Curious Walks (in Pasadena, CA)
About the event
Please join us for a beautiful 5-mile walk aimed at cultivating deep, thoughtful, and interesting conversations! Ultimately, we hope to spark connection, learning, friendship, and community — all while getting exercise in the great outdoors and being curious!
*This walk is being guest-hosted by Kai and Story -- HUGE thanks to both for taking the lead!!!*
How does this work? The concept is simple! *Before the event, come up with a thought-provoking, weighty question or idea that you’ve been thinking about or would like to explore.* *You need this for the event!* When we gather, we’ll all briefly introduce ourselves and share our question or idea. Then we’ll start walking and use those questions or ideas as launching pads for conversation. The intention is to leapfrog over small-talk and get into meaningful discussion. During the walk, please move fluidly among different walkers if you’d like to!
About those questions or ideas,... don’t sweat them too much. Anything thoughtful or thought-provoking will do. Have fun with it! Here are some examples: “How would you want to be remembered after you’re gone, and why?” “I’ve been thinking about the concept of time, how it’s experienced, what speeds it up or slows it down, and I’d like to explore that today.” “Can we ever really know who we are when we’re never fully unbiased in thinking about ourselves?” “What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done, and how did it affect you?”
The route runs through gorgeous neighborhoods around the Caltech campus, particularly to its south and east, as well as through the lovely campus itself. Portions of the route are shaded by mature trees.
Is this event right for you? We are walking 5 miles on mainly flat terrain at a moderate (\~20 minutes/mile) or moderate-plus pace. This should allow for conversation while getting in some nice exercise. Please ascertain that this distance and pace is comfortable for you, as there is no “sweep.” The organizer is an unpaid community volunteer who wants everyone to have fun and stay safe, but you are fully responsible for your own safety throughout the event. At the start of your first walk, you'll need to sign a liability waiver that covers all Curious Walks you attend. You’re encouraged to read it ahead of time [HERE](https://docs.google.com/document/d/15Z1b0RGj7_Ol8Jdu8jbr46SI68bJLeGl_fiVz7v08oA/edit?usp=sharing).
How to Find Us/Location & Parking Curious Walks start and end at Tournament Park, Pasadena, CA. NOTE: Do not rely own your car/phone navigation! Although the Park address is 1200 E. California Blvd., it is not on that street and is accessed via Wilson Ave. To find the Park entrance starting from California Blvd, turn south on Wilson Ave. Proceed \~1 block until Cornell Road is on your right (do *not* turn onto Cornell). Look left, and you will see two signs for Tournament Park and its driveway entrance. The Park is at the end of the long driveway/parking lot. You may park at any of the spaces, even if they're marked for Caltech permits; all are free to the public during weekends. We will meet at a picnic table near the bathrooms.
More Info Walks will be on Saturday mornings (though possibly on an occasional Sunday instead). Please bring whatever you need for a 5-mile walk, which likely would include water, comfy shoes, and sunscreen. After the walk, most of us head to a nearby spot to have a drink, relax, and continue the conversation -- join us if you can! The venue only accepts credit cards. We look forward to walking and deep-diving with you!
