My interest in geology probably started as a kid around the time my school made a field trip to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History sometime in the mid 70s. I remember being fascinated by all of the crystals that were on display. Until that point, I never realized rocks could be so interesting.
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/specialevents/gems.html
Another event that also increased my interest in geology was a side trip Luray Caverns (around the same year) my family made while on the way to visit the grandparents. I'd seen caves on TV before, but never in person. My mind was blown by how big the "rooms" were. I remember being upset that we had to stay on the marked path and that we not not allowed to go off exploring on our own.
WOW! :)
I understand that you got upset for not being able to explore on your own in those caves..
That look amazing!
When i lived in Oslo, i used to stay up extra early every day, so that i could make a breakfast i could take with me and eat in the park of the national natural museum there before i went to work.
That always lifted my spirit before i had to go to a boring job.. :)
And since i did this for almost 3 years, i got to know most of those who worked there too, and some of them often shared my breakfast, and they all worked there because they had a passion for what they did.
Even the caretaker there had this job because he was deeply interested in the things in all of the different museums they have there. :)