Norfolk Experience

I have lived in Norfolk my entire life. Eighteen years of walking and exploring has lead me to enjoy my time here while creating memorable experiences in my life. However, my eighteenth year has lead me to an interesting part in my journey: college. Some of my closest friends in high school have left leaving me here until fall or winter break comes around. Regardless, the Norfolk experience allowed me to create new friends and it even allowed me to create a stronger friendship with a past friend. Taking the Tide and looking out the train’s window gave me time for introspection and allowed me to enjoy Norfolk even if I have seen many sites around Norfolk. Hopping off the train ride, right in the middle of downtown, I recognized the area. MacArthur mall, The Norva, Waterside, Nauticus, (etc.) were all there, yet the people I was with was new except for one of my closest friends: Celine. However, Erin and Logan tagged along with Celine and I and we went off. I gave a mini tour to our small group, leading the way to Waterside district and showing all the many food attractions in the main building, while enjoying a scenic view of the Elizabeth River. Also, another group came along and we all pressed forward and found our way to the MacArthur museum. Prior to this, I found a Lime scooter and got mostly everyone to hop on and ride it! Then we went to the MacArthur museum where it was actually a first for me. Seeing the many items that MacArthur collected was interesting and gave me pride to see that a Norfolkian could achieve such accomplishments. After this we went into the mall and I showed the group to a smoothie spot to which me and Celine have enjoyed our whole high school career then to just sitting in the food court and talking among my new friends about the Amish. Even though I lived in Norfolk my entire life, the people around me helped make the place I lived in new which allowed me to come to a realization. People are the ones that create the experience. Without people, only the landscape exists, which in its own right is beautiful; however, people create the experience.