First Thing I Do In a New Place

When there are new things to explore, see, and experience, what do I do first?! I’m always filled with a bit of excitement when I get to a new place. Whenever possible, my routine is always the same. I throw on a pair of running shoes, suit up in a weather appropriate running outfit, study Google Maps for something to see nearby, and head out on a jog.

This is my way of feeling comfortable in a new place, after studying Google Maps I have a better sense of my surroundings, and I get right into it. After actually moving through it and looking at it with my own eyes, I really feel like I have a true sense of things around me. I get to see so many new places and it helps me gauge where we are in relation to other places. I quickly learn whether this is a place we can walk to restaurants and attractions, or if we will need to rely on other forms of transportation. It also helps me get a sense of whether we will need to stick to roads or if there are more scenic paths or trails to take instead.

Deep down this is my way of feeling comfortable and simultaneously using some of that new place excitement, but I also have challenged myself to run at least a few miles in every state. The list currently could use a boost, but it’s coming along slowly. It also allows me to stay healthy, get myself outside to experience what I usually can’t, and to feel alright when I inevitably eat or drink more than usual (because who wants to miss out on ALL this place has to offer?)

This tradition started when we moved to Uganda. When we arrived, the setting was so different from anything we were used to and there were so many unknowns, so I basically just stayed within the fences and gates of our compound. The only time I left for the first week or two was when I was being driven around by someone else. I was very unhappy those first two weeks; I had never really experienced this strange homesickness in a new place before. I remember lying in bed sharing with Sarah how I was feeling unhappy there. I am a reflective person, so I took time to try to get to the root of this feeling. There were many factors, but the one that really stood out to me was not having my bearings of where I was, what was around, and how to navigate the town. I decided the only way to feel more comfortable was to go explore it more, so I started going out for runs each evening as the sun was going down. One day I would go out to the left and go until I couldn’t anymore and turn back. The next day I went to the right. Each day I would choose a new road to turn down and see what that led me to explore. I uncovered so many new things that I hadn’t seen before. I found incredibly beautiful views. I had all new questions that made me curious about the culture of Ugandans. Strange places became familiar. Strangers became familiar and started saying “Hello” each day when I would pass. All the sudden, I was able to tell people things they might not have known about this place and could navigate around the area.

These explorations uncovered:

• An army base that led to great conversations as I asked our local friends many questions
• New beaches on the shores of Lake Victoria
• New stores and markets that we could go to when our usual stops ran out of things we wanted
• An understanding of the aspects and hardships of the average Ugandan life that our kids at the Malayaka House were protected from, like filling up jugs of water at the clean spring and then walking all of it back uphill to their home
• Shortcuts that Ugandans take when walking throughout town

Once I began jogging, I started to settle in and feel much more comfortable. I was happier with my life there and felt much less trapped than I did previously. After that, this became my new routine everywhere I go, and it has allowed me to adjust so much more quickly to new places.

It has also allowed me to see so many things in a unique way including:

• Botanical Gardens of Entebbe, Uganda
• Incredible views of Lake Michigan
• What Broadway Street in Nashville looks like in the early morning
• What the Vegas Strip looks like in the early morning
• Golden Gate Park
• Miles and miles of Jersey Shore boardwalks and towns
• Nearly every road and trail in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and on Stellenbosch Mountain
• Incredible views of Lake Champlain
• Running up the Rocky steps in Philly
• Countless beautiful city and state parks around the country

This is my routine to get comfortable and feel good about a new place. It is different for everyone, so be reflective and find what tactic works for you. If you find one, it will allow you to start exploring quicker, which ultimately lets you maximize the time spent enjoying your experience!