Cross the Street

I had a real eye opening experience yesterday. I had been taking the same route to explore my new neighborhood here in Amsterdam, even walking on the same side of the street. I'd been kind of concerned about my route to the tram stop, as the sidewalk was dark (overhung by a 5-story building that spans a full block), there's construction of the underground metro happening in the middle of half the street, and there seemed to be no inviting stores or restaurants along my route.

However, yesterday morning I crossed the street and walked along the other side of the road, and discovered practically a new world. There are specialty stores (an organic food store, a bakery with tempting chocolate treats in the window), a burger joint, a juice bar, espresso bar, couple of traditional local bars, a couple coffeeshops, and a croissant place I'm dying to try.

I took the same route back home tonight and actually discovered a few additional places I didn't realize were there on the first pass. For example, there's a comedy club nestled between a few of the above mentioned shops.

I was really struck at how changing a simple part of a routine, of taking a path that provides a different perspective can really change an impression, influence an opinion, and open up opportunities.