I think living in a different country is a good one. It doesn’t have to be that long, just long enough to see what it is like to be part of a different society with different values and habits.
I my case it made me appreciate the country I’m from a lot more, as I took a lot of things for granted while living there.
Somewhat similar: traveling to a county solo where you don’t speak the language. It’s simultaneously humbling and confidence building to have to figure out how to get around a place where you have to rely on kind strangers being patient with your lack of language skills.
Getting away into nature far enough that you can’t hear or see anything man-made (except maybe a path for you to follow).
On a day when there’s no wind it’s comforting to have no noise at all apart from little birds and insects, but the first time it can be a little unsettling when you realise how rare it is to experience that.
I second this, and also (for those living in urban areas) recommend spending the night outside somewhere with no light pollution. Going out on clear, moonless nights and looking at the stars was a formative experience for me as a child. I’m continually sad that it takes more time and effort as I age to find places to do this and the time/money to get to them.
Yeah there are a bunch of areas in my country with minimal/no light pollution, being able to see the entire milky way (and the occasional southern lights) is bloody magical!
Traditional balsamic vinegar. Instead of the stuff at the store that’s mostly vinegar with some grape must, traditional balsamic is 100% aged grape must. It tastes nothing like vinegar based balsamic. It’s amazing on vanilla ice cream, greens, steak, etc. It’s expensive though. The DOP certified stuff from Italy is $100-$150 dollars in the US (€60 in Europe). There are some great options in the US too though that are more reasonable. But make sure it’s 100% grape must aged for at least a decade.
The series I watched about it on YT: https://youtu.be/RjiTpfcJEdI
I think it’s important to try new food at least once.
Never tried a gyro? Go take a bite
Never tried curry? Put a fork in there
Never tried pho? Oh man lawd, get some
Opening ones palate is so important. Beyond just taste, culturally, I think it’s important. And fun. And tasty.
I don’t think there’s anything on the planet that is “for everyone”. At my age there are a million things that people insisted that I would love, that turned out to be anything between mediocre to downright nightmarish. And it’s not because I am some kind of downer who doesn’t enjoy life.
I’ve done lots of things that were lifechanging for me that I absolutely do not recommend for everyone. Some of those things include: moving to another continent for life, psychedelic drugs, having children, recording an album (unreleased, will never be released), ownership of various pets. None of these things are for everyone, and I wouldn’t push anyone who was reluctant to try it “just once”.
Last year I went bungee jumping for my birthday, and it was one of the most unique experiences of my life.
I’ve been skydiving before, but I don’t think my caveman hind brain was able to comprehend the danger. Jumping off a bridge however was at a recognizable height, so the moment I leapt, that part of my brain screamed “OH GOD WE’RE DEAD!”
I chalked it up to first time nerves, but with the second jump, same mental scream. Never felt anything like it in my life, and will probably never do it again, but I’m sure glad I tried it.
Thank you for explaining, I’ve always wondered what the allure of bungee jumping is!
I love that the sales pitch of bungee jumping is “you’ll think you’re going to die…. But you won’t”
Watching the sunset at the sea. No matter how many times you see it, it’s always beautiful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ7pHfLSB9I
British show Taskmaster. This clip contains part where Alex sits on cake and then say that everyone needs to try it once.
