Do you remember your first grade school field trip?

[time2fly]

In times like this when I am preparing to follow through on my attempt, I find myself thinking about cherished memories. One that always stands out to me is my first few field trips as a very young kid in grade school. Back before we had any perception of the real world or how horrible it could be. Back when we were young enough to not even have a conception of evil or hate. Back when everything was so innocent and every new thing we saw, learned, tasted, felt, smelled, or heard was like winning the lottery. The one that sticks with me the most was when my 4rd grade class went to our local zoo for the day. It was such an amazing experience. It felt like it was the first time I really saw nature and the world. The elephants, the tigers, the birds, the snakes, all of it. Just peacefully (at least what I thought was peacefully) living in these enclosures. However now that I am getting older I am starting to feel like those animals in the zoo. Trapped, enclosed, malnourished, and forced to sit there while these happy youngins' walk by looking at me all day. They don't know why I'm the way I am, they don't comprehend the fact that I am trapped. They're just like I was, looking at those animals all those years ago. It is a depressing and relieving realization to come to. Although the world has trapped me in this "enclosure" and forced me to suffer, there are still young and bright new minds moving around completely unaware of the realities of this world. It saddens me because I was once that naive young kid who thought everything was positive. Anyways..... just ranting now...... anyone else have any fun field trip stories that they think of in times like this?

 

[Forever Sleep]

That's a very good simile of those animals in cages and us. I've thought the same thing myself- like how 'free' are we really? We're all slaves to money. I guess you could go 'off grid' but that wouldn't likely be an easier life.

I also look at children and wonder/worry if they will end up like this. What lies ahead for them? Being a pessimist, I can't help but feel sorry for them.

As for the school trip memories, the time period of ages 10-18 for me were the very worst of my life! I mostly hold bad memories of school and school trips. (Bad experiences with a likely narcissistic step sibling.)

Still- I do understand your sentiment. Prior to that, I do have some lovely carefree and loving memories of spending holidays with my Nana. She made everything special.

 

[LaVieEnRose]

This is kind of off-topic but if it's any consolation the vast majority of zoo animals wouldn't have a conception of being "trapped" and therefore wouldn't suffer from it. That's a human thing.

But a zoo trip came to mind when I saw your thread title. I don't like to reminiscence about bring a child though too much; it can be very painful.

 

[Fadeawaaaay]

Was always lonely and anxious

 

[locked*n*loaded]

I remember going to the art museum in my city. Always liked the mummies. Not sure what grade I was in when I first went, though. Also, remember going to the local library and being told to "shhhhh" by the librarians. Now, when at the library, there is no more of the "shhhh" from the librarians to rambunctious kids, they pretty much just get to do whatever they want to do. Times sure have changed. I think there was a zoo trip a couple times, too.

 

[ksp]

yes, the melancholy of lost innocence; sometimes it can be very depressing - i have to distract my thoughts, to get away from the times that will never come back…