A Fall Day In Princeton (Part i of ii)
Writing by Annie on Tuesday, 2 of October , 2007 at 10:52 pm
Driving down Washington Road from Route One I see the sidewalks occupied with the ever-visiting clique of parents and grandparents strolling through the University to take in the pride and glory of where their kids are going to school. The speed limit is like 10 mph so I have no choice but to take in the scenery with them. I slowly reach Nassau and turn left where the road opens up to what Princeton is all about. It’s almost like turning onto a road where the skies are bluer and the air a little crisper. But maybe it’s just me.
The streets and sidewalks are filled with couples sauntering hand in hand, parents pushing strollers, and meandering tourists (those that have to look up at the not-so-tall buildings, and ever so slowly walk by each and every single shop). PJ’s Pancake House has its usual line of hungry eager customers waiting outside, anxious to begin their day, but took a chance that maybe, just maybe, there wouldn’t be a line. Their lanky posture says it all ‘…but since we’re here, might as well…’ Taking in the scenery has caused me to miss two awesome parking spots on Witherspoon Street. I was caught off guard by the brightly yellow-colored parking meters. I wasn’t sure if they were for regular parking people, or were specially reserved parking meters. They seemed new to me, but I guess I just never paid attention to them. I resorted to park where I always end up parking, the Hulfish parking garage.
As I take the brief walk through the shadowy garage towards the sidewalk that leads outside to the early afternoon sun I couldn’t help but be excited about the potential of the day. About discovering what Princeton had to offer me on this Saturday Fall afternoon.
As soon as this thought came to mind a gathering of sorts caught my eye. I stopped and stared to see that across the street at the Princeton Library courtyard there was a crowd standing and hunching over, like bending slightly downward to look at something. So of course I looked both ways before crossing the street and gingerly approached the crowd. At first I thought maybe it was disaster of some sort. I don’t know why, but sometimes crowds from far away look scary. As I got closer, I realized I stumbled upon one of the many reasons why Princeton is Princeton. There in the middle of the courtyard was a champion chess match. Twenty-five challengers were playing against one chess master. Intellects, amateurs, all makes and kinds were gathered in this crowd, enjoying the backdrop of a beautiful day in a beautiful town. There were photographers clicking away, a young man sitting on a nearby bench by the chess table talking away about bonds and futures, random supporters looking onto the tables of competitors assessing who might make it the farthest, a wife offering a tall cool bottle of water to her husband who was deeply focused on his game. The game boards didn’t look nearly finishable that day so I thought to go about my way and wander onward to Nassau Square. As I turn around I noticed a man standing on the corner of Witherspoon and Hulfish fully dressed in Irish regalia, he might have been even carrying bagpipes. He was presumably waiting for his wife-apparantly he was the one assigned to be in charge of the baby stroller. I needed to satisfy my cravings for Theresa’s Pizza so there I left him, on the corner, rocking the baby to sleep, waiting for his wife, dressed in a kilt, possibly with bagpipes.
I enter Theresa’s and at first didn’t see a host. It was rather late in the afternoon for lunch, I thought, and I was getting a little dizzy from an empty stomach. The host approaches and gives me a quizzical look..’may I help you?’ I blame it on my empty stomach as I looked at him like a deer in headlights. I stammered out ‘I’m here for a late lunch.” He responds, ‘Oh, you mean table for one?” Yes, table for one..in fact please announce it a little louder so everyone in Winnberries can hear you too. Ok, maybe I didn’t say that last part, out loud. I enjoyed a margarita personal pizza with a really nice glass of red wine. I text my husband to see if he’s enjoying being at the RU game with his buddies. Yes..but unfortunately they’re losing. Oh well. Called my little one who was at grandma’s house. She’s not missing me so much. Oh well, again. As I finish up my late lunch at a table for one, I noticed something that made me crack a smile. The lady next to me is also at a table for one. I decide to look around some more and discovered that at least three more tables were seated just like me. So I ended up completely enjoying my late lunch, leaving the restaurant a little more confident, and ready to take on what’s waiting for me next.
My next stop - East Windsor, a neighboring town of Princeton. What waits for me there is something more than I ever expected….
Check out Part II…soon to be posted…. Annie
Category: Today's Post, Day Trips
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Comment by Ryan
Made Wednesday, 3 of October , 2007 at 12:34 am
Annie that was a very nice depiction of driving in Princeton and going for a bite to eat. Parking is hectic and sometimes you have to get lucky especially at night.
