I think of Dean Moriarty

While I didn't actually prancercise my way through Hull today, like Joanna Rohrback (LLC!)...

... I'm sure I did get some exercise - travelling through time. 

One of my favourite books, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, was recently adapted (to put it politely) into a film. Said film (that's all I have to say about it after watching it) was partially filmed in Hull. Now, every time I find myself there, I'm suddenly transported to the '50s. 

Groovy.

 

Suddenly, after crossing a bridge, I was in another book turned movie, this one set in the twenties.

Until finally I made it to "downtown" hull.

A.K.A. the 1970s.

Are your ankle weights in place?

Go to H. U. double hockey sticks!

The reason I decided to go to Hull this week, or old Hull more specifically, is because I saw it from the bus on my way to Ottawa the other day and it looked really cute. Cute in that small, quaint, old-fashioned way that I'm so fond of. I also thought it would be a fun little adventure; going somewhere that I've never been before - and on foot, to boot!

I used Google directions to find the best route but in retrospect, I think I can safely say that Google was wrong. On my way home I opted for another route, one with sidewalks and people as opposed to warehouses and that funny, lingering chemical smell.

It took close to two hours to get there and I'm not ashamed to say that I considered turning around and going home more than once but I persevered... and made it! As I ignored the blisters on my feet and the pain in my lower back, I marveled at the wonder of old Hull with its hilly streets and, well, chipping paint.

Promenade du Portage, the main street, lived up to the hype though (the hype I created in my mind, that is) and featured a good selection of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants as well as a really cool bicycle store, Pecco's.   

I stopped in at a nice little chocolate shop and picked up some home-made ice cream which i enjoyed while sitting outside, looking at this odd spectacle:

That's one way to lock up a bike, I guess.

So after taking in the sights I gave myself a little pep talk and walked home. There's something magical that happens while walking, something about the left and right sides of the brain, I've heard, and I have to admit that I felt pretty good when I got home.

Home sweet home!