Book review 'Where is the adventure?

Brigitte Ars spent years exploring remote areas in Africa and Asia as a journalist. Breda was not always her permanent home as she also lived for a time in the United States and Malaysia. She wrote for de Volkskrant and Trouw, made radio reports and wrote the book 'How to wrap a sari'. In short, a busy bee. But that's not all! Brigitte enjoys working as a lecturer and researcher at the Tourism Management department of Breda University of Applied Sciences, runs the platform Alice Goes Wild, the Adventure Academy and the Adventurous Living podcast. So we can now call Brigitte a true adventure expert.

For Brigitte Ars, her adventurous journey started with an inner quest. She was stuck in the daily rhythm of her career, family life and responsibilities. Adventure was like a rare treasure buried deep under the ground of obligations and routine. She wondered where the adventure had disappeared and what it actually meant. Her personal experience led to the writing of 'Where is the adventure?', a book that encompasses not only her own quest for adventure, but also the stories of many who share the same longing.

Adventure, as Brigitte sees it, is not just about discovering exotic places or braving dangerous situations. It is about embracing challenges and leaving one's comfort zone. It means growing, learning and enriching yourself even in everyday life. The intriguing aspect of adventure lies in the ability to expand your horizons and become aware of new possibilities, even in familiar environments.

One of Brigitte Ars' key messages is that adventure does not have to be far away. It can start with small steps, close to home. It can be a night away, a walk in nature, or even a spontaneous bike ride to a neighbouring city. It's all about that first step outside the familiar comfort zone. Brigitte has often seen and heard of people who started with small adventures and end up having a much more adventurous life.

During her search for the true meaning of adventure, Brigitte Ars talked to psychologists, philosophers and scientists. The most inspiring insight came from Eric Brymer, who stressed that adventure brings us back to our humanity. It makes us feel that we are truly alive, especially when we let go of control and embrace uncertainty. This thought greatly impressed Brigitte and became a key to her adventure exploration.

For Brigitte Ars, home is the base camp from which she starts her adventures. It is where she recovers, creates and finds the value of routine, sociability and love. Her quest for adventure has helped her recognise the beauty of home, something she used to take for granted. Home is not only a physical location, but also an inner state of comfort and connection.

One of Brigitte Ars' most practical lessons is how adventure can be integrated into our daily lives. She encourages planning adventure, even if at first glance it seems contradictory to spontaneity. It can be as simple as setting aside a few days for activities you have never tried before. The important thing is to leave room for the unexpected and give adventure a place in your schedule.

Brigitte Ars continues to actively seek adventure in her life. She has participated in adventure conferences, plans new trips and has now founded a Micro-adventure Adademy. Her life is steeped in adventure, from wild camping in Exmoor as she also so beautifully describes in her book to exploring faraway lands. However, her favourite micro-adventures are close to home. For instance, she likes hiking the Dutch Mountain Trail in South Limburg, going on an adventure just across the border in Hoge Kempen National Park or exploring Dutch waters in a kayak.