Riverwalk

            In the novel, Allison Johnson spent most of her time after her waitressing job by the Truckee River. This is also the place where she had her first real conversation with Dan Mahony.

            I had only been to the Riverwalk once before. This was the final destination for Andrea and me. Now that I felt like I was really seeing what Allison must have been experiencing, I tried to go there in her mindset.

            The river is absolutely breathtaking. The architecture that the city decided to surround the downtown area where the river passes by only makes it that much more of a majestic sight. I could understand why Allison would come here so frequently. Just walking with the crisp air touching one’s face and being accompanied by the trickling river is an experience like none other. It allows one to forget all the problems that he or she has been dealing with. Being one with nature can do that to a person. In Vegas, there is so much nature that surrounds the city. But within the city, nature is not as evident. One can get lost in the neon light, the parties, the alcohol, and the drugs. But here in Reno, the heart of the city is that of the beauty that nature gives us.

            I feel as if the river symbolizes her problems being washed away; giving her hope for a new day.

            The most interesting sight I saw was the pigeons that were alongside the bridge. I can’t really explain it. But they were enduring the cold by each other’s sides. They don’t have the same luxuries that humans have created for themselves. An artificial environment is not an option for them. Yet year after year, season after season, these birds make it through these tough times. They just don’t go killing themselves with drugs and other means of destruction. They survive, adapt, and overcome. I really don’t like pigeons, but it was odd how I was seeing them now.

            In the end, after visiting these four locations, it occurred to me that the tale of the these two cities is very complex for some. For Allison, it was the story of her downfall and the story of her redemption. It has opened my eyes to the reality that some have had to face within the two cities that have been home to me for so long.