I love experiencing new cultures, new environments, etc. I really enjoy the challenge of figuring out different cities. For example, when the wife and I went to London two years ago, I did a ton of research for the weeks leading up to the trip, so that by the time we got there, we were ready to roll. I don’t think we felt lost or flustered at all that first week because I had done my research.
Even though we don’t travel a lot, I sorta wish we did. But on the other hand, I don’t like the idea of just being a tourist. The part of going to a new place that I enjoy the most is figuring things out; in other words, becoming a local. Tourists don’t have to figure things out. They can grab a few books that have lists of “top attractions”, go see the ones that look interesting, walk or take cabs everywhere and eat at restaurants. Tourists don’t have to find an apartment, figure out the quickest way to get from point A to point B using the subway, where the grocery stores are, what mobile phone system the country uses, etc.
When I think about going to another city, I don’t want to just “see the sights”. I want to become a local. So I’ll have to be patient with my wanderlust and hope that I have the opportunity to become a local in many more cities.
Comments 1
best thing to do in a foreign city is to go food shopping @ grocery & mingling with the locals, whether they like it or not.
one random feedback: people always say the french are such snobs and hate americans. well, if you don’t start loudly yelling in english “CAN YOU PLEASE BRING ME ORANGE JUICE” or whatever, you should be okay. i’ve never had any problems with locals, whether taking an 8 person bus in a diesel-fumed haze in mexico city or watching a movie in theater in paris. you try your hardest to fit in and they will accept you.
Posted 11 Feb 2008 at 10:58 pm ¶Post a Comment