Walking around Hoboken has to be one of the best things to do on a day like today where the weather is nice. It supposedly got to 80 degrees on this sunny day and although I spent it at work, I could imagine taking a stroll down Hudson Street from the uptown waterfront to the downtown front and parks in between.
I can see it now.
First, you feel the cool breeze tussle up your hair and jolt you with refreshing energy as you breathe in the crisp but moist river wind. You move away from the shade made possible from the tall buildings that surround you into openness that shelters you with warmth and comfort; you feel safe and blessed knowing that you are home and lucky enough to be out on this rare day of spring’s perfection. You close your eyes and bask in this feeling only to become excited even more so at what you know is in store for you next.
You gingerly walk to Starbucks for an iced coffee – no, an iced mocha frappaccino – and hold back the urge to gulp it all at once; you know its better to slowly enjoy the chocolate drink as you take in the sights and sounds. Now all your senses are as alive as you are!
Walking down Hudson, you see the old brownstones that you long to own one day. With their classic but inspiring design, you wish you could see the insides of these historic buildings. You marvel at how beautiful the cherry blossoms are with their bloom slowly falling to the concrete from the gentle breeze that gives them life.
You soon happen upon the park at 5th street and cut across it passing the dogs as they frolic in their own play pen. You smile at the proud parents as they realize that you and their children get to enjoy each others company. You crouch down to say an infantile hello before you get slobbered on or whacked in the face with their wagging tail that shows they are happy to see you and happy to be out too.
Moving to the corner of 4th and River Street, you look to the left and catch a glimpse of the baseball game that draws a large crowd. Suddenly you hear an echoing crack and the roaring cheer of the spectators who, rooting for the home team, get to see their local hero belt a home run into the visitor’s stands. A smile is now visible on your face because you, too, are glad to see your home town win.
Skipping across the street, you peer off into the distance and get your first good look at the south waterfront and the, now tiny looking, New York skyline. In it, you see the golden rays of the sun beam off the glass super-structures and play games with the shadows now forming from those setting bands of light and warmth. The afternoon sky – still warm but noticeably cooler – let’s you feel a new breeze; one that makes you wish you had a motor boat skimming across the river’s waters. You know how that feels having used the ferry on a day like today. Your face mashed with that brisk ocean air that makes you feel as if you were flying like a seagull without a care in the world.
Now on the walk path, you see roller-bladers whiz by you in their lane. Joggers, too, share that path and you hear their huffing as they enjoy a good run. Some are just ending their loop as they rejoin a loved one who was walking with their newborn and strolling around the pier’s park. You see them banter with their baby and smile at one another happy that they are where they are in life, love, and location.
Suddenly a toddler races across the grass as they cling to the kite they brought with them on their day out. Cries of “Mommy, Mommy! Look!” comes from every corner causing confusion to all the mommies who are out watching their kids too. As you reach the end of the park – having circled it once or twice – you notice the people coming out of their apartments ready for the nightlife. You see all the singles – and a few couples holding hands – quickly trot to their favorite bar or club downtown.
Now the day has ended and you begin your trip back home. You pass by so many restaurants with outdoor seating. Friends and family gather together for fun, good times, and great food. The different aromas make you hungry but you can hardly decide on that to get. Mexican? Steak? Vegetarian? There is so much to choose from. Passing an Ice cream parlor really tempts you. But you resist Tasty D-lite and Cherry Garcia still satisfied with just finishing your Starbucks drink that has kept you comfortably cool this entire time.
As you approach your doorstep, you take one last look at the clear sky, breath deep, and take in the wonderful day for the last time. This amazing day has ended. Still, as sad as you are at this one being over, you know another walk in Hoboken awaits you tomorrow.
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