I have witnessed a great trend in the rebirth of nostalgia. Being a person who loves cars, I often find myself in discussions about old, iconic vehicles with people who share my interest in automobiles. This nostalgia — not necessarily just a newfound emotional connection with the “old” — seems to stem from the desire for experiencing what was. It transpires all mediums, products, and events.

Being in Oregon by myself, I was forced to think of ways to occupy my time alone. Social get-togethers through work were scarce, so I brainstormed ways to do those normal “social” activities by myself. Now, as someone who enjoys being alone (especially in silence) this wasn’t very hard for me to do. I would hike, read, find new music, go to galleries, etc. and be perfectly content doing it by myself. Before Oregon however, I never imagined I would be one of *those* who loved going to the movies unaccompanied.

Going to the movies has always seemed like a tandem date excursion, or a family affair. Quite often you would plan to go on this day, at this time. But what became very fun for me, and continues to be, is happening upon a few hours of unplanned time and thinking “let’s see what movies are playing right now!”

Why is this nostalgic? It’s not going alone, but rather the theater you choose. I’ve never been a fan of giant movie theaters where you recline in a plush couch-of-a-chair and end up falling asleep halfway through. On the west coast, there is a plethora of small, intimate, and yes, old, theaters that absolutely get my heart racing. The architecture, the slightly crooked black and white lettered signs, the non-digital cash registers, the worn-in red velvet seats, slightly crackled speakers, the colorful curtains, high painted ceilings, etc. I could go on and on.

Going to the movies has always been an experience. But now more than ever, it’s been taken over by modern appliances and expensive tickets, cheapening the whole feel of it all. I’d rather see a movie in an old-fashioned theater any day of the week; I actively seek out non MJR or AMC monopolies now. I implore you to do the same. Go alone. Look up. And revel in the experience.