How to get ‘lost’ in a city and have an amazing experience?

#traveltips #travelmore #wanderlust #amsterdam #beautifuldestinations

Okay, I must admit I am being a little overdramatic with the whole ‘lost’ part because you can’t really call it that if it is your choice. I bet you are wondering why would anyone want that? Well the answer is : IT’S SUPER FUN!.

I should start by saying that I was bored one day and wanted to do something different. I was considering going for a walk and discover new places in Amsterdam – places I have never seen before but, I soon realized that it would be a little tricky considering Amsterdam is a tiny city and for that reason most places are not actually new for me.

I have been living in Amsterdam for almost 2 years now and it would be assumed that by now I should know mostly all of the city’s parts. However, considering that Amsterdam is full of canals, there are multiple ways of getting to places. For this reason, I most often find a wonderful spot and am so happy to have discovered something new until I reach a point where I realize that ‘Oh, I know where this is’ and the only thing I discovered was just a new way of getting there.

Anyway, what I want to talk about today is this amazing app called ‘Derive’ . Last year, one of my teachers made us install this app in class and then go out and enjoy Amsterdam by following its instructions. At first, I thought it was ridiculous but it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences.

How does the app work?

What this app does is that it gives you all sort of indications of weird things to do around town. The thing is that you get so soaked into completing the tasks that you completely loose track of time and sense of space, which is why you can get lost.

There are some tasks that make you want to step out of your confort zone such as ‘Follow a couple until they notice you‘ but isn’t that the fun part ?

Other examples of it:

‘Find a kid with a red hat and follow him for 2 minutes’ or..

‘Walk around and do not stop until you find a source of music’

‘Introduce yourself to a stranger’

This brings me to what I finally decided to do to get rid of my boredom. I did eventually go for a walk but I did so by using Derive. I was sitting in my room thinking about what I should write about and then I thought why not use the app again? I got dressed straight away (would have been a bad idea to go out in my PJs) and hoped on the tram ( probably you will wonder how I live in Amsterdam and do not own a bike – mine got stolen!). I got off after four stops and started exploring. The app took me to a stroopwafel place, an antique store and on a tiny quiet street in De Pijp. I got to see some things I never paid attention to before even though I knew the areas quite well and felt like a tourist for a day.

The thing is it’s a pity the app is so underated and nobody really knows about it. It is suprinsing though considering it has such a nice concept and is perfect for an alternative way of doing touristy things.

My advice?

Install the app and go have the time of your life!

I will leave some pics I took during this walk down below:)

Xx,

Anna