Strolling the North Side

Tonight was my first attempt at biomapping. With a GPS in my left hand, and patented gizmo in my right, I set off to re-explore the North Side of Bethlehem. What did I discover? I’m bothered by uneven sidewalks and traffic, and calmed by quiet residential locations. You might think this is a no-brainer, but if you take a look at the picture of my results, you’ll see that I had two very different experiences.

A walk on the North Side of Bethlehem

Although I was on one continuous walk, I explored two very different sides of Bethlehem. The first half (the large purple spikes) was a brisk stroll on Broad Street, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city. There was a great deal of traffic and I reacted strongly to the fact that once you leave the business district, the crosswalks disappear! On the back end of my journey (the dark purple lower spikes), I strolled past the Church Street cemetery, kite-flying children and a woman weeding her garden. Some additional peaks at intersections, as well as brief conversations (the poor guy shaking a parking meter) and the sight of graffiti on the cemetery gate.

What an interesting look into my thoughts on this brief section of Bethlehem. Would you believe no one stopped to ask me what I was doing with these two devices in my hands? Not one! I found that I paid more attention to my surroundings than usual, and even found some things I didn’t know existed (Friendship Park?).

Be sure to stop by and see Christian tomorrow night (Friday, April 3) @ the Hard Bean Cafe on 3rd Street in Bethlehem. We’ll be there from 6 to 8 p.m.

Cheers,
Kelly