As I was working forward to writing more about traveling locally, I finally decided to travel to the park, and an art museum unplugged from my everyday life.
It was fantastic, so I took a day off to travel to Wilmington for Part 2, Rockford Park. I planned to climb up the tower, visit the art museum, and finally off to see the flowers blooming at Brandywine Park.
That day’s trip was about the “solo traveler maturely,” relating to the changes in my itinerary and preparing for my solo trip abroad, which will be coming soon. It was also adult when facing trips or life challenges. These phenomena will adapt to life changes and issues.
As I stepped on the train, I started this journal of this intended topic: Why I decided to visit these places: Rockford Park, Delaware Art Museum, Alapocas Run State Park, and finally, Brandywine Park.
What is the purpose of this trip?
The purpose of the trip was to visit Rockford Park and the Delaware Art Museum in “real-life experiences.” It was all about “getting back to normalcy” with some trip modifications.
During the train ride,
When my parents and friends asked me why I planned another solo trip to Wilmington, I promptly said, “I researched which places are suitable for visitors, so I do not end up in a dangerous area. But, then, I kept in touch with you.”
And they did.
At Wilmington, it was spare time when I continued to eat the lunch I had brought. Still, I am not guaranteed to eat my lunch at 12:00 [exact time] since I was there to hasten myself to the Wilmington Amtrak Station, think about where I will eat lunch, and take a break. So it was around 11:45, and I was still waiting for the Dart First State Bus, which would arrive at 12:15, still practicing mindfully.
Traveling is all about flexibility and making informed decisions for life.
Soon after browsing some time between, I also spent a breeze at East Front Street Park and ate a quick meal.
Next Stop – Rockford Park
I quietly waited with a few passengers as I navigated through Google Maps [Although the bus timeline may not be accurate].
It is essential to pack your patience when traveling or facing everyday life.
As the bus approached a stop, I boarded and asked the driver.
“Excuse me. Is this the bus that goes to Rockford Park?
The bus driver replied, “Yes. This bus goes to Rockford Park. So get off at the W 17th Street and Tower road and walk north on Tower Road.”
“$2 one way?”
Indeed, it was $2.
I paid with my 7-year-old Dart First State paper pass, but it was “invalid,” so I paid in cash in a $1 bill.
If things don’t work out, try different methods or create an alternative approach to solve problems.
Riding on the bus, I stopped and paid attention to where the bus was going [especially if you are unfamiliar with the surroundings]. And…
…after around 15 minutes of the bus ride, I paid attention to navigating how the bus was headed. Still, the bus comes in time to explore the first stop.
Stepping off the bus, that neighbor was unnervingly silent, with few people lounging around and…
…still, it was a peaceful place to walk around.
Took my time to discover it was time to climb up the tower with just a few people lazing around.
First, I stopped myself, reflected, took a picture of the stunning Rockford Tower, and had a dream of climbing.
Seeing the sign, “That tower is closed for the season,” I was flabbergasted that it “could be a bucket list.” Still, unfortunately, it was harder to distinguish between “closer for the season” or “closed for the renovation.” Also, it took a lot of work to tell because that building was aged. So I believe that my day trip wasn’t “lollygag.” But don’t worry, I enjoyed the trip without regrets or excuses.
Instead, I had an alternative plan – I relaxed, took pictures of blooming flowers and nature’s smell, had a snack, and listened to the birds singing.
Minutes later, I decided to walk around in an empty area on the other side of the park and was “totally scared.” But, I kept saying positively, “Stepping out of the comfort zone” and “Learn from the fears and move on.”
Hence, that doesn’t mean I should hike alone in an isolated area or go out solo at night. Instead, it was all about “taking positive risks.”
Suddenly, a lone, strange man spotted me walking solo and said, “Good morning!” It was a blind eye.
“Good morning,” with a nodded head.
And I kept going, refraining from distractions from music or phone use. Instead, I pay attention to the surroundings.
Holding in my backpack, it was time to rest and drink water.
Holding my breath for 30 seconds, I spotted some blooming flowers and took this picture.
Next Stop – Delaware Art Museum
Walking confidently, I spotted single-family houses at the Kentmere Parkway, the historic estates, and mature trees. So I took a deep breath before deciding to visit the museum.
Every trip I visit must have a purpose. With a purpose, the trip would be worthwhile.
The houses are stunning, and a freshly made park is full of flowers.
Just before entering the museum, I asked myself, “What is the purpose of visiting the museum? How does visiting the museum benefit me, my family, and the community?”
Entering the doors, I surrounded myself with the picture and artwork; I strolled to the cash counter and…
…paid with the $14 admission ticket, I was soon ready to learn how artwork transforms into everyday life, from the Pre-Raphaelite Sisters Era to the present.
Now, I know when the artwork was first published and publicized.
Tip: If you love art, history, social studies, and humanities, visiting the Delaware Art Museum is your best choice.
Now, visiting the museum can make a difference through an educational institution.
Spending most of the time at the museum, I decided to write more about why “public arts transform into everyday lives. That artwork represents:
- Fight Racism
- Globalization
- Activism
- Diversity
- Inclusive
- Uniting the World
- Humanities Studies
- Social Change
- Moral Beliefs
- Identify
- Develop a sense of identity, traits, personality
After exploring the gallery, I soon learned that artworks are essential for education and creativity, transforming into the world of thinking.
Then I took a quick break at the cafe, reflecting more about the visit.
