Club Monaco Patrizia shirt, Zara shorts (old similar here), Jimmy Choo Gladiator sandals (similar), J.Crew Panama hat in white, c/o RetroSuperFuture sunnies

Strolling. A very simple idea yet not practiced by all. I never realized how much I love to stroll while in a new place until Molly and I went to London. Usually I would call myself a fast walker but in a new place I try to take my time, look around, and see all that the area has to offer. I try to notice a certain flower, the paint color of the house, or the local decor. Taking mental notes along the way so I don’t forget the images, feeling, or smells after I leave. That is how I like to travel – taking it all in one step and breath at a time. In London I realized I was “strolling,” while Molly was walking at our usual pace. After a few hours of noticing our distinctly different paces, I told her about my idea of the “stroll” and how it would allow her to take mental notes so she wouldn’t forget the little things she saw. She was very appreciative afterwards and wrote about it in an amazing post called, “The Art of Strolling.” While this “art” can be annoying to some people you may travel with, I believe it is the reason we travel. Why speed past down a street when, even if you have been there a million times, there is something new to see? Aren’t you there to take in that culture and all it has to offer? If you go at your normal pace you miss the little things.
A tip that might help you other fast walkers – carry a camera and try to capture five to seven really great pictures. In doing this you will automatically slow down as you are trying to look for that “perfect” shot. It will literally force you to see everything around you.  

On the first day in Scottsdale, the hubs and I decided to walk to Old Town. It was beautiful! The sun was out, the flowers were blooming, and the heat hadn’t set in yet – perfect for a stroll. After seeing the shops and art galleries, we ended the mini trip by popping into a local favorite, The Sugar Bowl (more to come on that). Scottsdale has so much beauty. I can’t wait to share more from the trip coming soon! And since we used the, “art of strolling,” I can still tell you about the restaurants, the architecture, the landscape, and all the beauty Old Town had to offer! I know this probably sounds kooky, but next time you are in a new place try to see if you are taking in everything you could be. You might be surprised at just how much you miss!   —

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