In the movie Columbus, where I first learned of the intentional architectural plan of Columbus, Indiana, one of the characters remarked on how thousands of tourists come to tour the buildings but many of the residents have not done so. “If you grow up around something, it feels like nothing,” he said.
I have witnessed the phenomenon in many places. Those in our river town don’t gasp in awe at the mighty Mississippi River each time they cross it. In St. Louis, many natives have never been up in the Gateway Arch. I grew up less than an hour from Chicago but have never been to the top of the Sears (Willis) Tower or to Navy Pier.
This weekend spend some time as a tourist in your own community. See the natural wonder with fresh eyes. Visit an attraction that others seek out yet you have not. Look up your city’s Visitor’s Bureau on the web and try out one of the places they recommend to play, shop or dine.
Actually see something that you have taken for granted for too long.
