I’ve been traveling long enough to know how to pack a bag. Rather than writing yet another study abroad packing list, I thought it would be more interesting to write about the things I would bring to St. Thomas that wouldn’t be able to fit in a carry-on bag. They are the things that I carry with me all the time, without even realizing it.
Living in Laramie for the past 10 years has deeply influenced who I am as a person. At times it’s hard for me fit all of Laramie into words. It’s like trying to squeeze it into a too small suitcase. I could go on and on about my hometown, about how it’s acted as the background for some of the most significant moments of my life. But as any good traveler knows, I can only bring what’s necessary. These are five things about Laramie that I will bring with me to the Virgin Islands.
The Downtown:
Laramie’s downtown area has been a vibrant place for the community to gather since the first residents of the town arrived. It’s home to a number of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and local businesses. Many lament our lack of selection for restaurants due to our small town status, but I think some of our local restaurants serve delicious food. (My personal favorite being Thai Spice.) It’s the perfect place to get together with friends over lunch or for a night out. When I go downtown I tend to slow down, taking on the pace of the town. I appreciate the little things and enjoy the company of those I am with.
The Artwork:
Laramie is full of art. It’s in blooming gardens and sunsets. It’s in the murals that bring splashes of bright color along old brick walls. It’s in our art museum and university. Laramie’s landscape has inspired artists for decades, both in its natural elements as well as western culture. I think my favorite part about artwork in Laramie is that it’s often hidden. It asks the viewer to notice the beautiful things that surround them every day.
The Architecture:
Although I am far from being an engineer any time soon, I will always be appreciative of interesting architecture. Laramie is full of great examples. I could spend hours walking through the tree neighborhood, full of houses with their own personalities. Some of the older buildings have been re-purposed as apartments for college students. My favorite building in town is the Cooper House, a historic building that is now used by the university. The architecture here captures perfectly the history of this town, and how it continues to play out in our daily lives.
The Night Sky:
I will unapologetically claim that Wyoming has the best views of the night sky. It’s most likely due to the altitude and the lack of light pollution. I wish everyone could see it at least once in their life. I consider it a privilege to grow up in a place where I can walk out my front door and look up at the stars. I’ve spent hours staring up into the night sky, wondering what is burning so brightly up their. I’ve learned a few fun facts and constellations during my time as an amateur astronomer. Most importantly, stargazing reminds me to never lose my sense of wonder about our place in the universe.
The People:
In a small town you never have to go far before you see a familiar face. They are the regulars who come in to the rec center every morning. I don’t know how they are fully functioning humans at 6:00 A.M. but they always take the time to say hello and talk with you. They are my co-workers, professors, classmates, and friends. They are the people that know you by name, and remind you of your place in this world. Laramie wouldn’t be what it is today without the people who call this place home.