When we started creating Gowalla late in 2009 we had some grandiose ideas of places we wanted people to check in. Of course, most of us are regularly checking in at our neighborhood coffeehouse or local eateries of note. And while I love learning about new places around me—places that my friends and community find interesting—I get pumped when I see people check in at locations beyond the scope of every day life.

This is what Gowalla is all about.

In the last week we’ve seen Court Simas and Jason Jones Gowalla the top of Pikes Peak. Our friend Beth Hayes created a spot at the Prime Meridian. And just today Shawn McClung added the Eiffel Tower to our quickly growing list of high-level locations.

Including myself, four people have even checked in at the Great Wall outside of Beijing.

My selfish goal for Gowalla is to see people go places they otherwise would never have ventured to go. Whether its a unique toy store down the street or one of the best beer and pizza joints in NorCal, I want you to get out there and Gowalla.