Today commemorates explorer Leif Erikson's arrival in North America in 1000 A.D.
Your action prompt today is to tap into your own curiosity and do some exploring! Exploring doesn't have to break the bank or require a passport. Here's a handful of free things you can do to satisfy your curiosity and desire for exploration:
- Become a Local History Detective: Dive into the history of your own town or neighborhood. Visit your local library and ask about their local history section. Many libraries have old newspapers, photographs, and historical documents you can browse. You might discover fascinating stories about the buildings, people, or events that shaped your area. Alternatively, look for historical markers or plaques around your community and research the significance of what they commemorate online.
- Embark on a Nature Scavenger Hunt: Head to a local park, nature trail, or even your own backyard. Create a list of natural items to find: a specific type of leaf, an interesting rock, a feather, a particular bird's call, or a unique insect. Pay close attention to the details of your surroundings as you search. This helps you notice the small wonders of nature you might otherwise overlook and deepens your appreciation for the local ecosystem.
- Explore a Different Neighborhood on Foot: Pick a part of your town or city that you don't frequent often and go for a walk. Pay attention to the architecture, the types of businesses, the public art, and the overall atmosphere. What makes this area unique? How does it differ from your own neighborhood? You can discover new favorite spots, interesting shops (even if you're just window shopping), or hidden gems you never knew existed.
- Delve into Online Exploration (Free Courses & Documentaries): The internet is a vast ocean of information. Websites like Coursera, edX, or even YouTube offer a host of free courses and documentaries on almost any subject imaginable. Curious about astrophysics? Want to learn basic coding? Interested in ancient civilizations? You can explore new fields of knowledge from the comfort of your home, guided by experts, without spending a dime. And our own Ocademy Annex site offers some quirky courses with everything for How to Train Your Slug to Paranormal Pursuits to Caring for Dragonkind!
- Host a "Show and Tell" with Friends/Family: Gather a few friends or family members and ask everyone to bring one object that has a unique story or represents a personal curiosity. It could be an inherited item, a souvenir from a past experience, a peculiar plant, or even a book that sparked a new interest. Share the stories behind your objects and ask questions about others'. This is a fantastic way to learn new things, understand different perspectives, and explore the interests and histories of those around you in a low-key, engaging way.
So what will you choose? How will you satisfy your curiosity and longing to
seek out new places and experiences?