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SOCIETY'S
GUIDE TO
GETTING
LOST
No. /200
FLANEUR
SOCIETY
X .
HOW DO
YOU GET
FROM
POINT A
TO B?
WHAT IF
THERE
WAS NO
POINT B?
THE
The Flaneur Society was
created to encourage and
inspire the idea of the flneur;
CIT Y IS
the urban explorer.
YOUR
Flaneur Society seeks out people who like to
explore the hidden crevices of cities. It is also
for those who might not naturally get off the
beaten path, but have an innate desire to do so.
Urban safari
Head to the bus stop nearest your house. Head in the direction that looks most
interesting to you.
Get on the next bus that arrives.
Turn into the next side street that you
Get off after 15 stops. come across and take a right when you
come out of it.
When you step off the bus, take a left.
Reorientate yourself and look for the
When you pass a person who looks inter- nearest hill. Head towards it.
esting to you, turn around immediately
and take the next left. Look for a place to take a break (bench,
park, grass). Sit there for at least ten
Find the nearest newspaper stand, local minutes and see what unfolds.
shop or caf.
EXPERT TIP
Stop and observe your surroundings.
If at any point in your journey these
guidelines are not useful, head towards
something that interests you. Remember,
the urban safari is more about the joy of
discovering the unexpected than following
a set of instructions.
OPTION 2
Point of interest
Head to a neighbourhood you are Try to find a cyclist. If cyclists are too
curious about. easy, look for a dog. Head in the same
direction, walk for another three blocks
As your starting point, pick a park or and then return to step four.
another spot that attracted you to that
specific neighbourhood. Follow these steps until youve seen
enough of this neighbourhood.
Once you've thoroughly explored this point
of interest, start walking. Once you've seen enough, get on a bus
heading somewhere unfamiliar. Go for a
Keep walking straight until you reach a red ride. Look out of the window instead of on
traffic light. Change the direction you're your phone. Get off again when some-
travelling in and walk towards the first thing catches your eye.
traffic light to turn green.
EXPERT TIP
Turn left at the end of that street and head
Leave your phone at home. If you really
towards the next junction. get lost and need assistance, just ask.
Someone will be able to help you find your
Once there, head in the direction that way and that interaction might just be the
looks most interesting to you. Take a right most memorable part of your journey.
after two blocks.
OPTION 3
The art of getting lost is a bit counter-intuitive. Here are some different approaches
In many ways we are suggesting retraining your to inspire you:
brain, which is generally used to having a point
B to rely on. Instead, we're asking you to try to Draw what you see
be OK with not having a point B. Even if you aren't very skilled at drawing, docu-
menting your experience in this way will be an
Admittedly, there is comfort in knowing where interesting reminder of what stood out to you.
you are going. But adventure awaits in opening
yourself up to something unexpected. Take a camera with you
This can help hone your ability to notice the
Above all, the most useful guidelines are: magic that can be easily overlooked when
moving too fast.
Take your time.
Breathe deeply
Embrace the journey. Take in the scents of the city. This is especially
interesting in the spring or after a heavy rainfall.
Say hello
Talk to the people you encounter on the way.
People have vast landscapes within themselves
waiting to be discovered.
Notes + observations
Notes + observations
Notes + observations
Notes + observations
We dive
and
reappear
in new
places.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
GO
GET
LOST
A COLLABORATION BETWEEN
FLANEUR
SOCIETY
X .