This year, I had the opportunity to see some places around the world.. As far as I remember it was 3 continents, 8 countries, 15 cities…
When you think of traveling, usually the first places that come to mind are far-off destinations and exotic locales. It sounds really cool… However, what if you can’t travel now…?
Every time I walk around in my city, there are places that I plan to visit but never made time for it… A restaurant for a lunch, a bar to have a drink and relax, a library I want to read a book…
Maybe you think that where you live is a very silent or chaotic place… However, it is possible that there are many spots that can make you feel the opposite. It just needs to be dived into…
Every city has its own unique feature.
Find out what makes your area special..
But, how?
Do it differently. Create a plan that breaks the routine.
Maybe finding a nice location that you have never been to watch the sunset. Or waking up early to find a spot to watch the sunrise before work…
Don’t worry, once you try, you will feel refreshed, not tired..
The plan completely depends on your imagination. It can also be spontaneous. You can start by putting a few of activity together and making a plan. When you get bored, you can move on to the next one and keep your mood up.
In some European cities, some public museums/art galleries, etc. are free on the first Sunday of every month. It’s great to choose a random afternoon to visit some tourist places that collect people from all around the world. Also, you can get a different perspective on your own city if you choose an unusual time. I love summer mornings or winter nights – the streets are empty, people are gone, and everything looks changed. You don’t need to do it too often… 🙂
Move around differently:
Move around in a local bus, walk the pavements, chill in the parks when tired, and stand on the bridge across the river or if not discover your own path… You would be surprised by what your city has got for you which you haven’t unexplored so far..
It is also worth exploring the peaceful side of your city… Maybe a small botanical garden where you could breathe or go to meditate..
Socialize
You can engage in a conversation with a complete stranger somewhere while exploring your own city. Okay, this might sound a little bit weird to just talk to someone randomly but you never know how you would be surprised by how interesting some conversations can be and how they can have a big impact on you! For example, 4 years ago, I met a stranger who gave me a recommendation that caused me to change the country for living… 🙂 I will explain this story in another post. Anyways..
Some conversations can be short, others can be longer. What matters is to meet new and different people in your own city; whether they are locals or tourists.
Say hello to a person, I’m from here but I’m traveling like a tourist. They will probably smile and you smile back. Then say what are you doing and these little introductions will bring little surprises…
Take funny selfies and cool photos:
Okay, you already have a lot of photos at the same places, but you are on a fun trip! You can take as many photos as you can. Maybe taking funny selfies with the monuments, or in the central places like a tourist..why not! Eventually, of course, you’ll have photographs to remember this unique and crazy trip!
Moreover, I think there is something any person can do without any need. Trying to experience some of the cultural and food spots that exist in another neighborhood and learn, and observe different cultures…
Eat in that restaurant you have always wanted to try but never found time for.
Write down
You could try writing your own city guide. However, don’t forget that you’re a tourist! Everything should be from a tourist perspective. It will enlighten your creativity skills. You can share with your friends how it looks from your perspective. As soon as you realize that producing is more satisfying than consuming, the rest will follow… This kind of writing activity gives me refocus on daily life activities from a new point of view…
Conclusion
You’ve been driving, taking the bus and have passed by a building, garden many times… Sometimes our daily routine makes us blind to our life and we miss the tiny but beautiful details that are just in front of our eyes.
Exploring your own city can be very refreshing and obviously, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to travel to other countries… However, traveling in your city can change your perspective of your home and everything would look new and fresh.
I started to discover my city about 10 years ago. I didn’t do all of these above steps at once, but each time I improved this methodology as I discovered more and more about myself…
The more time I spend with myself, I am going to discover more about my soul, thoughts, and feelings..
Also, it helped me to create cool business ideas and I earned money to reach better quality of life with them. Moreover, it helped me to have more conscious knowledge of my character, feelings, and desires.
- When I first started I had no money, I was walking… I was getting tired and hungry… 🙂 However, I still had the energy and motivation to discover…
- I needed to make money… I was meeting people who were making money in interesting ways…
- I started doing business. It was a kind of an unusual way to make money… Some people made criticism and some made fun.. Then, they became my customers 🙂
- I developed projects and presented them and they won awards.
Maybe it seems unrelated at first glance, but I did it all thanks to the experience, observations, and inspiration I got from getting lost in the streets where I live…
And final words.. Whether you are exploring your own city or visiting a new country, keep discovering yourself.
Happy Vacay!
