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You are here: Home / On The Road / On The Road: The Good and Bad

On The Road: The Good and Bad

September 21, 2014 at 8:07 am by Claudia

wire thingy with flowers

The good news is that Scout seems to be settling down. Her anxiety level has decreased and she seems to be adapting to this new and strange living situation. As long as I take her to the park a couple of times a day, I think she’s willing to put up with hotel living. Bless her heart, she loves an adventure, as long as she is convinced I’m sticking around and am not about to abandon her. I love her spirit.

The bad news – and it’s always the case when I stay in this hotel – is that the music from the clubs/bars that surround this hotel is unbelievably, and I can’t say that strongly enough, unbelievably loud from Thursday to Sunday. The thuds of the bass can be felt and heard in every room in this hotel. I wear ear plugs every night so that I can sleep, and even then it can be difficult.

And, for a town that is essentially a ghost town on the weekends, there is a lot of activity this weekend. There are events in the park, accompanied by loud music, walkathons…and this morning I woke up to the police closing off the paid parking lot that is right outside my window. Temporary platforms have been erected and now, at 7:30 am, we are being treated to a voice on a loudspeaker. Apparently there is some bike race slotted for today.

Hey, I’m all for Hartford getting people into the city to spend money and celebrate, but I’ve only been here 3 days and I’ve already been overwhelmed by sound pollution.

Maybe I just happened to arrive on an especially busy weekend? Fingers crossed.

The nice thing about staying in the apartments is that the thundering bass from the clubs is a non-issue. I just have to get through the next two weeks and then I’ll have some relief.

Of course, here in the hotel, I can have a free breakfast every morning, though I seldom partake in it, and a buffet dinner Monday – Thursday. I often stop off and grab a salad and a roll. I obviously avoid the meat entrees. And the staff is always very friendly and helpful.

I stayed here for five weeks the first time I worked at Hartford Stage. That’s a long time. I got to know everyone fairly well and many of the same people are still on staff.

Rehearsals are going well. For the first few days, we are working with the actors playing Hamlet and King Claudius and some of the students who will also be in the production. Next week, the entire cast will arrive. The costume designs are gorgeous. The set design is striking. And we’re working on one of the greatest plays ever written, so how can I not be inspired?

Happy Sunday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Filed Under: On The Road 23 Comments

Comments

  1. Donnamae says

    September 21, 2014 at 11:22 am

    It is surprising to me always, the amount of activity…special events…that any city seems to have on any given weekend. Some people thrive on that…I do not. I like the quiet of living on the edge of the city….less noise and activity pollution. So sorry you have to endure that. So glad that Scout seems to have adjusted! Hope the park won’t be too crowded for you! Enjoy your day! ;)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      Harford’s downtown area is fairly small, so any activities like the ones that are going on affect everyone.

      Reply
  2. Chris k in Wisconsin says

    September 21, 2014 at 11:24 am

    It makes me so happy that Scout is adapting! They ask for so little….
    Is it possibly a “festival weekend” of sorts there? I’m sure you always appreciate the quiet and relative solitude you enjoy at your cottage, but I’m sure this will just make that point even more clear to you and to Scout, also!! Hope it quiets down this evening!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      I just got back to the room and this bike race is STILL going on. I think it’s a big event for the CT Cycling Association.

      Reply
  3. Linda @ A La Carte says

    September 21, 2014 at 11:30 am

    Sounds like lots of good things going on, but that noise would be hard for me also. When I was in Paris the street sounds all night long were so loud…but I was in Paris so it was magical! LOL!! It’s Fall and that seems to be the time for many events!
    hugs,
    Linda

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      Harford is definitely not Paris, Linda!

      Reply
  4. Dawn says

    September 21, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Oh no, I couldn’t tolerate the loud music either. I don’t know how you are doing it.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 2:34 pm

      Trying to stay positive, but it’s hard. The noise drives me crazy.

      Reply
  5. grace says

    September 21, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    Above all,may the peace of mind found in Scout’s adjustment help you see through the other challenges.Nevertheless,here’s hoping that things will settle after this end of summer weekend. I feel for you, especially in regards the noise.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 2:35 pm

      It’s very humid here today and Scout and I are definitely the worse for it. Cooler temps tomorrow.

      Reply
      • Grace says

        September 21, 2014 at 6:47 pm

        Humidity too!!!!! I’m sorry Claudia. What can I say? Tomorrow is a new day…..

        Reply
  6. missy george says

    September 21, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    Glad all is going well with the play and that Scout is adjusting..I think this is the time of year for festivities..Don’t let those earplugs get far away..

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 2:35 pm

      They are on the bedside table. Right where I can find them!

      Reply
  7. Nancy Blue Moon says

    September 21, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    Funny..when I was young in the 60’s/70’s I loved the loud music..now that I’m older I get agitated by it..four days a week of it would be awfully hard to tolerate Claudia..At least it is good to hear Miss Scoutie has calmed down the way we all hoped she would..Bless her heart..It is times like these that we learn to love and appreciate home..Have a nice walk in the park today girls!!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 2:36 pm

      I liked it when I was younger, but never that much. A little was okay. Endless loud music drove me nuts even then.

      Reply
  8. Laura says

    September 21, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    Must be especially hard going from your nice quiet cottage to all of that noise. Glad Scout is settling in and that the whole situation is just temporary. xo Laura

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 2:36 pm

      She’s doing well. But it’s hard on her arthritis-y legs. Poor girl.

      Reply
  9. Judy Clark says

    September 21, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    So glad Scout calmed down! Enjoy your working time.

    Judy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 3:41 pm

      Thanks, Judy.

      Reply
  10. Patty McDonald says

    September 21, 2014 at 3:44 pm

    So glad you and Scout are adjusting to the city. You live in such a peaceful home that I’m sure it’s extra hard to take all that noise in the city. Loud speakers and lots of commotion irritate me but at 7 in the morning?! That would set me off for a bad day. Glad you are finding escape in your work.. Patty Mc

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 21, 2014 at 3:46 pm

      Thanks so much, Patty.

      Reply
  11. Kim says

    September 22, 2014 at 9:30 am

    I live on the brink of a major city, but I can only take it in small doses…I am definitely a country girl! Poppy from Poppy View sent me over to check out your WordPress posts (I just switched~yikes!) and I have been here all morning, reading those posts and getting lost in others. I live a cottage, as well, and your post about the washing machine and removing the door had me laughing! Thanks for the WP tips! I am glad to have found you. Here’s to a quieter week! ;)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      September 22, 2014 at 10:32 am

      I hope the posts about WP helped, Kim! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. For any WP questions that you might have, feel free to drop me an email.

      Reply
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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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