James Thurber famously wrote, "the clocks that strike in my dreams are often the clocks of Columbus." I've found this was also true for me as well. In the year since my last visit I've found myself flashing back to specific locations in my hometown, with no explanation.
Mention Ohio State and the picture in my head is the slum rental apartment a high school friend had on Chittenden near campus. Flossing my teeth I am back at the gates of Schiller Park near where my parents used to live. My life is all remembrances of things past and no madeline. Or maybe it's all madeline. Anyway, the incessant echoes were making my head hurt.
Visiting this weekend was a good way to sort through some of the trippyness of no longer having a home in the place I consider my hometown. Even though I haven't lived there for 15 years and will most likely never live there again. Good to see friends and see what's changed, what hasn't changed, and where the bagel shop is.
"What do you mean, 'shop for lederhosen'?" Eric in German Village.
Because I'm usually coming to or from the airport at some insanely early or late hour, the streets of Columbus are usually empty for me--as they were on Sunday. I call this "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Walker," that tiny figure you see crossing the street.
When I was growing up, the renovation of the Old Southern Hotel was quite the talk of the town. Now that I'm a grownup, I can actually stay there. I enjoyed the pillows (not pictured)....
...and the cool signage.
