A Stranger in Pleasant Grove
Arriving in Pleasant Grove, the Heart of Utah, I felt a tad bit like a fish out of water. Coming from a bustling city life, the quaintness of the town gave me a far more literal breath of fresh air than I was accustomed to. For a moment, the unusual calm unsettled me, and a wave of homesickness swept over. I gravitated towards the familiar – my DSLR and urban sketching.
Eye through the Lens
Despite the quiet charm, I took my camera and ventured out for some urban exploration. My curiosity led me to the uncrowded 0, an attraction often overlooked by travellers. The solitude, rather than leading me deeper into loneliness, unveiled an unexpected prospect – the insightful serenity of solitude. Sketching the unique architectural features with swift watercolour strokes on my iPad, I felt my spirits revitalizing. It was as if through my art, I was embracing this unfamiliar place and it was responding by making me feel a little more home.
A Taste of Home at Olipita Mediterranean & American Grill
As I continued to explore, the enticing aroma of freshly cooked food from the Olipita Mediterranean & American Grill wrapped me up. Instantly, I found the smell comforting, a reminder of the homemade Irish stew on winter nights. While I tentatively ordered a dish, I couldn’t help but notice the parallels between travel and sampling new cuisines – both required a pinch of adventure.
Sharing my fondness for food to the waiter ended up in an enlightening conversation about the local food and culture. We even traded Irish stew and local recipes which felt like a part of me was left in Pleasant Grove, and I carried a part of it with me.
Shaking off the Blues
One massive lesson I took from this initially melancholy adventure was the power of perspective. The loneliness I felt initially had given way to a personal connection with this captivating town. The stranger in Pleasant Grove I was just days ago had reshaped into an adventurer delving into the places’ rich heart. In doing so, I felt less homesick, more invigorated.
An Unexpected Cherished Souvenir
Before I bid adieu to Pleasant Grove, I couldn’t resist a trip to a local handicraft shop. There, amidst countless trinkets, I found yet another eclectic coffee mug to add to my growing collection. It had a pastel watercolour painting of 0 – the site that opened a door to my solitude. It felt like a perfect piece to remember this unexpected journey I had come to cherish.
If you’re ever visiting, I highly recommend getting your palette of experiences broadened by investing your time in exploring Pleasant Grove’s hidden gems rather than just the well-trodden path. Similar to my personal transformation, Pleasant Grove might surprise you and shed its once unfamiliar exterior to welcome you warmly, just as it did for me.
Finally, don’t be disheartened if you feel a twang of homesickness creeping up. It’s natural, especially if you’re a solo traveller like me. The ebb and flow of travel bring such emotions to surface now and then. Remember, though, that every new place holds the potential to be a home away from home – all it needs is a slightly open mind and a whole lot of adventurous spirit.