This reminds me of how Alain Bertaud would describe his own rituals when traveling to a new city. For all his work on urban economics and governance, the only way to truly understand the economy, housing and labor markets, was to observe how people worked, lived and traveled through his own eyes.
Recently back from a 3-week school trip (chaperoning) in Rome (a city new to me), I find your truth to be priceless: walk, walk, walk; use all 5 senses as often as you can; and think critically with every step. Delighted to see that your policy work is informed with this aesthetic/somatic/spiritual richness.
All of this is also great parenting advice, though often the questions (who designed that? Why are these things that way?) come from the toddler as well as the parent. The point is always be asking. Great essay.
This was a really fun post! I always appreciate getting lost in new places. It’s my way of learning the beat of a city by letting go of structure and embracing its chaos. The questions and observations then emerge from that. I enjoyed learning about your question-driven approach. Thank you for sharing.
This reminds me of how Alain Bertaud would describe his own rituals when traveling to a new city. For all his work on urban economics and governance, the only way to truly understand the economy, housing and labor markets, was to observe how people worked, lived and traveled through his own eyes.
What a wonderful perspective for a policy wonk.
Recently back from a 3-week school trip (chaperoning) in Rome (a city new to me), I find your truth to be priceless: walk, walk, walk; use all 5 senses as often as you can; and think critically with every step. Delighted to see that your policy work is informed with this aesthetic/somatic/spiritual richness.
All of this is also great parenting advice, though often the questions (who designed that? Why are these things that way?) come from the toddler as well as the parent. The point is always be asking. Great essay.
This was a really fun post! I always appreciate getting lost in new places. It’s my way of learning the beat of a city by letting go of structure and embracing its chaos. The questions and observations then emerge from that. I enjoyed learning about your question-driven approach. Thank you for sharing.