WARNING: Not for Kids!

I went down to my local "Dick's Sporting Goods" equivalent last week and picked me up a pair of Boomerang rollerblades. (Is rollerblades one word or two words?) I had to exchange the first pair because size 44 was too big. I'm only a European 42.



I wanted to reclaim my innocence of being a kid, rollerblading at The Skating Palace to a mix of Vanilla Ice, Depeche Mode, and Boyz 2 Men. Rollerblading limbo. Couples skate. Disco night. End-of-the-school-year parties. Can you feel me?

I saw people here weaving in and out of traffic, rollerblading backwards, with their dogs. This seemed like great fun. I quickly realized that you have to re-learn how to rollerblade. I forget how to brake! I have been using the rubber pad on the back of my right heel, but this brings me to a slow roll at best, not a stop. To come to a complete stop I normally have to run into something: a trash can, light poll, helpless elderly lady, Asian tourists... Can someone please instruct me on the proper braking technique?

Random cracks in pavement, brick sidewalks, sewer drains, and thousands of tourists have added to the rollerblading experience. I couldn't be happier with my purchase though. It's been a great workout and an easy way to see the city. One day I'll be weaving in and out of tourists, but not listening to Vanilla Ice.

I decided to make my rollerblading debut on St. Jordi's Day, where thousands of people crowd the streets to buy books. What an adventure!