There, I said it. I’m a world traveler who loves maps and geography, but who can also get lost in her own home town.  Its a known fact that if I go to downtown LA, I have to factor in at least 15 extra minutes for getting lost and eventually getting back on track. Its like a doctor who is frightened by the sight of blood, or a dancer who doesn’t like music. You can still do your job, but it sure makes it a whole lot harder.

Whether I’m in downtown Beirut or downtown Santa Monica, I find I can get pretty easily turned around.  Of course having a major landmark like the ocean or mountains nearby helps out a lot, but if I’m just surrounded by lots of buildings or open spaces, I always have to get out my iPhone to pull up Google Maps.  

I actually don’t think I’m all that  bad at finding my way around, but my problem is I tend to get caught up in the moment, especially when I’m visiting someplace new. I’m so busy taking in my surroundings that I end up missing important little details like street signs, or key landmarks.  And if I am traveling with someone who is actually good with directions, I can just forget it.  I stop paying any attention and just let them lead me around.

I used to travel with a good friend who we nicknamed Vasco de Gama, because she could navigate her way around a city like the old Portuguese explorer navigated the globe. When I travel with Vasco (aka Pam) I get super lazy and just let her figure everything out. But when I’m traveling alone or with someone who is even worse than I am with directions (yes, they exist), I have to step it up, pay attention and make mental notes so I don’t get too turned around discovering my new surroundings.

Going back to Japan next month should be a true test for me as there are few street signs and buildings are numbered in a random order.  I’m sure I will spend a little time turned around in the narrow, densely packed streets of Tokyo, but luckily I look forward to that. Sometimes that’s where you find the best parts of a city.

Photo by logann on deviantART