Today’s guest blogger is named Rebecca Crusoe and lives in Stockholm. She runs the blog Populärkulturjunkien and has also written about fashion for pregnant women on the blog, Grossessan.
I was 10 years when I first got permission to walk around town on my own. I lived out in the countryside so it was great to take the bus after school to Eskilstuna city center, and just walk around with a few buddies.
Then, in the late 80s, "going to town" was a ritual that meant going to Jam Jam and buying candy for whatever change you had on you. Then to Gallerix to browse the posters. To the shopping mall to take the fun photos in the photo booth. And then back to Jam Jam again to window shop (any money had already been spent).
15 years later, I have refined the walking around town-process and now know the ultimate tour of a city is as follows.
- A day off. Preferably in the middle of the week and on a day that isn't too close to pay day.
- An idea about which areas and possible places to visit. But absolutely no fixed hours! To actively move around town is controlled by impulses.
- A good mix of different activities during the walking. Start at a café, then wander into a mall, sit on a sunny square, run into a friend, try on some clothes, sing along with the music in the changing room, buy some stuff.
- A movement across geographical borders. If you live in a big city, it is exciting to walk around town in several districts. At home in Stockholm, I like to start off in the south part and end up downtown. When I lived in London I often started my days in record shops in Soho and ended up in vintage shops in Camden.
You're thinking, "But it sounds like a regular walk?"
"Walking around town is no walk in the park", I reply. To walk is primarily a physical activity, but walking around town has so many more dimensions than that. You are moving, you process your social network, you're gathering impressions, you are developing general knowledge and geography skills. And you consume.
Required time:
Expect a few hours. Remember to walk around town between 10am and 7pm on weekdays and 10am-5pm on weekends. Most things are closed on Sundays in some places.
Cost:
From free to really expensive depending on the shopping momentum.
Cons:
It can be really expensive. A full day on the town can cause fatigue in the feet and head (best cured with a classic post-town nap). Any shopping bags that eventuate as a result of the walk can be heavy to bear.
Pros:
You move actively, while enjoying all the facets of a tour around town.
