Much of our focus in family travel preparation comes from the perspective of a novice. Art novice, history novice, food and language novice, etc. That’s because that what we consider ourselves and who much of the people we connect with about family travel and learning. Sometimes, however, we like to encourage deeper dives into topics that are of interest. Dan’s interest in Michelangelo resulted in reading reading historical novels (The Agony and the Ecstacy) and a side obsession with Albrecht Dürer which is now shared by our 5 year old son.
All experts were once novices. And there is no race when it comes to learning and understanding but in our experience the more you and your family follow your interests the more enjoyable you learning and traveling experiences become.
In our last post we shared some opportunities for gamers to learn about Ancient Greece, hopefully in anticipation of future travel to those very sites. There seems to be a disproportionate interest in the topic from adolescent boys and men. More specifically, they have a strong interest in the military and the stories surrounding famous battles. (Dan is no exception to this though Betsy loved Thermopylae and found Olympia fascinating as well.)
One could check out all the related books at the library (almost always our first recommendation) or watch documentaries and other videos on YouTube, or take advantage of the many great podcasts that discuss the topics.
Consider the following in regards to podcasts:
- FREE
- often include prominent experts and authors in the field
- great resource for book and article search
- listen on morning commute, walking the dog, doing household chores, or family roadtrips
- often only 20-45 minute “single-sitting” doses
For example, the Art of Manliness podcast (ignore the cheeky title, it’s actually full of very interesting content on many subjects) had the author of a book that Dan considers “entrapment” due to it’s awesome title and cover image:
Soldiers and Ghosts: A History of Battle in Classical Antiquity by J. E. Lendon.
The interview discusses many aspect of Greek battles from strategy to tactics to weapons to culture. All very interesting and in no way spoils anything one might read in the book. The book itself (Dan will review it here some day) is very accessible, written for a broad audience, but is still detailed enough to really bring alive artifacts and stories from several Greek destinations (Athens, Delphi, Olympia, etc.).
A follow-up interview with the author might be an smart way to approach philosophy with older kids interested in the subject. What is bravery? What qualities should a man (or woman!) have….according to the Romans, the Greeks, to whoever and wherever you and your family are today. Connections can go toward gladiatorial combat to paintings and poetry. In the USA it might even be a useful discussion before or after reading the The Odyssey to identify any themes or messages otherwise missed.
Family discussion topic: What “virtues” do the kids think they do and should have? What kind of person makes for a good friend? A mentor or teacher? A member of a community?
talk soon,
Dan & Betsy