Inside Panda’s Head: Exploration
I remember when I was in elementary school I really enjoyed learning about exploring the world and now that I think back it be might due to my TCKness 
In my 4th grade class, my teacher had us learn about exploration and shipwrecks. We learned about Christopher Columbus and Magellan and the world as it was 500 years ago (and the maps!) and about surviving when there was a shipwreck. I used to imagine myself being in that era of time, what it would be like to be traveling at sea, what it would be like to be shipwrecked on an island and having to learn how to survive on whatever is available on the island. The topic was always so fascinating. I bought the book “Swiss Family Robinson” and although I never finished the book myself I knew the story. I wanted to be part of that family
And then I realized I am attracted to any stories that did a lot of traveling or going to “foreign exotic” lands. They always make it sound so magical and fun. Although it is always the same thing whenever someone tells a story of someone who had to learn how to survive after a plane crash or abandoned in a deserted island but they are still very attractive.
“Castaway” was a sad story but the part where Tom Hanks had to survive by himself and the things he did sounded fun! And “Pirates of the Carribean” was another movie that was fun because the characters get to travel.
I love adventures and exploration. Whenever I visit a new place, I am always on a mission to find a “secret” place that no one have discovered. I remember when I was very young and when my family used to go on trips, I like to wander off by myself to find any holes or crevices that has not yet been discovered. I like to imagine what this place was like many years ago and who had been there.
My dream? To visit every corner of the world 
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I LOVED maps
And like you I would imagine standing in somewhere that’s hard to reach. And I love caves too
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January 3rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
That sounds pretty scary and cool at the same time…
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January 3rd, 2008 at 5:03 pm
LOVE LOVE LOVE maps. My dad calls me his co-pilot when long driving cause I’m the only one in the family besides him that could get us back on track when we get lost somewhere lol.
Oohh, caves! Reminds me of Batu caves in malaysia, there were monkeys all free over there. Kyoooot =)
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January 3rd, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Tintin!
Oh I loved Tintin! I used to watch him on ABC (Aussie)all the time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTsq9nSUPs4&feature=related
P.S. Cynthia, if you need a travel buddy, I’m always available!
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January 10th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
It’s funny because when I describe what I like about traveling, I always include the sentece “I love to explore new places”. Not so much in the sense of “be where no one has been”, but to discover, to see what it’s about. I don’t really know how to explain the feeling. But yeah, I love exploring!
I have lots of childhood memories related to trying to find “secret passages” everywhere (from my grandma’s bathroom to garden fences). I remember being very intrigued by secret passages in castles and palaces… this is something I love about Europe, all those old misterious castles…
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January 10th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
very nice video, Simmy!
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January 10th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
yeah, I LOVE maps too!
I can get anywhere with a map!
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January 10th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Oh, me too! I still dream about secret passages!
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January 29th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Yes! I can totally relate to all of you! I love maps too, but not maps that are actually of any use to anyone in this day and age. More like the Old World maps that have discolored with age. I actually used to discolor paper with tea and make my own treasure maps. Additionally I like the really old-school looking books. One of my dreams is to have a study inspired by the old world.
I still totally love pirates, to the point where I wore a pirate-inspired outfit a couple weeks ago to the bar.
Also, in college I was trying to decide what tattoo to get, and I really wanted a compass, but no one understood me and I couldn’t articulate why, but I guess it’s to symbolize my sense of adventure and my love of travel and sort of like saying “my guide is within me”.
Glad to know I’m not the only one!
P.S. Once I get some money to spare, I’m so totally getting an old school compass tattooed on me.
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