My husband spends too long at each tourist attraction
Sep 13th, 2010, 04:31 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband spends too long at each tourist attraction
I guess my husband and I are not travel compatible. I like travel but get so frustrated with him when we visit museums, historic and scenic sites. For example, he will go into a museum or an Art Gallery and insist that we spend basically the entire day there. After 3-4 hours I am getting bored and ready to move on to the next attraction but he is just getting started. By the 6th hour he is just getting started and I am frustrated. Finally we leave and I am so happy to get out of the place and he feels like he was being rushed!
So, when you travel does your spouse want to stay the same amount of time as you at various scenic, historical or cultural attractions? How can you compromise?
So, when you travel does your spouse want to stay the same amount of time as you at various scenic, historical or cultural attractions? How can you compromise?
Sep 13th, 2010, 04:43 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband is like yours, he has to read every label, see very exhibit, microscopically inspect every display.
Luckily he is not overly keen on most museums, or on cities, but he is a pain when we do visit one.
Usually I say when I have had enough, go and do my own thing and arrange to meet him somewhere later on.
Luckily he is not overly keen on most museums, or on cities, but he is a pain when we do visit one.
Usually I say when I have had enough, go and do my own thing and arrange to meet him somewhere later on.
Sep 13th, 2010, 04:59 AM
#5
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband is the photographer so I wander merrily ahead, find somewhere to sit and wait until he is satisfied he has enough shots. Sometimes I have to constantly look over my shoulder to check where he is - when he sees me do this he gives me a wave and I'm happy we haven't got seprated in the crowds. At least he keeps following me - he knows I know where we're going and where we are - he hasn't a clue!
Sep 13th, 2010, 05:04 AM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Usually we're on the same wavelength regarding the length of time to spend at one attraction. But, we're not joined at the hip so if one of us wants more time the other is happy to sit or wander in the museum/gallery cafe, shop or garden for an hour or so.
As we often travel as a family of 3 or 4 this goes for our teenage children too. We arrange meeting points/ times.
How about agreeing to meet for lunch in, or near an attraction at a set time then start the day together; separate when you're ready to move on, meet for lunch and even your husband is free to return to the 'attraction' while you see something else.
As we often travel as a family of 3 or 4 this goes for our teenage children too. We arrange meeting points/ times.
How about agreeing to meet for lunch in, or near an attraction at a set time then start the day together; separate when you're ready to move on, meet for lunch and even your husband is free to return to the 'attraction' while you see something else.
Sep 13th, 2010, 05:15 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband and I move pretty much at the same pace. But, in your situation, I'd plan to find a place nearby (another museum, shopping, lunch, even a cafe to sit and watch the world go by...) and agree on a time to meet later.
Sep 13th, 2010, 05:28 AM
#9
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My wife reads every description including how to use the fire extinguisher, she is also a watercolorist.
One time, in a larger museum, we walked into a spoon collection each with an individual notation and if a gun was available, I am not sure whether I would have been suicidal or homicidal.
We simply agree to meet elsewhere at an agreed upon time or I bring a book for my own amusement but with the agreement of a specificied and limited time.
One time, in a larger museum, we walked into a spoon collection each with an individual notation and if a gun was available, I am not sure whether I would have been suicidal or homicidal.
We simply agree to meet elsewhere at an agreed upon time or I bring a book for my own amusement but with the agreement of a specificied and limited time.
Sep 13th, 2010, 05:34 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Adu, LOL.
My DH spends more time on arms and armaments, and odd type gory minutiae: bog man, etc.
Me? I like furniture and costumes, best.
When we were in the Louvre in April, it was said, that it would take you 2 months to see everything there, spending around 10 seconds on each item.
My DH spends more time on arms and armaments, and odd type gory minutiae: bog man, etc.
Me? I like furniture and costumes, best.
When we were in the Louvre in April, it was said, that it would take you 2 months to see everything there, spending around 10 seconds on each item.
Sep 13th, 2010, 06:14 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From the OP again:
I mentioned to my husband that maybe we could meet at some public place at a certain time so we could each spend just as much time we need at a particular attraction. He said that was not practical because when he was satisfied that he had completed the tour of the museum or art gallery, I would likely be back at the hotel so it is like we are not even traveling together. He says an easier approach is for us to just not travel together, but then we can not go at all because I do not want to travel all the way to Italy alone.
