Wandercolor

Watercoloring my adventures.


A solo traveler sits in a corner booth at Marty's Blue Room, enjoying a plate of food and looking up in surprise as they see a familiar face serving dishes at the other end of the restaurant.

Embarking on a Voyaging Quest to Nanticoke

Embarking on a Voyaging Quest to Nanticoke

You know, travel has a way of surprising you. Case in point: I find myself standing on the train platform, ready to begin the next chapter of my cultural adventure. Destination? Nanticoke, a quaint little town tucked away in the United States. My motivation? The call of the unknown, the thrill of discovery. Plus, an excuse to put my DSLR camera to good use. So, with a heart full of excitement and a backpack laden with bare essentials, I was off, following the rhythmic hum of the train—my transportation of choice, mind you—to this unlikely destination.

Unexpected Encounter at Marty’s Blue Room

Hungry and a little sun-kissed, I found myself at Marty’s Blue Room. The charming shingle reminiscent of Irish pubs, the welcoming murmur of the locale was nothing short of a delight to this solo traveler. Seated at a corner booth, polishing off a plate of their signature dish— a nod to my affinity for unique culinary experiences.

Here’s where the magic begins. I look up and, lo and behold, there’s Adele—a friend from my barista days in Toronto—serving dishes on the other end of the restaurant. As someone whose heart immediately syncs with the rhythm of serendipity, this encounter was just the type of thrill I crave.

Exploring the Vibes of Nanticoke

Filled with the warmth of unexpected friendship and good food, I was ready to paint Nanticoke’s portrait through the lens of my camera and on my trusty iPad. As an urban sketcher, Nanticoke—with its blend of old and new structures marrying the past with the present—was a delightful muse.

Taking in the murals of the Concrete City, I couldn’t resist the urge to capture the juxtaposing essence of the town—its history etched in the weathered concrete meeting the vibrant colors of the murals, highlighting the thriving spirit of the residents. Nanticoke felt like a metaphor for my own cultural blend, an amalgamation of heritage and modernity.

Nestled Among the Concrete Jungle

For the earth-conscious traveller, a tip: when visiting Nanticoke, when visiting any city, be it Reykjavik or Kyoto, make it your mission to leave the place a little better than you found it. Amidst the picturesque Concrete City, I carried a small bag, picking up odd bits of litter. It’s not much, but if we all did this, our world would be all the greener, all the happier.

Winding Down the Nanticoke Adventure

Nightfall found me cozy in a local Airbnb, relishing a quiet moment with a book, letting the adventures of the day sink in. As I flipped through “Into the Wild”, the immersive storytelling made me feel a surge of gratitude for my own adventures, and I could not help but compare my tryst with Nanticoke to the explorative spirit of Chris McCandless.

Gearing for the Journey Ahead

The jaunt through Nanticoke turned out to be more than I had bargained for. The town was an unlikely gem, teeming with an indomitable spirit that appealed to my adventurous soul. Memories made, new experiences etched into the folds of my traveler soul, and yet, another quirky coffee mug added to my collection.

Onward to the next adventure, I leave you with this thought. Give Nanticoke a visit, but more importantly, let every trip you take involve a quest, an eager desire for culture, and a thirst for discovery. As Anthony Bourdain once said, travel isn’t always pretty, but oh, is it worth it! Stay curious, my friends. Signing off from Nanticoke, it’s Mia, your bilingual, watercoloring, coffee mug-collecting travel companion, eager for the next Voyage of Discovery.