On the Side Streets

Staying in a neighborhood Where locals live and shop Gives a taste of life beyond Where all the tourist buses stop. Discovering a small cafe And breakfasting outside Opens up a little window To a place where folks reside. Of course, the highlights beckon - The museums and the parks, The monuments and buildings From which history still harks. But there's something very special When you start and end each day, On your travels, like a native, In an unassuming way.