I Was Here – Collecting Moments, Memories and Toothpaste

I’m usually more interested in watching someone go about their daily life, noticing a food than I’m not used to, or discovering a hidden street than I am in looking at landmarks or tourist attractions.  These are the types of  things I want to remember about a place – the odd shop, the different types of electrical outlets or switches, interesting architecture – as well as fully soak in the feel, smell or sounds.  I tend to keep a journal while traveling and try to write these little observations down as best I can, but often many things I notice in the moment go undocumented.  Oh well, I’ll keep trying.

Though I prefer a simple, black Moleskine, I recently came across this quirky book, called “I Was Here: A Travel journal for the Curious Minded”, that I would actually consider purchasing as inspiration for noticing the little things.  Different types of candy are great souvenirs for people back home, and I always seem to spot amusing English menu translations, but this journal takes those observations one step further.

Aside from its fun design and graphics, the journal provides several unique ideas and questions to get you thinking about the place you’re in a little differently.  For example, instead of just writing where you went and what you ate for the day, there are spaces for you to draw the funniest signs you’ve seen or prompts suggesting you pick a toiletry item of a brand you’ve never seen before – like toothpaste – and then create a collection of that item, looking for different brands from the different places you visit.  Not a usual activity on your Must See or To Do list while visiting some place new!

What are some off-the-wall things you notice or collect while traveling?

For other unique travel journals check out Real Simple’s list.

Image from anthropologie.com

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