Today was a walk around, stop for a while to grab a bite to eat or drink, and read, read, read kind of day. It’s been a long time since I’ve truly gotten lost in a book and spent the majority of the day reading, and I’ve missed it! All too often, I’ll read in short spurts, distracted by technology or something else I have to do. Lately, my reading life has been in a slump, and while I’m always in the middle of a book or two, it’s taking me longer and longer to finish a book.
Today, as I read, I got swept up in the story. I found myself stopping for longer stretches, breaking out my book to read, tuning out the noise around me. And boy was there noise today! I heard cappuccino machines steaming, blenders whirring, spoons clinking, patrons gabbing, music blasting, fans spinning, motorbikes speeding, horns honking, drills drilling, and hawkers yelling. Somehow the noise took a backseat to the story, becoming the soft backdrop, rather than the main event.
I managed to read over half of my book, and I plan on reading more tonight before bed. Of course, reading is on my agenda tomorrow. Frankly, other than trying more delicious food, it’s the only thing on my agenda. By the way, I’m reading Turtles All The Way Down, John Green’s newest book.
Here are a few shots of my day, in between my reading sessions.
my heart is happiest when i travel. read. write. connect. 
What an amazing day. Being able to relax, read, and enjoy some good food with no pressures is a wonderful thing. It looks like you were away from home during this time. I love going to different places, even if its just a coffee shop, and reading a good book for a while.
It was a great day! I was away from home. Currently on Spring Break in Penang, Malaysia. I was torn between wanting to explore and wanting to read. 🙂
I love vicariously being in Asia with you (not sure which country you are in right now- I think I was following you last year from Bangkok?) I imagined you walking, stopping for food, and all the noises around you. Thanks for the great photos.
Hi Fran! Yes, I was in Bangkok last year. Now I’m living in Jakarta, Indonesia, but at the moment I’m on Spring Break and traveling in Penang, Malaysia. That’s where the photos are from. 😉
Beautiful photos! I’ll be curious to hear your final thoughts on Turtles All The Way Down once you have finished it.
I just finished it this morning! I liked it. Not how I thought it would end, but it was good. Definitely a look inside what it’s like for someone experiencing mental illness. Liked the perspective it provided. What did you think?
You didn’t just read… you observed the world closely in between pages. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Stacey- you’re right! When you’re in a cool place like this, you can’t help but observe the world around you. 🙂
Inferring – you did not read in the quiet of home. The noise you described was loud. So much of it. Only a good book can make the noise disappear. Love your pictures.
Somehow the more noise there was, the easier it was to drown it out. Go figure!
I’ve also missed getting lost in a book. I need to use your slice to inspire me to find a book to get lost in soon. Loved the pictures.
I hope you do!! 🙂