Come journey with us as we explore and highlight the people and places that make the Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains special and unique
Venice, Spain, And A Pea Green VW Bus
The Heart & Soul Behind Exploration Local
I grew up as a “Navy Brat”, a term affectionately given to dependents of parents who serve full-time in United States Armed Forces – in my case the United States Navy. The military brat lifestyle is one of constant moving to new states or countries many times while growing up. While this can be tough on kids as they don’t really have a place to call “home.” For me it was an opportunity and adventure of a lifetime!
In the mid-70’s my dad received orders to be stationed in Rota, Spain which is situated on the west coast of Spain, halfway between Portugal and the Strait of Gibraltar. Instead of living on the military base, my parents immersed us into the culture and moved to the picturesque coastal village of Chipiona about 18km north of Rota.
While my American friends were isolated to the Naval Base riding their bikes around paved neighborhoods, I was ripping through the dusty fields and exploring the neighboring villages on my moped and bike. To this day I can still remember the sights and smells of fresh produce and seafood in the market, the alluring aroma of fresh warm baked bread, business owners sweeping and washing down their storefronts, and people seeming to take time to visit with one another.
Trip Of A Lifetime
In the summer of 1978, my parents loaded up our family in a Volkswagen bus and set out on a 30-day Trans-European journey through Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal. This trip would unknowingly feed the adventurous spirit and sow the seed of passion for exploration, and appreciation for culture.
One of my keenest memories, and perhaps the reason for being drawn to explore local, came at the end of a gondola ride through the narrow canals in Venice, Italy. My dad asked our gondola guide for his best recommendation for a truly authentic Venice eating experience. I vividly remember him asking, “not a place where all the tourists go.” I still remember walking the narrow streets of Venice wondering if we would ever get there, and then finally arriving at a back alley, narrow doorway that led into the quaint restaurant suggested by our local gondola guide.
For the remainder of our trip that summer and for the entire time we lived in Spain, our family set out on numerous explorations. We took in as much of the local culture of whatever town, city, or village as possible. That summer, and living abroad, helped to create the best childhood experience imaginable for me.
Seek Local
That spirit of exploration and appreciation for local culture has stuck with me to this day. I am not against chain restaurants or stores, but they don’t really tell the same story or offer a sense of place, history, tradition, culture or community. They don’t help us find out what is unique about a place and what makes it worth visiting and worth experiencing.
In some ways, Exploration Local is a way for me to break free of the shackles of busyness and rekindle the passion to get out and explore more. I’m learning about my community and the communities I visit by being a local tourist. I am intentionally seeking out experiences that are real and authentic and supporting people and businesses that create with passion and integrity. I think this is helpful in building a sense of community and connectedness.
I am also drawn to other people’s stories – what fuels them – and how they had the courage to build, create, or invent something that contributes to this world, and then put it out there for all of us to consume, participate in, and enjoy.
Explore More
I have no idea what future directions Exploration Local will take, but one thing I hope that will come from it, is that readers will be encouraged to get out and explore more. Visit a local coffee shop or restaurant and learn about the history and owners. Find a new trail. Learn the history of your community. Visit your local visitors bureau or chamber of commerce. Take a scenic drive. Just get out and explore.
I would love to create a community where readers can share about their community too…wherever that may be.
Go Explore!
Thank you Mr. Andress for allowing me to live vicariously through you by reading your heart felt article. It took me on a journey and allowed me to visit pleases I’ve never had the privilege of seeing in my lifetime. It also inspires me to be more engaged and explore the communities I will visit in the near future.
Thanks for sharing! I wish you well as you get out an explore your community more. There is so much to see and do in Memphis, TN. Very fond memories.