I have always considered myself to be quite good at geography both domestically and internationally. I recently learned that I am not as sharp as I thought I was.
For Chanukah we purchased a jigsaw puzzle of the world. It is 600 pieces that are cut in the shape of the country or location that they represent. The only way to complete the puzzle is to place each piece in it’s proper location.
For example Ecuador is bordered by Columbia and Peru etc. I figured that this would be relatively easy. Well it was, but not quite as easy as I had imagined it to be. What I learned is that I know the geographical areas well, but the specific locations were more challenging.
Not to mention that within the last decade or so there are “new” countries that came out of the breakup of the USSR and the many changes within Africa.
Now that I have the puzzle this “problem” will be solved and I will be able to place the countries in their exact location. But it was a little humbling to realize just how far short I fell of the mark.
oops, that was me.
That is why I am preparing now to avoid that little pitfall.
Try matching wits with a 6 year old.
Sounds easy right?
Well, give him a leap frog globe. The one that talks.
He can name all the states capitals in state alphabetical order.
Take an easy challenge from him like name the 7 “stan” countries. Pakistan etc. Or the capital of Brazil? Or which countries have a different capital and seat of government? Do it in front of your friends and have him never be wrong and you looing like a fool.
Been there done that. I thought I knew geography too.
Take Care
Michael