A few days ago, Chet and I drove over to Florida International University to catch some Pokemon. The campus is HUGE, and lucky for us, full to bursting with little poke-critters just looking to be nabbed. Although everyone and their mother has hopped on the Pokemon GO trend, I thought I’d offer my two cents. This app acts as a remarkable catalyst for adventure (urban OR natural), conversation,  and healthy habits.

It struck me, as we walked around FIU for hours in the mid-day sun, how encouraging it was to see so many families with young children out looking for Pokemon amidst the engineering buildings and law libraries. Maybe, like us, these families had some connection to the university. But maybe not. Maybe they live nearby and noticed the plethora of poke-dex filling creatures up for grabs. Maybe their kids have never stepped foot on a university campus before. Perhaps, their surroundings will ignite something in their trajectory and years later they’ll return as a student. Who knows!

The same can be said for all the parks and businesses and churches and organizations that are no doubt being newly discovered. You can’t come back to a place you never knew existed. (Case in point – There’s a sushi place near us with a Pokemon gym and HI< HELLO they have the best bento box lunch specials so yep, see ya soon.)

Anyways…If a free app can incite curiosity and new experiences then of course I’m all for it. If a feature on your phone motivates  you to have real life conversations then what a change of pace. If playing a video game gets you to go outside and explore your environment then play on!

This is all to say, if you’re looking for a super budget-friendly afternoon date or family outing, I highly recommend heading out on a hunt.

Have you been playing Pokemon GO? Discovered any new-to-you places along the way? Let me know!

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