I mentioned to my husband that maybe we could meet at some public place at a certain time so we could each spend just as much time we need at a particular attraction. He said that was not practical because when he was satisfied that he had completed the tour of the museum or art gallery, I would likely be back at the hotel so it is like we are not even traveling together. He says an easier approach is for us to just not travel together, but then we can not go at all because I do not want to travel all the way to Italy alone.
Sep 13th, 2010, 06:20 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmmm, it sounds like you need a sister or a good friend to go on holiday with, and let your husband do his own thing since he doesn't seem keen on compromise.
Alternatively you travel together but he does his thing and you do yours then you have something to talk about in the evenings.
Maybe you could take up photography or something to pursue while he visits his museums? Or find a cookery course or a language course?
I'm a photographer and often I'm out taking photos while he is in the museum, even though the light isn't always the best.
Alternatively you travel together but he does his thing and you do yours then you have something to talk about in the evenings.
Maybe you could take up photography or something to pursue while he visits his museums? Or find a cookery course or a language course?
I'm a photographer and often I'm out taking photos while he is in the museum, even though the light isn't always the best.
Sep 13th, 2010, 06:52 AM
#13
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hetismij - O the light, the light! I hear it all the time....either it's too sunny & bright or too dull/dark for a quick photo. Quick photo? What's that?
Your suggestion to WorldTraveler1024 is worth a try on her and hubby's part. Next trip why not try it for the odd day and spend other days getting irritated.LOL
Your suggestion to WorldTraveler1024 is worth a try on her and hubby's part. Next trip why not try it for the odd day and spend other days getting irritated.LOL
Sep 13th, 2010, 07:21 AM
#14
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband and I split up sometimes. I go shopping or take a tour, he hits the casino or the pub. After a big fight on our first trip to Europe, we figured out we don't need to be joined at the hip. We make sure to have a hotel in a central location, easy to drop back to.
So what if you're not side by side part or all of some days. You are traveling together. You are together for breakfast, dinner and the night. At dinner you can tell each other about what you did or saw during the day.
So what if you're not side by side part or all of some days. You are traveling together. You are together for breakfast, dinner and the night. At dinner you can tell each other about what you did or saw during the day.
Sep 13th, 2010, 07:25 AM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's funny to read about people's quirks.
I tend to need more time in the museums, but we're often on pace w/each other as we have similar interests. Like tod's husband, though, mine is a photography dawdler and a slower walker. We seem to trade turns being patient at sightseeing venues. With architecture, villages, shopping, etc. that hold more interest for me, his darn camera is actually quite an asset as it keeps him occupied taking his beloved clock, bench and door shots when he would otherwise be bored out of his mind.
For us, it's driving in unfamiliar territory and trying to follow a map that triggers marital tension; or trouble brews when my DH suddenly decides he doesn't want to go somewhere that has been on my itinerary and planned for months. Some rather serious "negotiations" often ensue.
I tend to need more time in the museums, but we're often on pace w/each other as we have similar interests. Like tod's husband, though, mine is a photography dawdler and a slower walker. We seem to trade turns being patient at sightseeing venues. With architecture, villages, shopping, etc. that hold more interest for me, his darn camera is actually quite an asset as it keeps him occupied taking his beloved clock, bench and door shots when he would otherwise be bored out of his mind.
For us, it's driving in unfamiliar territory and trying to follow a map that triggers marital tension; or trouble brews when my DH suddenly decides he doesn't want to go somewhere that has been on my itinerary and planned for months. Some rather serious "negotiations" often ensue.
Sep 13th, 2010, 07:26 AM
#16
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 32,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"He said that was not practical because when he was satisfied that he had completed the tour of the museum or art gallery, I would likely be back at the hotel so it is like we are not even traveling together. He says an easier approach is for us to just not travel together."
Sorry but that sounds ludicrous. I think he is bluffing.
This was the first year we broke up three ways - I went one way, wife another, two teenagers another. It's the only way we can travel. Time to call his bluff.
Sorry but that sounds ludicrous. I think he is bluffing.
This was the first year we broke up three ways - I went one way, wife another, two teenagers another. It's the only way we can travel. Time to call his bluff.
