Hi Everyone - <BR> <BR>Going through all the threads this weekend and I got to thinking about memorable moments on our trip last Sept. <BR> <BR>One of them, concerns the topic of "blending with the natives." <BR> <BR>Our objective was to lay low and go about our business without drawing undue attention to ourselves. We were fully aware that anyone paying close attention would know we were tourists, but, at a glance, we wanted to just "go with the flow" and hopefully meld with the culture a little. <BR> <BR>My memory is this: Our first night, we are tired and can't sleep. Go for a walk and end up at the Louvre around 1 a.m. We take pictures for awhile and enjoy the vacant beauty and start back to our hotel. <BR> <BR>As we're walking towards the river, a little car pulls up next to us to ask directions. We looked at each other and then smiled at the lady and began to say in very bad French that we were sorry we didn't speak French. <BR> <BR>She 1/2 smiled and rolled her eyes. She wasn't rude or anything but you could tell she was a little miffed at herself for having mistaken us "tourists" for someone who lived there and knew where they were going. <BR> <BR>We laughed and talked about this all the way back to the room. We had read alot before we went and made our best effort to not look like "targets". I guess it worked! <BR> <BR>So, what's your story??

Lynn, I do understand your point of not drawing unwanted attention, but to be completely honest, I don't see the point of "trying to blend" while visiting other places. What I do keep in mind, and adhere to very strictly, is to show respect and appreciation for the local customs, places and people. As long as that principle is maintained, whether I blend in as a local or not is irrelevant (IMHO). I grew up with the believe that it is flattering when people want to visit you, and therefore, I feel very good about my status as a "tourist" whenever I visit a place. I do realized that may lead to added safety concerns, but the people that are out there looking to do harm, can spot a tourist a mile away, regardless.

I think you're missing my point. I don't feel bad about being a tourist. Quite the opposite. I'm thrilled to be wherever I am and enjoy watching the city unfold before me. I think if you stand out too much (as an obvious tourist) I think that changes the dynamics. People will react differently to a tourist than they would to someone just "around" wherever they happen to be. <BR> <BR>I'm not saying we disappear, we're just more subtle and muted than at home. Well, my husband is always subtle and muted. Not me. One thing I really have to do when we travel is tone down my voice. I could give a speech in an auditorium WITHOUT the microphone! Strong-willed and aggressive, that's my curse! <BR> <BR>I guess we all have our different styles. <BR> <BR>Happy Traveling on your next adventure.

I recently went to Chartres and the Loire Valley for few days before meeting friends in Paris. I really didn't make any effort NOT to look like a tourist and had never been to France before. I speak no French. During the first 2 days I was there, I was amazed at the number of French natives who came up to me and asked questions! Maybe because I was alone? I have no idea, but I thought it was pretty funny.

Trying to blend in so you don't change the dynamics of the city -- now that's one powerful tourist... <BR>