With the pandemic lingering around for what seems like an eternity, the options for adventure are limited. Many physical sites and businesses still remain closed, as well as other hubs for excitement—theme parks, campgrounds, coffee shops, etc. And, while many of these locations have opened up again, it’s always good to be cautious.
I don’t know about anyone else, but after six months of quarantine, my heart is yearning to escape; to experience adventure. However, even though I’m oftentimes confined to the comfort of my home, I’m not in a prison that keeps me from exploring. Even in a pandemic, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Here are some ideas —completely at home.
IDEA #1: Have a Campout
I remember making forts in my living room as a kid. Although they were crafted from crochet blankets and dining room chairs, they felt like gargantuan castles of my own creation. Oftentimes, growing up, things like that fade. It’s easy to forget that they’re still allowed.
Pitch up a tent—or a blanket held by a string—somewhere cozy. Turn on some music and dream the night away.
In the spring, during lockdown, I set up a tent in my backyard and formed a miniature campout. Snuggling up to a blanket, sipping tea, I fell asleep to a Pixar film and woke up with a smile on my face.
IDEA #2: Enjoy a Movie Night
A movie screen can capture an adventure like a firefly in a jar. Watching the consistent glow of a story through a screen is almost equally exciting as experiencing one in-person.
The hard truth is that life isn’t made of a constant adrenaline rush—and it doesn’t have to be. If every wonderful moment had the same level of excitement as the rest, then excitement itself wouldn’t exist at all. Why can’t adventure be relaxing? A comfy sofa, a large bowl of popcorn, and a 2-hour movie can go a long way.
A couple of weeks ago, I listened to the sound of raindrops on my window and turned on the television. I cuddled up to my cat and sipped some maple tea. The movie was Song One, an indie film with Anne Hathaway. I had never even heard of it before, but now, it’s one of my favourites.
HERE are some recommendations for a good movie night.
IDEA #3: Try Something New
For ages, tourists would gather to see Wangfujing Street in Beijing, China. The street food market wasn’t famous for the splendor or taste of its cuisine — it was because of the peculiarity of its contents. Live scorpions. Silkworms. Snakes. The street was always flocked with adventurous folks looking for something new.
Consuming live scorpions isn’t for everyone. But what about taste-testing snacks from around the world? Or joining the thousands of people who have spent quarantine making sourdough bread?
I recently learned how to make tooth powder and started attending online auctions. I took up running—something I used to hate. I wrote about five letters in the past month. I made candles in old tea cans.
There’s always new things out there to try. Start exploring.
IDEA #4: Take Your Adventure to the Internet
Fun fact: Google Street View lets you explore Antarctica.
There’s also the Everest Base Camp, the Burj Khalifa (I have to shout out my home city’s main attraction!), and the abandoned Hashima Island.
Of course, that isn’t the same as being there in person. But it’s astounding to see glimpses of places that are talked about, but rarely gazed upon.
The internet has allowed so many ways to learn more about the vast oddities on this planet. Atlas Obscura is another good resource for the naturally curious. The website offers so much to learn about so many things. Log on and wander. Even though things are different, life hasn’t stopped. The sun still rises and sets. Hearts are still beating. The wind still blows. And thus, live life—because even though life isn’t as expected, it still goes on.
Keep Wandering,
