Not everything went according to plan. Some days were difficult, and there were certainly moments when I wondered what I had gotten myself into! But those challenges were also opportunities to learn. I learned more about my bicycle, how to manage long days of riding, and how to adapt when things went wrong.
I also learned about the places I traveled through. In Spain, I followed ancient Roman roads, visited historic cities, and traveled along several routes of the Camino de Santiago. I saw Roman milestones nearly 2,000 years old and walked through buildings that had witnessed centuries of history. Instead of simply reading about these places, I was experiencing them.
But here's something worth thinking about: How did I become interested in exploring these places in the first place? Much of that curiosity began with books.
A Library Card Can Be Your First Passport
I have always enjoyed reading about history, geography, science, and adventure. Books introduced me to places I had never visited, people I had never met, and questions I wanted to answer. They helped me imagine what might be waiting beyond the places I already knew. And that's something I want you to remember: You don't need to travel thousands of miles to become an explorer. You can begin by opening a book, studying a map, visiting a museum, or asking a question about something you don't understand.
Maybe you're curious about the ocean. Perhaps you want to learn about ancient Egypt, volcanoes, wildlife, or distant planets. Your local library is an excellent place to start. A library gives you access to ideas and discoveries from around the world.
