Change of Scenery for Inspiration
It’s amazing how a change of scenery can instigate inspiration. The ordinary, suddenly becomes interesting; watching a business man drink his morning coffee, for example. I’m writing from a little café, on the small island of Bermuda. This is where my sister lives. I finally came to visit her. Although she has been here for almost five years, this is the first time I took the opportunity to come down. And, as the salty air blows a palm leaf, and taps the window beside me, I wonder…why oh why, didn’t I get my butt down here sooner?
Of course, I was first consumed by the pink beaches, turquoise water, and orange sun. Sub tropical paradise. Next it was the excitement of new people-over seventy five nations live on this island. Cultural melting pot. But as my days evolved, I learned a little something about myself; I love the intrigue of being a foreigner.
There is something truly magical about being a foreigner. Even though there is an uncomfortable connotation with the word (standing alone on a street, pretending to know which way is which) I have grown to appreciate this position. It heightens awareness and accentuates local habits. Details the common things that people do every day – but are unique to me.
Perhaps I am the only one in this little coffee shop, who is paying attention to (and fascinated by) the fashion trends here. I now know what “Bermuda shorts” are. Almost every man wears long linen shorts, accompanied by a pair of knee high socks and loafers. Sounds strange doesn’t it? Caught me off guard too, and now, at the end of my week, I am quite fond of the look. It reminds me of this unique island.
As with many smaller countries, scooters are part of the daily commute. And I now appreciate why these mini mobiles exist. True, they look cool, but they used to terrify me. That is until I rode on the back of a scooter for six days and felt the freedom of the open air. The convenience of scooting around small spaces (there is always a parking spot). Not to mention, the local craft of balancing a scooter (in working clothes), while caring a brief case and storing a bag of groceries.
These are but a few of the many gems that inspired me. Why? Well, I guess it’s because at some point in our lives, we are all new to something-a town, a job, a relationship. And it’s when we arrive for the first time, that we see and feel the newness. It’s a pretty special feeling, one that we can forget about when we’re caught up in the daily bubble of routine. It’s not that I had never seen the ocean, or never rode on a scooter. But being away from “it all”, in a different land, as a foreigner, I had the time to notice. Now the trick is, to notice it when I get home.
© Desiree Daniel May 26, 2005
Of course, I was first consumed by the pink beaches, turquoise water, and orange sun. Sub tropical paradise. Next it was the excitement of new people-over seventy five nations live on this island. Cultural melting pot. But as my days evolved, I learned a little something about myself; I love the intrigue of being a foreigner.
There is something truly magical about being a foreigner. Even though there is an uncomfortable connotation with the word (standing alone on a street, pretending to know which way is which) I have grown to appreciate this position. It heightens awareness and accentuates local habits. Details the common things that people do every day – but are unique to me.
Perhaps I am the only one in this little coffee shop, who is paying attention to (and fascinated by) the fashion trends here. I now know what “Bermuda shorts” are. Almost every man wears long linen shorts, accompanied by a pair of knee high socks and loafers. Sounds strange doesn’t it? Caught me off guard too, and now, at the end of my week, I am quite fond of the look. It reminds me of this unique island.
As with many smaller countries, scooters are part of the daily commute. And I now appreciate why these mini mobiles exist. True, they look cool, but they used to terrify me. That is until I rode on the back of a scooter for six days and felt the freedom of the open air. The convenience of scooting around small spaces (there is always a parking spot). Not to mention, the local craft of balancing a scooter (in working clothes), while caring a brief case and storing a bag of groceries.
These are but a few of the many gems that inspired me. Why? Well, I guess it’s because at some point in our lives, we are all new to something-a town, a job, a relationship. And it’s when we arrive for the first time, that we see and feel the newness. It’s a pretty special feeling, one that we can forget about when we’re caught up in the daily bubble of routine. It’s not that I had never seen the ocean, or never rode on a scooter. But being away from “it all”, in a different land, as a foreigner, I had the time to notice. Now the trick is, to notice it when I get home.
© Desiree Daniel May 26, 2005
posted by Desiree Daniel @ 4:47 PM
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