Dust & Echoes in Providence, RI – Seriously, What’s Going On?
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. i landed in providence yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a thing. a weird, beautiful, slightly unsettling thing. i’m not gonna lie, my phone’s already dead, my charger’s MIA, and i’m pretty sure i just accidentally ordered a plate of clam chowder with extra clams. it’s a vibe, you know?
I just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 16.66 degrees, 93% humidity, feels like 16.81. it’s like stepping into a perpetually damp, slightly melancholic dream. the air smells like salt and something vaguely industrial - probably the factories, you know? i’m staying in a place called ‘The Wick’ - it’s…rustic. let’s go with rustic. it’s got exposed brick and a disconcertingly large collection of vintage typewriters.
I wandered around a bit, mostly just getting lost. providence is a maze of cobblestone streets and brownstones. it’s got this really cool, gritty energy, like it’s been holding onto a lot of secrets. i stumbled upon a place called ‘The Parlour’ - it’s a bar with live jazz. the bartender, a guy named Silas, looked like he’d seen it all and probably had. he poured me a rye and just stared. i think he was judging my footwear.
Someone told me that the Roger Williams Park Zoo is surprisingly decent, but honestly, i was more interested in the street art. there’s this whole area downtown that’s just covered in murals - some are amazing, some are… questionable. it’s a beautiful mess. i found a spot on TripAdvisor for some local eats - apparently, ‘Federal Hill’ is the place to go for Italian. i’m gonna check that out later, if i can find my way back.
I overheard some drunk advice at a late-night diner - “don’t go near Benefit Street after dark. seriously. just don’t.” also, “the RISD museum is worth the trip, but bring a sweater.” makes sense, right?
I’m trying to find a decent coffee shop, but everything seems to be serving some kind of bizarre, experimental brew. i need something strong and black. i’m thinking of hitting up ‘Coffee Culture’ - Yelp says they have a pretty solid pour-over.
If you get bored, Boston is just a short drive away, but honestly, i’m kinda digging the vibe here. it’s not for everyone, but it’s got a certain charm. i’m also checking out the Providence Athenaeum - it’s a historic library and reading room. looks super cool.
I’m starting to feel like i’m missing something, like i’m not really seeing providence. maybe i need to just wander around aimlessly for a few more hours. or maybe i just need more coffee. or both.
Here’s a quick rundown of what i’ve got so far:
Essentials: Camera (obviously), notebook, pen, half a pack of gum, existential dread.
*Clothing: Layers. Lots of layers. And boots. Definitely boots.
*Entertainment:* A healthy dose of cynicism and a willingness to get lost.
Seriously, this place is wild. i’m gonna go find that clam chowder.
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