The Lost Art of Map Reading

Anna Soldenhoff
3 min readJul 15, 2023
Photo by Daniel Gonzalez on Unsplash

Once upon a time, before smartphones and GPS, there was a magical skill known as map reading. But in our modern era of digital navigation, this once-prized ability has become a relic of the past. But just for today — let the maps unfold, the streets twist and turn, and the laughter fill the air as you navigate through the urban maze. Remember, it’s not about the destination; it’s about the hilariously memorable journey.

Unfolding the Puzzle: As you stand in the bustling streets of a foreign city, you pull out your trusty paper map with a sense of determination. However, as you unfold it, it seems to expand like a never-ending accordion. Suddenly, you find yourself wrestling with the unwieldy map, causing a scene that could rival any slapstick comedy. Remember, folks, map folding skills are a prerequisite for the lost art of map reading!

The Perplexed Tourist Stance: Armed with your map, you adopt the classic tourist pose — head tilted, map held at arm’s length, and a bewildered expression on your face. You’re like a statue frozen in the eternal quest for directions. The locals pass by, offering sympathetic smiles or stifled giggles as they recognize the universal symbol of cluelessness. Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the art of looking completely lost.

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Anna Soldenhoff

I enjoy getting lost in a good book, spend time with my cats, admire the beauty of the natural world, and appreciate the creativity of the art world.