Explorer of the World

explore, originally uploaded by the notebook doodles.

When I think about later, I think about travelling. I have aways been amazed by all the beauty that's on our planet and I can't wait to discover a lot of beautiful places myself. My greatest wish is to visit Australia and New Zealand. I have heard stories from friends, seen movies that were filmed in those countries and have seen travel programs visiting the other side of the world. And ever since I am drawn to anything that's linked to Australia or New Zealand.

But there's so much more beauty in the world. Every continent, every country has it's attractive spots. Sometimes I forget that even my own country is full of beauty. There are so many places that I haven't discovered yet. That's the reason why I want to visit every single capital city of the provinces of the Netherlands. Of course I have seen some cities, but never from the vision of a tourist. I want to see, feel and taste the cities. I want to explore them.

Exploring isn't something that has to be done in far and exotic places. It can also take place in your hometown, your neighborhood, even in your own house! You can see the world with a different view, like you are seeing something for the very first time. Remember what you were like when you were a little child? You discovered new things and investigated them with amazement. While growing up we seem to loose that attitude. Keri Smith is someone who encourages you to find the child inside yourself. She encourages you to explore, to see all the everything as something interesting and worth documenting and to become and explorer of the world.

How to be an explorer of the world

1. Always be looking.

(Notice the ground beneath your feet.)

2. Consider everything alive & animate.

3. Everything is interesting.

Look closer.

4. Alter your course often.

5. Observe for long durations

(and short ones.)

6. Notice the stories going on around you.

7. Notice patterns, make connections.

8. Document your findings (field notes)

in a variety of ways.

9. Incorporate indeterminacy.

10. Observe movement.

11. Create a personal dialogue with your environment.

Talk to it.

12. Trace things back to their origins.

13. Use all of the senses in your investigations.

Excerpt from How to be an Explorer of the World

I dare you (and myself) to follow this advice. To explore what may seem familiar and uninteresting. To see the world through the eyes of a little child. To watch the world in amazement.

And I highly recommend any book from Keri Smith. Especially How to be an Explorer of the World.