Explore local cemeteries

Wherever I go in the world I usually find myself on a leisurely walk that leads to an old (or not so old) cemetery. Although they vary greatly, they are often shaded and quiet with no other visitors around. Taking a break in a cemetery can offer a much needed chance for some peace and quiet in the midst of a bustling city.

If you don't stumble upon them yourself, you can also go to a visitors center and ask if they have a map listing local cemeteries and information regarding their history.

Take paper and charcoal or crayons along for gravestone rubbing. Cemeteries are also a very intriguing place for photographs.

Walk around and read the names of those no longer living. If a particular headstone sparks your curiosity, write down names and dates and take them to the local library and look up articles in archived newspapers. Think of what the place was like and how much the world has changed.

Sit in the shade of a tree and meditate on the impermanence of everything. As Chuck Palahnuik said, "You must realize that someday you will die. Until then you are worthless."