Providence, Rhode Island (Day 3) – June, 2024

Small Point Cafe

Final day of the Rhode Island trip.

I got up early again, with my eyes puffy and inflamed because of sleep deprivation. One last seminar awaited me, and I still wanted more of Providence. I packed my bags and took a last look around the room before checking out.

I got my smoothie from In The Pink (213 Thayer St.) and headed to the seminar. There wasn’t much to listen to. I felt the second day had the most relevant topics. My mind wandered about where I could go to explore more of Providence.

After the seminar, I was invited to a Korean fried-chicken restaurant called Den Den Korean Fried Chicken (182 Angell St.). As a Korean whose taste buds have met the pinnacles of Fried Chicken in this category and shot my standards way up, these were subpar (personally, 2/5; Google says 4.5/5). As I finished this meal, my day just freed up.

There was already a sense of mourning. It felt like an adventure was just about to start in Providence, but it ended abruptly. I sought ways to salvage it, but I knew I needed to return. A burdening sense of pressure took its place at the back of my mind, calling me back home to work, and I agreed with it.

Eventually, I made a compromise: a short walk by the Providence river.

After the short walk, I visited a cafe called Small Point Café (230 Westminster St.). It had a Boston/NYC cafe vibe: hipster, homey, and bookish.

Entrance of Small Point Café.

One thing to note about this cafe is that it closes a bit early (at 4 PM) on Mondays ~ Thursdays. Closes a bit later on Fridays ~ Sundays.

After working in the café for a few hours, I stopped by Symposium Books (240 Westminster St.). I bought a magnet from this bookstore that said “Providence, Wicked Nice”. It captured what I thought of Providence perfectly, and I bought it to commemorate the visit.

Symposium Books.

I remember visiting this bookstore once, when I lived in Boston, MA. While it piqued my interest, I found none of the book appealing. Alas, I took the place and returned to my apartment. Albeit short, Providence, Rhode Island, left a strong impression. It’s a pleasant place to visit during the summer. Don’t expect too much from the food. Enjoy the scene and the relationships you build with people there.

Gotta get a slice of pizza when I’m back at home.

Photos

like a flash of sunlight reflected on a car’s side mirrors

photos unexpectedly reminds me of a version of me I had forgotten.

so different I am from who I was back then

I wonder if I would have even liked the person if I were to met him today.

I will thank him for all he has done for me.

I know he tried his best in his own circumstances.

I would have hugged him (of course he would become confused as heck)

for all things that didn’t work out,

let’s say it was meant to be.

I am grateful for what I have done for myself.

3.26.2023

Photos

take photos.
I recommend it.
you get to see the evidence
that you have survived through it all:
happiness, sadness, good and bad.
you’ll root for your past self to smile more
and less be angry or sad.
in spite of all the philosophies and rules,
in a way, principles and values are there
to make you happy, I think.
I want you to be happy.
I want you to live a bright and warmer life.

3.21.2023