One of the things I love about a city the size of New York, especially when you're still relatively new to it, is that it is easy to get lost. And in New York that is an inevitability where the subway is unavoidable and, like me, you tend to be a little absent minded.

Stepping off the subway a block from where I normaly do this morning I started walking in the wrong direction. It wasn't until I got to the end of the block that I realized my mistake. But what a happy mistake it was. In my little detour I discovered the Chocolate Bar cafe and an organic burger joint as well as a few interesting clothing boutiques. These are all spots I'll go back to but may never have discovered if I hadn't taken a wrong turn this morning.

So when you're stuck in a rut, my advice to you - get lost. Go somewhere unfamiliar. Explore. Of course it's easier to do in a city like New York but it is possible in cities of any size. Doesn't even have to be a city. When living in Vancouver I would routinely drive in random directions looking for new spots to photograph, swim, or hike.

PS, If you want to create your own walking map, head over to this site.