On Maps

I believe that the best way to explore a foreign city is without a map.

As long as you have a good memory and follow the general flow of people (something easier done in a European city than an American one purely because of the volume of pedestrians), you will find all of the major sites. Do not carry a map with you. Period. Taking a glance at a street map after exploring a bit is allowed because you then associate what it shows with what you've seen, and this helps you to memorize and understand where you are going.

Being mapless helps you avoid appearing to be a tourist. You are not constantly glancing down, so you enjoy the sites. Likewise you are not searching for street signs nonstop, and you do not have to stop to check where you are going.

I have one of the worst senses of direction, but I know Berlin and I nearly know Prague. I say nearly because yesterday Emily began the part of our European journey that we are taking together. She absolutely loves and depends on maps. We were supposed to go to a concert at the National Museum in Prague at 7. Naturally, we split up to see who would get there first. I never made it. I'll save where I ended up for another entry.

I still contend that the best way to get around is without a map. I blame the experience on our earlier dependence on maps.