A few weeks ago, I wrote a bucket list of simple activities one could do to prepare for the summer, such as planting herbs on your windowsill and trying a new ice cream flavour. As a pre-summer bucket list, I made sure each item would be easy to do on your own, and within the limits of your city.
Many of us do not have the opportunity to travel abroad and book an all inclusive hotel getaway. Many of us will remain in the same apartments, in the same neighbourhood and in the same city. And while that narrative isn’t as often exposed online, I would like to remind you that the sky is the limit even while staying on ground.
Now, I know it can get lonely, especially when most your friends and family have themselves gone up in the air to discover new and fascinating destinations. Sometimes it even seems like a waiting game. As if the fun will come back when everyone is in town. But, as someone who has been slowly creating her itinerary for the next few summer months at home, I would like to share some tips to ensure that if you feel lonely, you do so without being alone. No friends or family this summer? Welcome to community summer.
Take a picture of every poster you see in your city
A few weeks ago, in my favourite onigiri shop, I saw a poster regarding the Copenhagen Sakura festival, in which said onigiri shop would be participating in. I snapped a quick picture right as I was about to order, and took a look at it the next day once I had more time. Similarly, I snapped another quick picture while shopping with a friend of a pop-up event happening that same week.
In the month of April and May alone, I have been able to join three different events (i.e festivals, pop-ups, launches, museum expositions) simply from keeping my eye out on the posters displayed in my city. The habit requires a good eye and a few minutes, and allows you to stumble on some wonderful gems you might miss out on!
Pick up any mildly interesting flyer
Similarly, every city library is filled with a bunch of flyers promoting different activities and events. Many mights have no correlation to your interests at all, but having a browse every month to see what’s new is truly how you make luck repetitive.
Check out your city’s/ municipality’s website
I am not proud to admit that as a teenager I fled municipality notices like the plague. I always thought it would be filled with half-boring, half-political initiatives I would feel no connection to. However, these are always the online platforms that are the most informed, or at least capable of steering you into the right direction. Not to be overlooked!
Find the social media pages of your favourite bars/ restaurants/ bookstores
Bonus points if these pages are visibly run by Gen Z staff. Truly the backbone of my calendar getting filled up.
When I lived in Oslo, a big bakery chained I followed on instagram would announce events for a new bakery opening every other month, which included free buns and coffees. Here in Copenhagen, I follow a few brands known for doing fun concepts and pop ups. Even without following them, simply doing occasional research on instagram has put me on the algorithm that informs me of these kind of activities. I’ve added post notifications to my favourite bookstore as they do free bi-weekly workshops on a first come first served basis.
Find cool people/artists that grew up or lived in your city
Many a times, when a well-known artists grows up in a city, there remains a mountain of memorabilia even after they pass. An architect has their house turned into an exhibit. A sculptor has his work displayed in the centre. It’s almost exiting, to find an artist and track down their public memory.
Talk to your community leaders
No, not your politicians. Your librarians, your tour guides, your front desk assistants, volunteer leaders… The people whose careers are based on creating a sense of community around. Whose interests lie in bringing people together.
Track your bus routes
You may think that every bus remains within your city, but that is simply not the truth. Many bus routes take you to the edge, take you to the unknown. Find the bus routes and see where you could go, where you’d like to go. I once spent a hefty sum on a three-day bus ticket in Edinburgh and barely used it by day two as the weather was too nice not to walk around. So, like any girl who wants a bang for her buck, I took three different bus routes and went as far as interested me. You can do that right at home, and still see places you’ve never been to.
Be open. Be observant. Be brave. Be everywhere! Even if everywhere remains within the same city.
Love,
Anastasia
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Thinking
the fear of being honest online
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May 18
“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it” is a mantra I have been repeating to myself for over a decade. A standard I have always held myself to when engaging in any conversation. And yet, I’m not sure if I still believe in it anymore.
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