I realized that in my last post, I forgot to mention a great development that’s happened within my last week here in NYC: giving directions! I went from taking daily U-turns to now helping people find a certain avenue or telling them how to get to a landmark via which subway line! One my favorite stories about my sister in Europe was that when she was studying in France, two [French] vacationers asked her for directions, which she was able to give. And so, inspired by my own accomplishments as well as the exciting journeys of multiple relatives in Europe, I thought I would compile a list of what I consider my cardinal rules of traveling. But, since this list tends to grow and develop, I think I’ll post one rule at a time. They're pretty long rules, anyway.
Please note: the word ‘guidebook’ from here on out is a general category meant to include paper, internet, and app forms of direction. Please know — I have nothing against guidebooks. When I arrive in a new place, my travel apps and Google maps are never out of arm’s reach for my first week or so. But they should be used as backups. Why, you may wonder? Well I’m glad you asked…
1. KNOW A LOCAL.
Guidebooks tell tourists which places are popular, but locals tell travelers which places are special.
This rule is the absolute rule above all rules if you want to be a traveler and not a tourist. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to the middle of Europe or a backwash town in Louisiana; it doesn't matter if you’re going in a group or on your own; it doesn't matter if they’re a friend of a friend of a cousin of a friend’s cousin. Know a local.
Sometimes you don’t know anyone in a city you’re going to visit. It happens. But if you do your best to connect with someone through anyone you know, it’ll be worth it. (Though please do so through people you trust, not random newspaper ads or websites like Craigslist! I could write a whole post on how much the word of a friend [or lack thereof] can influence our perception of others!) And if you still absolutely can’t connect with a local beforehand, don’t be afraid to ask opinions of the people that you meet once you’re there! Sometimes even the waiters may be able to recommend the best dishes to you.
BACKSTORY: I first realized how important local knowledge is when traveling to visit family in Florida. Now I won’t spoil the specifics on the internet here (come to me and I’ll spill the beans and gush about this place in person), but my favorite restaurant in the entire world is located in that town. And it was hidden for years, because the only way to find it was to drive through a neighborhood. How many restaurants have you ever gone to that were in the suburbs!?
Had we visited the city without knowing anyone there, we never would have known about that place… but once you pass the houses, suddenly there’s a wharf in front of you… the sunset is shining on the bay, boats are bringing in their daily catch on the docks, and an open-air, Steve-Irwin-esque eatery is serving up a heaven-sent plethora of aquatic delicacies. No trip to Florida is complete for me until I get to go there.
So all that to say, if you’re on famous-for-its-pizzas Bleecker Street and you want a legitimate slice of New York greatness… I know just the place, no bigger than a train car where they serve up slices as big as your head on paper plates.
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