I have found that a new city often requires attention. Taxis don’t do it justice and neither do the other modes of transport. I love exploring a new city by foot and this method has shown me some parts of the city that I wouldn’t usually see if I had decided to stay safe and go with the other methods of transport.
However, I recall one incident where I was with my ex in Cincinnati. We were students at the time and had decided to make a trip there. We parked the car and decided to go by foot to Germantown which is known as Over-the-Rhine. It was a long walk and then we were in this seedy part of town. The buildings were all run down with broken glass windows and the street was empty except for us. I told him that this part of town didn’t look right but he insisted that we keep going. Eventually we did find Germantown, walked around, had a cup of coffee and snack there and since it was getting dark, decided to walk back to the car.
The same street we had walked through came into view but in the fading light, it looked sinister. Then I noticed what looked like blood spatters on the pavement. My heart did a nervous dance and I said, “I don’t like the looks of this.” He said, “Just keep walking.” We passed a dilapidated store with dirty windows and that is when I saw them. Men staring back at us from the interior. They looked dirty, some had teeth missing, and they had this weird grin on their faces! It was time to book it and we did.
We were lucky that evening. Yes, walking is a great way to see a new city but know where you are and the dangers that could arise from being in a strange city. I wouldn’t do it again!
What’s the best way to explore a new city?
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