On the Travel section's weekly online discussion last Monday, reader Steven Smith asked for recommendations for "things people can do to make ANY trip interesting." He gave two examples: "When in a foreign country, visit a grocery store to see the different products and how they are presented; and try to draw (even if you completely lack talent) a view, as that will make you notice details you wouldn't see just by clicking the camera."
We thought those were great ideas, and asked the chatters for more. They were full of suggestions:
· Take in a local sporting event. Go see soccer in Krakow, ice hockey in Stockholm or cricket in Bermuda. Aside from the athletics, the people-watching is fabulous, and the "cuisine" at the concession stand adds another level of adventure.
· Go to the laundromat. Not only do you get your clothes clean, you can also chat up the locals about attractions, restaurants, etc.
· Have a theme. Instead of trying to see every church, for example, focus on one artist and look for his or her works in museums, churches and other public venues. Other quests: empanadas in Argentina, bookstores in New York, gargoyles in Paris.
