I recently read the article, The Art of Being a Flâneur, describing a way of traveling through leisurely strolls, wandering aimlessly, or serving as a “passionate spectator.” It prompted me to reflect on my own past travel experiences and travel style.
If it’s a city I’ve never been to, I often like to fill my itinerary with all the must-sees, landmarks, and coveted food spots. I enjoy building google maps and pinning all the possible spots I would be interested in. I also like to prioritize certain museums and restaurants and research whether I need to make reservations or bookings ahead of time. This gives me a peace of mind and helps nourish my sense of FOMO. Like planning a yoga sequence, I have my peak events as my must sees/must dos/must eats.
However, in my past travel experiences, the moments or gaps whether intended or unintended where I allow serendipity to come into play, tends to be the most memorable moments. When I got sick in Lhasa, the group continued on after assuring me that I was well taken care of at the local hospital. They later picked me up but extended my stay in Lhasa for a few more days so that I could rest and take it easy with my high altitude sickness. (I literally turned blue due to low oxygen levels.) I spent 2 days slowly sauntering and wandering on my own through the marketplace and alleys. I encountered a local shopkeeper and we ended up chatting. She shared her lunch box with me. I ran into her again the next day and she asked her friends to take me around, giving me the opportunity to take a peek into the life of a local. I starkly remember how they made me feel and provided a sense of belonging.
I do leave room for the unexpected to happen and learn to be okay with it. I do think some of the Airbnb Experiences I’ve signed up for such as Luca and Lorenzo’s cooking class in the Chianti Hills can simulate a flâneur-like experience by setting aside a block of time and allow the hosts to guide you through a curated, magical experience. The serendipitous part is the other folks you meet in the group. I traveled alone in Florence and ended up befriending a few others and wandered together through the streets of Florence for the rest of the day until the sun set.
I haven’t planned a trip that is 100% flâneur-style, but I do appreciate the moments when I incorporate chunks of time allocated to wandering. It may be hit or miss but you allow for a serendipitous encounter or land yourself in front of a secluded izakaya in Kyoto and that became the food highlight of my trip. It brings joy to pause, take it wabi-sabi, and notice the minute, intricate elements of your surroundings and indulge in all of your senses feeling alive and grateful to be here.
Travelogue 