminded of India. 15 minutes into my walk, I forgot I had a purpose (to measure the time it took to get to my school, to be active, oh and a last minute decision to buy fruit).
In the dark, shops are brighter, people stand out, and since I felt slightly afraid to be out alone at night, I was hyper aware of everything. But it ended up being a very liberating experience. My surroundings took hold of me and transported me someplace else. Maybe it was because almost everyone and everyplace that I passed by, was actually from another place, another country.
Maybe I'm being silly, but for a few minutes, I felt like their stories spoke to me.
3 comments:
i would love to take a walk with you. i return on saturday. yes, i would love to hang out on foot with you. :)
i don't have this strength within myself. daily, and today, hour by hour, i've been asking god to give me strength. i would still be in bed, laying down and looking at the ceiling if not for Him.
love you. jess
That was a pretty rich description, I liked it! I drive through ktown quite often. But being a part of the driving culture makes one lose appreciation of all that is going on while waiting impatiently at traffic lights. Hmm, I wonder what it would be like to walk in El Monte; I haven't done that since HS.
it was great talking to you today. i'll see you next week. thanks for the reminder to be honestly myself. i appreciate it!
in the meantime, could you blog something for the world's reading pleasure? :)
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