Travel monsters may exist, but oftentimes we can make them more big and scary than necessary. People can find themselves apprehensive about a trip for any number of reasons: Logistics, safety, language barrier, traffic or simply the unknown environment. Sure, these travel monsters can be intimidating and sometimes just plain old scary – but do they really warrant missing out on the journey?
I'm in Boston for the annual ESTO conference and my Royals are in town playing the Red Sox. A baseball game seems harmless to me, but you'd think I was entering a war zone by my friends' reactions to me dawning Royals' apparel in enemy territory. "You got a death wish Sullivan? Boston fans are rabid." Boston monsters? Cool.
Going to Boston always generates a number of opinions and travel memories about the town. Traffic, thick New England accents, pride/hatred of local colleges, getting lost and sanctuary from all of these Monsters, if you can find it. During my recent adventure in Boston, I saw incredible sites, enjoyed beautiful weather and ate the best Quahog of my life. (And I've fired down more than a few.) In truth, the only monster I saw was a green 37-foot high one in Fenway Park – and it wasn't too scary from my left field seat. I'm not even sure if monsters exist, but I do know that I'd rather continue to travel and tempt the travel monster gods than miss out on all the fun.
The Top 5 Things Ted Learned About Travel On This Trip:
1. The Green Monster ("Monstah" if you're a local) is the highest stadium wall in the majors and a popular target for right-handed hitters. Its mascot is a fuzzy green monster named "Wally."
2. The "Ted" is a mile-plus long tunnel that was the first section of the Big Dig project to be completed, and it greatly improved traffic in Boston. I'm named after my dad's hero Ted Williams so I feel partly responsible for its success. What?
3. More than 250,000 college students live in Boston and they keep the city lively day and night. The parks, bike routes and bars are always full. Yes, I'm secretly trying to get Coley into BC.
4. Red Sox Nation refers to the team's fan base. Also called the "Ultimate Manic Depressives" and "Best Fans in Baseball" these folks are beyond loyal. I had a coworker not talk to me for a week for not taking her with me. (Pic)
5. Someone else buying two magnums of Silver Oak wine for a client dinner is a humorous conversation starter until you get the bill. Josh!!! Really?
I can understand and relate to travel fears. Travel nightmares can exist before a trip; it's our brain trying to protect us. But if you can find a way to make the imaginary monsters go away, the real ones don't seem so scary. The same reason we love scary movies and horror novels could be applied to our journeys. What if there really was nothing to fear? It would be colorless and you'd miss the green.
Trip Quote:
"You a Royals fan? Your team is gahbidge and you frickin suck." - A very devoted Red Sox fan sitting behind me.
"The Sox are in last place and we have a better record." - Me
"You kiss ya mutha with that mouth? How'd you get these frickin seats anywayz?" - A now upset Red Sox fan
Additional Photos from this Journey can be found by clicking here FlickrTravelWithTed
