One of the things I really like about my job is that sometimes I have an hour or two between appointments. Sometimes I find a McDonalds or Starbucks and work on the computer for an hour or two. But now and then, I get to take in something more fun or inspirational – a museum, a walk in the city, that sort of thing.

Thursday I was working at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and when I was done, I had a couple of hours. The Foundation was just a short walk from Colonial Williamsburg itself, so I decided to take a little walk down memory lane.

And it was memory lane, for sure. I’ve made many trips to Williamsburg over the years. My kids love this place and so do it. There was a certain irony in that as I emerged from the Foundation to the colonial city, I came out on Botetourt Street, since I lived for 15 good years of my life in…. Botetourt County, Va., and I carry Botetourt with me evey where I go.

Then it was onto the main street. I walked slowly. It was cold and windy and there were not many visitors, pretty much me and the people in costume dress, all wrapped in their wool cloaks against the wind. It really was like going back in time.

At one point I came on two young musicians playing fife and drum. Bright clothes. Bright music. And I was the only one listening. I sat and took in their whole show. Clapped between songs. Chatted with them. Finally, at the end, a school group came and they got the audience, and applause, they deserved.

After the music. I wandered gardens. Then I just sat and soaked it in. This is a joyful place to me. It’s not just the history, and how it’s a living history. It’s the memories of so many trips here. Of watching my daughter in Colonial Dress take the tours. Of my son playing with hoops. Of ginger cakes and hot spiced cider, and watching craftsmen create everything from blacksmith’s nails to fine pewter and silverwork. I sat, and soaked in the joy.

Then as I went back down Botetourt street, I came on two horse drawn carriages. They reminded me of my friend Jon Katz and his campaign to save the horse carriage heritage of Central Park. Seeing them brought be back the joys of my life here and now, my friends and joys and challenges, and I walked back to my car, refreshed in soul, and ready to dive back into life, and work, and now.

Be well. Travel Wisely,

Tom