Sep 13th, 2010, 07:41 AM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that's ludicrous. So what if you're back at the hotel? You still have the whole evening together. And why would any sane person want an unhappy traveling companion standing around in a museum for 6 hours when she didn't want to? At the end of the day, though, he's right. You shouldn't travel together. Sounds like a whole lot of unpleasantness for both of you.
I happen to have a marvelously travel-compatible SO, but I've certainly traveled in the past with people who weren't compatible with my style - slow walkers, food whiners, people who wanted to see things that didn't interest me at all - you just split up and meet later. Problem solved. But apparently your husband isn't willing to compromise.
Find a compatible person to travel with if you can't get past this. Or go alone - then you can do exactly as you please every minute of the day.
I happen to have a marvelously travel-compatible SO, but I've certainly traveled in the past with people who weren't compatible with my style - slow walkers, food whiners, people who wanted to see things that didn't interest me at all - you just split up and meet later. Problem solved. But apparently your husband isn't willing to compromise.
Find a compatible person to travel with if you can't get past this. Or go alone - then you can do exactly as you please every minute of the day.
Sep 13th, 2010, 07:55 AM
#18
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is a great thread as it's good to learn I'm not the only one with these complaints. Husband is a photographer who is seemingly ONLY interested in photography; if a place doesn't allow photography he doesn't want to spend time there. I thought he was going to take pictures of every single piece of art at the Musee D'Orsay!
I also have a friend who needs to read every word of every description; it's difficult to keep track of her in a crowded exhibit. She is also directionally challenged and several times I have had to go retrieve her as she has turned around and is heading back the way we've come.
I love to travel with my sister as our interests, and our interest levels, are nearly the same. It's so much more relaxing.
I also have a friend who needs to read every word of every description; it's difficult to keep track of her in a crowded exhibit. She is also directionally challenged and several times I have had to go retrieve her as she has turned around and is heading back the way we've come.
I love to travel with my sister as our interests, and our interest levels, are nearly the same. It's so much more relaxing.
Sep 13th, 2010, 08:04 AM
#19
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 32,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any couple can split up. My wife gets lost in our house. But we split up in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul last month when I couldn't stand her negotiating for useless trinkets any longer. I told her that our hotel was "in that direction", which is pretty funny if you have ever been in the Grand Bazaar. She found the hotel. Eventually.
Sep 13th, 2010, 08:15 AM
#20
The six minute Louvre
Saturday Evening Post, Oct, 1984 by Art Buchwald
Any sportsman will tell you that the only three things to see in the Louvre are the "Winged Victory of Samothrace," the "Venus de Milo" and the "Mona Lisa." The rest of the sculpture and paintings are just so much window dressing for the Big Three, and one hates to waste time in the Louvre when there is so much else to see in Paris.
Ever since the Louvre acquired these works of art, amateurs from all over the world have been trying to cut down the time it takes to see them. Before the war the world record was held by three Scandinavians, who had managed to make the course in seven minutes thirty-three seconds. This record stood until 1935, when a britisher, Mergenthaller Waisleywillow, paced by his Welsh wife, did it in seven minutes flat. Waisleywillow in his first attempt made it in six minutes and forty-nine seconds, but was disqualified when he forgot to make a complete circle of the "Venus de Milo."
The record stood until 1938, when a Stockholm man, known as the Swedish Cannonball, introduced sneakers and made it in six minutes and twenty-five seconds.
Saturday Evening Post, Oct, 1984 by Art Buchwald
Any sportsman will tell you that the only three things to see in the Louvre are the "Winged Victory of Samothrace," the "Venus de Milo" and the "Mona Lisa." The rest of the sculpture and paintings are just so much window dressing for the Big Three, and one hates to waste time in the Louvre when there is so much else to see in Paris.
Ever since the Louvre acquired these works of art, amateurs from all over the world have been trying to cut down the time it takes to see them. Before the war the world record was held by three Scandinavians, who had managed to make the course in seven minutes thirty-three seconds. This record stood until 1935, when a britisher, Mergenthaller Waisleywillow, paced by his Welsh wife, did it in seven minutes flat. Waisleywillow in his first attempt made it in six minutes and forty-nine seconds, but was disqualified when he forgot to make a complete circle of the "Venus de Milo."
The record stood until 1938, when a Stockholm man, known as the Swedish Cannonball, introduced sneakers and made it in six minutes and twenty-five seconds.
