Have you ever noticed that when you visit and/or move to a new city, the number of possibilities of things to do/places to go seems relentlessly long? Everything is literally new because it's a 'new' city,' and like all new things, you just want to try it and try it all. It's slightly daunting.
When you're in a new place, you don't so much have to 'find stuff to do.' It's actually more like a you have to 'pick something to do.' It would be like hunting for beef in a pasture full of cows (not that that's something anyone would ever do); It's too easy, and the possibilities are endless. There are new restaurants to try, new roads to drive down and new people to meet. You don't have to seek these things out; they're just there. It's just up to you (and me) to go out and do it. But how?
Ask for Advice
If there's one thing that people are especially bad at these days, myself included, it's asking for advice. There's just something about it that's kind of awkward/kind of hesitant. It's like a last resort for a lot of people; however, without advice, how would we really the secrets of what to do. After all, you can't believe everything you read on the internet, can you? If you want to find something to do and narrow down your choices, ask for advice. It'll give you some direction and give you some local secrets.
Take a Friend
Doing things alone has it's perks because you can do whatever you want, but doing things with someone has it's perks too, number one being that you're not alone. There's something about making memories with someone else that holds more value than making them alone because then you have someone to reminisce with, laugh with and learn with. Having a partner in crime is a solid way to help find something to do in a new place. Sure, you may have the awkward, "What do you want to do?" "I don't know; What do you want to do?" moment, but in the end, you'll both be able to narrow something down pretty quickly and be able to find something to do you'll both enjoy. Plus, you'll miss out on the awkwardness that sometimes comes along with doing things alone in a new place.
Don't Be Afraid of Being 'the New Guy'
This one is a tough one for me because I hate being 'the new guy,' or better yet, 'that guy.' Whether I'm visiting a new church for the first time or going into a new restaurant for the first time awkwardly wondering whether or not to seat myself, I always feel like I reek of the new guy smell. It's like people just know you're new because of the way you behave or because they just don't recognize you, and sometimes, this can be intimidating; however, it shouldn't be. Everyone is new at some point, and I know when I see someone new, I don't think anything about it. I'm excited to meet them and introduce them to my friends, and odds are, they're thinking that same thing. Let people know you're new, whether it's by reeking of 'new guy' smell or just telling them. Where your new smell proudly and accept the politeness of others when they try to help you out.
If you're in a new city or new place, embrace it, enjoy it and awkward it up. After all, you're only new once, and soon, you'll be the person getting to help along someone else who is new. Find something new to do and enjoy it!
-Cliff
Cliff's Note: Ask for advice, find something new to do with someone and embrace being the 'new guy.' It'll make your 'new' experience better!