I replied, “My museum visit has changed into a more inclusive, innovative thinking that transforms into everyday lives, especially in minority groups who want to live a dream of being an artist or similar occupation.”
Next stop – Copeland Sculpture Garden
As I scrambled into the garden, more artwork and sculpture lay around. It was a stunning view, and finally, I spotted a labyrinth. The labyrinth was constructed by volunteers, ages 2 to 72, who laid out the path with Delaware River stones and has the positive effects of walking around the curves and twists to calm your health and mind (“A peaceful walk at Delaware Art Museum,” 2016).
Why did I choose this favorite artwork?
Because I believe that artwork labyrinths transform into “finding my purpose through complexity and how to get through life with problem-solving techniques with twists and turns. Indeed, that artwork [labyrinths as a whole] is important as a reminder to “get through the tough times through meditation. Finally, it enables the path from the outer side to the center or the way out. I do remember dreaming of walking in a path or a maze.”
Walking around in a labyrinth, I felt much more tranquil and centered. Thus, the path was exquisite.
Roaming, that beautiful garden was transformed into another day of beauty.
Taking a picture, I found another stunning artwork, the crying cube, which has transformed the artwork into uniqueness.
Next stop – Alapocas Run State Park and Brandywine Park (Cancelled)
Walking toward the historic estates, some signs said in front of the entrance, “private property.” But fortunately, I was not inside of that private property.
Respect the laws, and you will be okay.
Walking toward the north, I spotted the sign and…
…publicized, “State Park Parking Lot at Bancroft Hills closed. Parking is Available in Brandywine Park and Blue Bell Barn to Access the Park area. For more information, Call 577-1164.”
I was shocked when I could not walk through the bridge connected to the Alapocas Run State Park and Brandywine Park. So what are my choices?
My choices are flexible, so I decided to reflect on my daycation instead. So I skedaddled back to where I came from, waiting to write things I learned.
I rambled, “Or I can visit the Alapocas Run State Park when I am available.”
Checking the time, it was around 3:10 in the afternoon. I already had a backup plan, such as spending time and journaling about my trip, which included a special visit to Rockford Park and the Delaware Art Museum. Having a detailed plan to put in perspective was a privilege when I finalized it days before my trip.
So I instead decided to go visit the “W” logo, which I had not seen that sign I saw on Google Maps. So I glanced at the Google map on the street view near the train station.
Spoken in hushed tones, “I have an alternative plan; I will take a picture with the tulip and a “W” sign.”
And I waited with a deep breath.
Walking to the bus stop, I kept walking along in a neighborhood with historic estates and beautiful trees. The neighborhood was beautiful yet expensive.
But around 5 minutes behind schedule, the bus finally came.
Next stop: The blue “W” on Front and Orange Street
The blue “W” was not seen. Still, it would be a remarkable trip, so I decided to quickly glimpse this specular scene with the tulip lying around.
As I got off the bus, taking another walk around downtown Wilmington was safer than hanging out in the ghetto area, which is located in the west and southwest of the city. I then walked around in another safer neighborhood when I circled on MLK Jr. Blvd, where you can see the blue “W” logo.
Hence, since I only searched for another “W” on google maps, I will keep the trip updated before I visit.
Taking the picture, I then stumbled and kept on walking.
The logo “W” was on MLK Jr. Blvd between West Street and Orange Street. Unfortunately, I spotted only 6 of them.
Next Stop: Amtrak Station
After spotting a particular spot, I soon returned to the Amtrak station. It dawned on me that I was required to catch the 4:17 train back to Philadelphia and was on a tight schedule and…
…safely arriving at the Amtrak Station, I quickly tapped onto the card and went upstairs, and the train was gone.
I sedately said, “Now, I need a pack of patience when dealing with boredom. Similar to flight delays or cancellations, I have done this before. Now, I must wait another hour for the train to depart.”
Passing the time, I decided to write and brainstorm this blog. Journaling to the day, I was amused that the trip went well, including visiting an art museum to discover artworks as an educational phenomenon. Then, an Amtrak Police Officer asked me, “What are you here for?”
I succinctly replied, “Catch Septa to Philadelphia.”
“Okay. Have a safe trip.”
“Thank you.”
Minutes passed, and I stopped writing and swiftly ambled around the block, needing my leg exercise before heading to the train platform.
Self-care when traveling is essential as a grown-up. It means taking care of the health and wellness needed for life, including traveling or spending a daycation, like a trip to Wilmington.
As I looked at the schedule, it was time to prepare to board the train back to Philadelphia.
As I went outside, I saw that sleeper car (to Miami) when the train to Philadelphia came to the station along with the Amtrak train.
Trip Summary:
- Rockford Park – Snack breaks, walk around, and take pictures
- Delaware Art Museum
- The “W” eyecatcher
In conclusion, If I don’t travel, you don’t know what it is like. Traveling and exploring new places enrich my life to experience, learn, and preserve. That is why people shouldn’t be sedentary to forgo virtual vacations and opt for more active ones. Active vacation involves independent trip planning that requires lots of on the feet, such as walking, jogging, hiking, etc. I enjoy planning an independent trip in favor of an escorted tour, which did almost all of the scheduled itineraries.
Reference:
A peaceful walk at Delaware Art Museum’s labyrinth. Delaware News Journal. (2016, Dec 22). Retrieved from https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2016/12/22/peaceful-walk-delaware-art-museums-labyrinth/95753100/
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