Unique Ideas for Adventures
Usually when I write, I am using personal experience to convey a message to you to help you build a Full Rich Life. This post is not written from personal experience, and is somewhat aspirational. Here are some “out of the box” ideas I have, but I have never taken action on them! I hope to do these in the future!
Volunteer Adventure
I have been passionate about volunteer work since I was very young. When I was young, my religion taught me that service was the path to happiness. The way to love your neighbor is to serve your neighbor. Jesus’s entire adulthood was lifting people out of poverty and healing illness, depression, and oppression. It is our job to do the same.
When I look at the world, I see so many opportunities. I vote in hopes the government will mirror this stance of helping the downtrodden as this would lift all of society. I formerly attended church because I hoped that as a collective we could make big moves to serve the world. Volunteering and service can be an individual or group activity. I think service is a collective, communal, AND individual responsibility. One group (government, church, communities, individuals) cannot fix the world on its own. We must all participate in the bettering of the human condition.
That being said, volunteering is definitely an adventure. There are volunteer travel opportunities that range from living in a tent with the Peace Corp and installing water systems to more luxurious options. Volunteering doesn’t have to involve travel to be an adventure. Serving at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter moves you to another part of town and exposes you to people who do not normally cross your path. Currently, in part because of my work in the corporate food world, I have been researching farm volunteering opportunities. I am dreaming of living on a farm for a month and working on the farm 5 days a week to learn. I am seeking some immersion program that involves hard work and will teach me about food in a new way. Part of me is scared of this: my body is old…can I really work outside 8 hours a day doing physical work at my age? Probably not, but I think I will regret it if I don’t try.
Cultural Adventure
Another type of adventure could be a “cultural” adventure. Research another country or religion or ethnicity’s culture. Read articles and/or a book about it. Then go to a restaurant that serves food from that culture. My friend and I make a point to eat at Black Owned Restaurants as much as possible, but I would love to take a deeper dive into this. I have never had African food, and I know almost nothing about life in Africa. Also Africa is so huge! There are so many types of cultures there. So many types of people and tribes cover those areas with lots of history. There is an African Restaurant in Kansas City I have been wanting to try out. In Chicago last year, I ate Birria Tacos that were made with goat meat, and they were awesomely delicious. If you aren’t obsessed with food like me, look for cultural festivals in the nearest big city. A few years ago, I attended a Polish festival because I am interested in Polish Pottery.
Historical Adventure
Another type of adventure that appeals to true nerds like myself could include learning about the historical events that happened at your town, then visiting the sites or museums that represent the historical event. I live in Kansas City, which is rich in jazz culture. We have an incredible selection of niche museums dedicated to historical events such as the Amelia Earhart Museum, National World War I Museum, The Black Archives of Mid-America, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Arabia Steamboat Museum, and even more! Of course, you know I would love to eat the food that was eaten around this historical event.
Paranormal Adventure
My last suggestion will also only appeal to a few beloved weirdos: ghost and UFO adventures. There are ghost stories and legends of paranormal activity all over America. Check out the TV shows like Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters. When I lived in New Orleans, I went on a Haunted Tour of the French Quarter, and I loved it! So fun! I personally love to consume Big Foot Lore too! Going on a Big Foot hunt after watching a documentary would be so fun! If you don’t have some good ghost stories in your area, how about UFOs? There are UFO stories and sightings all over the country too! I treat these subjects with light-hearted curiosity. Just because you learn about something doesn’t mean you have to convert to a different and strange religion, worship aliens, or start attending seances. Explore with an open mind if you are able to do so.