With a new year come hopes and resolutions, but let’s not just think about how healthy our diet is or how much sport we do. Let’s think about the past, the future and the world around us. Here are some things we should all do in 2017:
1. Visit the new UK City of Culture (Hull!)
For many, the first thing that springs to mind about Hull is most likely the rhyming word beginning with ‘d’. However the city in East Yorkshire is soon to come ‘out of the shadows’ according to the chair of the City of Culture advisory panel: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/nov/20/hull-chosen-city-of-culture-2017.
Why is Hull worth a visit? Opening the year with art installations and light projections, the city is to present the recently refurbished Ferens art gallery and New Theatre, as well as hosting the renowned Turner Prize. Other popular attractions include the Maritime Museum and aquarium “The Deep”.
As the BBC rightly points out, sceptics should check out Hull’s unofficial walk of fame at Trinity Market, where over 180 photo frames exhibit the city’s success stories – from the anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce to David Bowie’s guitarist Mick Ronson. For more information visit Hull’s City of Culture website https://www.hull2017.co.uk/ and read the BBC analysis http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-38358407.
2. Make the most of still being in the EU
Given the impending Brexit, it really is time to make the most of our ability to travel, live and work throughout the EU without bureaucratic restrictions. If the plans for a US-style visa waiver scheme go ahead, Brits may be required to apply online and pay to travel to the Schengen area. So let’s make the most of being in the EU while we can.
Why not visit the European Capitals of Culture? For 2017 these are Aarhus (Denmark) and Paphos (Cyprus). Among other attractions, Aarhaus has the Moesgaard Museum with artefacts from the Bronze, Iron and Viking Age. Meanwhile, as a UNESCO heritage site, Paphos boasts archaeological ruins, stunning beaches and fine mosaics.
Both cities are worth a visit for different reasons – the beauty of the European Capital of Culture is that it showcases the diversity of the continent. Alongside Stavanger in Norway, Liverpool was chosen in 2008 and benefited from a significant boost in tourism. Will it be possible for a UK city to be designated the coveted title following Brexit? Only time will tell…
3. Watch movies nominated for the European Film Award for Best Film
On the topic of Europe, the continent produces some fantastic films for which many of us Brits do not seem to show much interest – whether it be due to “annoying” dubbing or the plethora of “better” English language movies on the market. Taking a look at the films nominated for the European Film Award, however, opens your eyes to the quality and quantity of non-Anglophone productions available.
2016’s winner is definitely worth watching – the German-Austrian comedy drama “Toni Erdmann” tells the story of a father who attempts to lighten up his daughter, a hard-working businesswoman, by posing as her CEO’s life coach. On the other end of the spectrum is the 2008 nominee “El Orfanato” (2007), a Spanish horror film about a woman who returns to the orphanage in which she grew up.
Just these two examples demonstrate that the films nominated and designated the title extend across a range of genres and cultures, which is what makes the award so fascinating. Head to Wikipedia to see the list of previous nominees and winners: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Film_Award_for_Best_Film
NB – Obvious contenders like “The King’s Speech” aside, you may be surprised to know that previous UK nominees include the timeless favourites “Chicken Run” (2000) and “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001).
4. Switch off your phone and read more
Next time you take public transport, take a look around you and count how many people you see with a phone or some other device in their hand. Too often I’ll realise I’m the only one holding a book – and by that I mean a printed book, not a Kindle or whatever brand it may be.
We all know about how being constantly on our phones is supposedly destroying the art of conversation and preventing us from sleeping properly. So let’s heed the advice in 2017. Let’s put down our phones and pick up a book.
2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book – what better time to rekindle (pun not intended) the childhood love for reading and sense of imagination that many of us shared thanks to JK Rowling? Today’s Netflix and social media lifestyle just isn’t the same.
5. Get into writing letters again
Speaking of returning to tradition, writing letters is something we could all make the effort to do. Most of us probably don’t look forward to getting post any more as we only really receive bills, bank statements and the occasional card.
It would be lovely if we could actually put pen to paper and send a letter to someone – it is much more thoughtful than quickly tapping away a Facebook message. Facebook is making our relationships superficial – let’s not let Zuckerberg win.
2017 will see the opening of The Postal Museum in London where visitors can access, for example, collections of commemorative stamps and telegrams from the sinking Titanic. The Royal Mail was founded in 1516 – let’s continue to celebrate and use it 501 years later.
6. Learn a language
Communication is a vital part of our everyday lives. Why not learn how to communicate in a new language? The earlier you start, the easier it seems to be – studies have shown that our capacity to acquire another tongue diminishes with age:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/the-best-age-to-learn-a-second-language-a6860886.html. Research has also suggested that learning a foreign language can help maintain the brain healthy for longer and reduce early onset of dementia: http://news.psu.edu/story/334349/2014/11/12/research/learning-languages-workout-brains-both-young-and-old
In Britain, where many people consider English to be the “global” and most “important” language, it is not surprising that there exists a rather insular mentality (see referendum result). Language learning in schools is declining and needs to be promoted if we are to foster open-minded, outward-looking citizens who can access foreign cultures in ways other than downing pints in a bar in Barcelona.
So if you don’t already speak another language, take the initiative and get learning – apps such as Duolingo are a good start. Then perhaps you’ll take even more interest in watching some of the European films mentioned above.
7. Do something that scares you
If learning another language doesn’t make you quake in your boots, find something that will in 2017. A quick Google search of “do something that scares you” renders sites such as nerdfitness.com and dosomethingcool.net, of which the reliability is somewhat questionable.
However it is generally agreed without the need for scientific proof that doing something you’re scared of is a challenge that will give you an adrenaline rush and a sense of satisfaction on success. How could you push yourself outside of your comfort zone?
For some it involves something with a frightening thrill like skydiving. For others it may be the case of overcoming a phobia such as that of spiders. Or perhaps it could just be something as simple as approaching people you don’t know and starting a conversation. Whatever you choose to do, good luck.
8. Reflect on life in 2007
For all we may think about our future plans, we should also look back to life in 2007 and reflect on how things have changed. Here are some notable events from a decade ago:
- Gordon Brown from the Labour Party was elected as PM
- Smoking was still allowed in England until it was banned on 1 July in all public places
- The publication of the final Harry Potter book marked the end of an era for fans
- The release of the first iPhone set off the smartphone trend
- Number 1 singles included – X Factor winner Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love”, the reunited Take That’s “Shine”, “Walk This Way” by the Sugababes and Girls Aloud, and Rihanna’s classic “Umbrella” which topped the charts for 10 consecutive weeks
9. Plant a Tree
A new year inevitably involves reflecting about the future – but let’s think about that of the rest of the world too and not just our own. Despite what Trump may say, global warming is happening and it is up to us as a society to decelerate it.
A way to contribute is by planting your own tree, which helps not only to combat climate change but also to conserve wildlife and the natural beauty of the landscape. The Woodland Trust offers a fantastic scheme which provides free tree packs for groups (communities and schools) or tailored packs for private land owners.
Here is a link to the website: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/. Get planting!
10. Write your own bucket list for the year!
Now it’s your turn. If you’re stuck, this website provides hundreds of ideas divided into different categories and listed according to popularity: https://bucketlist.org/featured/.
So write down some goals for 2017 and feel the sense of pride and achievement as you gradually tick them off your list. Enjoy!