Bad Tourist: Dolphins, Ducklings and Cheers

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the 22nd annual Theater Communications Group (TCG) National Conference as a Nathan Cummings Young Leader of Color. It was an amazing, life-transforming, and empowering experience.

This year’s conference was held in Boston, which is an absolutely gorgeous city. On our descent, the pilot flew over the ocean, which was just exhilarating. We were low enough to see boats and the white caps of waves. For a moment, I pretended the white caps were dolphins, because I heard once that dolphins will save people from drowning. This is a useful and comforting tidbit of information. I mean, as amazing as it is to fly over the ocean, it’s the ocean! And for all intents and purposes has no bottom! Eek!

At this point, I should share that I don't know how to swim properly. I can float real well and manage a fairly decent dog paddle, but that's about it. Mind you, it's not as though I didn't have the opportunity to learn how to swim, because I did. And it wasn't a black girl don't wanna get her hair wet thing, because I mean, hair dries! Go natural or put on a swim cap and call it day! No, I got myself kicked out of swim class many, many years ago. The story goes I slapped a boy who stole my bologna sandwich. Evidently, he had a crush on me and either I wasn't into sharing or just not that into him, but that was that!

Now, upon arrival in Boston and throughout my stay in this historically renowned breathtaking city, I did absolutely none of the things you’re supposed to do when you go to a new city. I didn’t go to Fenway Park. I didn’t take in a museum or go to a play or even stop off at the aquarium. I didn’t go see where they dumped the tea or celebrate the life of Benjamin Franklin on a lovely walking tour. What’s more, I didn’t even know about the ducklings and their amazing adventure across the park! Hello, bad tourist!

However, on the last day of conference, I did get my picture taken in front of Cheers with my new friend and kindred spirit, Maile Holck. But this was by no means planned. We stumbled across this much beloved tourist destination on our walk around Boston Commons. As soon as I saw it, I thought here we go! Here's something touristy! Let's make it happen!

So, Maile and I walked down the steps to closed door. After all, it was 7:00am on a Sunday! We checked out the menu to see what we would have ordered had we gone there. We settled on a make-our-own version of the chopped salad. Then, after a few failed attempts to find a stranger with a camera, I spied an older gentleman a few houses away standing on his porch in his bare feet smoking a cigarette. I approached him with our bad tourist tale and last ditch effort to capture our experience in this great city and he obliged us quite happily!

So here’s the pic! I’m going to share more about the amazing conference soon!

---