Being a Tourist

 Originally published on Wordpress 08.19.2019

I used to hate the notion of being a tourist.  I assumed tourists were obnoxious. They were outsiders and intruders.  When traveling, I would do everything possible to disguise myself.  I wanted to blend in and act as if I lived in this place too. Now I don't think quite like that.  Yes, tourists can be obnoxious and they certainly are outsiders but do they need to also be intruders? I think not. So how do I behave as a tourist? 

Let me tell you about that.   

First, I have embraced my self consciousness. I no longer hide my camera, pretending not to be captured by what must be everyday scenery for the locals.  I am now upfront about my appreciation of the place they call home.  Additionally, I no longer look at maps surreptitiously as if to be caught looking at a map proclaims to all the locals how stupid I am.  In fact, I open that map often and eagerly, working hard to get a sense of this place I am visiting. What I repeatedly find to be true is that many people are happy to help me find my way. Whether they volunteer their help or whether I stop a stranger to ask for directions, the result is frequently the same. Invariably the stranger is glad to help me out (just as I am always glad to give directions to strangers in my town).  Now I open the map anytime, anywhere and let my self consciousness fall on the ground. It's better that way.

 

I used to feel as if being a tourist meant following the crowd.  Now I would say that it means being the crowd. Being a tourist means you are, usually along with other people, experiencing some unfamiliar part of the world.  I can embrace that now.  I've always recognized the wide variety of languages and part of being a tourist is making room for all languages and cultures to marvel at this place.  We can all stand at the edge of theGrand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone, for example,  and be awed by the colors, no matter what language we speak.  Our eyes and mouths can smile at each other as we take in the view and it becomes a moment of shared humanity.  On my recent trip to Wyoming,  I enjoyed playing photographer for lots of families or couples, taking photos of whole groups so that they could have a photo of all of their group in front of whatever attraction we were all enjoying.   No matter what language barriers there might have been people seem to understand the language of photographer/subject. And they value the gesture.  In the same way, I have become someone who chats it up with both locals and other tourists.  I like asking people, "Where are you from?" and I like asking locals to tell me their favorite whatevers in their town.  I enjoy hearing from the locals and I want them to know how much I admire their community.  Sure, I'm an outsider but at least I am a friendly and appreciative outsider.

When you're being a tourist, you might find yourself in a place that is saturated with tourists.  You have to know it will be congested and you have to be patient. You have to wait your turn.  One thing I noticed on my recent travels was that it helps to be hyper aware of the space around you.  Notice if you are hogging the view.  Notice if others are trying to take photos and stay out of their way.  If you know you're going to have trouble with the crowds, then go first thing in the morning or not at all.  Don't take your impatience out on your traveling companion or the other tourists who happen to be there at the same time.  If you see someone doing something stupid (riding motorcycles without helmets, for example) keep your sarcastic comments to yourself, unless someone is in immediate danger.  You don't get to judge other people.  Not out loud anyway.

One word about clothing: comfortable. Yes, it's fun to dress cutely or with some style but dressing comfortably will make all the difference in your day.  No, those athletic shoes are not cute and, yes, I am wearing them with jeans and they look dorky but my feet are happy.  That means, in the long run, so is the rest of me.  Unfortunately it is sometimes hard to predict the weather.  Know that you might end up being too warm or too cold and do that layer thing so that you add or peel off extra clothing.  Yes, that means that you might end up shoving a shirt into your backpack or tying that hoodie around your waist (talk about dorky looking!) but give comfort the best seat in the house.  You won't regret it.

I am excited to be a tourist these days.  I like getting out of my daily routines and discovering new places and people.  I go with a curious mind, an open heart, and more patience than I have ever known. Sometimes being a tourist is annoying and uncomfortable. But I believe it's worth it.  I come back home with a whole collection of impressions and memories. I  come back having connected with fellow humans who are experiencing the universe at the same time that I am. Yes, I frequently get overwhelmed when making travel plans and, yes,  I can get anxious when the travel day arrives. Once I have set out on the trip, however, I am okay.  When I return home I have had a chance to see my life from a distance. I've had a chance to experience someplace other than home. and broadened my own awareness of the world.  Does it get any better than that?