Social Neighborhood Routes

Do you sometimes take a longer route over a shorter one for a variety of reasons such as there is better shade, better snow clearance, the route is more atmospheric or beautiful, and other reasons? 

Yesterday morning, rather than walk to the stop closest to my home (~a 5 minute walk), I chose a station about a 15-minute walk away. 

The reasons were trifold. I don’t usually avoid pedestrian overpasses (though I am very aware of the issues they pose for inclusive mobility) but on this morning I just didn’t feel like dealing with it, plus the route to the further station would take me on a more atmospheric, tree-lined route through the neighborhood that I wanted to enjoy on this sunny beautiful morning. 

Also, I wanted to grab a cup of coffee to go and the shorter route wouldn’t have that option. At the bakery, I ordered an Americano then a bottled ‘Green fit’ drink caught my eye, sparking a lively conversation with one of the employees during which we collectively sought to translate the ingredients from Polish to English (the drink included apple & mint…). 

 As I paid for my cold and hot drink I complimented the cashier on one of his tattoos- a face of a beautiful woman with a snake weaving around it. He perked up and as I was leaving his voice beamed ‘Bye! Have a great day!’ 

I knew my compliment served as a bit of the balm to perk up the social situation. It was a genuine, not staged, compliment but I’m often reminded that cultivating such ‘social lubricant’ is both an active decision- even a lifestyle. 

And it really can make all the difference. 

I’m willing to guess that those people working there will now recognize me again when I come in and maybe even exchange in some light and lovely small talk which for me is a valuable golden thread in vibrant local neighborhood life. 

On the tram, seated next to me was a woman with a dog and we ended up conversing at length and following each other on IG. Love seeing the very dog-friendly urban culture here!


🚉🎶 I was enjoying my ‘Saturday in the City’ playlist while on the move yesterday…

I‘ve been a fan of Polish jazz for many years and continue to explore. Great for Sundays… 

-Annika