If you are a tourist and you know it (and proud of it), clap your hands!
Sep 13th, 2006, 05:27 PM
#23
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I first heard the term "trainers" used by female friends in Italy. They tend to sometimes pick up British terms. The ones they wear are a slender style and always a dark color. They call the boxier white shoes "atheletic"
What is wrong with being a tourist? I think it all started sometime ago regarding tourist versus traveller, lol.
So dear Starrs, =D>
Actually sometimes I like to pretend I am a tourist in my own small city!!
What is wrong with being a tourist? I think it all started sometime ago regarding tourist versus traveller, lol.
So dear Starrs, =D>
Actually sometimes I like to pretend I am a tourist in my own small city!!
Sep 13th, 2006, 06:36 PM
#26
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Starrsville, here here!! (or is it hear hear!!??)
Whichever...bravo and clap clap!
LoveItaly, yes, know just what you mean!
For example, I love taking the ferry across the Bay from Oakland, under the Bay Bridge, to Pier 39 in SF. Makes me feel like a tourist every time. Heck, I still go gaga at some of SF's sites . And it's such fun (in a nice , not sneering way) to see other people, who've come thousands of miles, enjoying the area that I'm fortunate enough to be this close to.
Whichever...bravo and clap clap!
LoveItaly, yes, know just what you mean!
For example, I love taking the ferry across the Bay from Oakland, under the Bay Bridge, to Pier 39 in SF. Makes me feel like a tourist every time. Heck, I still go gaga at some of SF's sites . And it's such fun (in a nice , not sneering way) to see other people, who've come thousands of miles, enjoying the area that I'm fortunate enough to be this close to.
Sep 13th, 2006, 06:57 PM
#27
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This thread (clap, clap, by the way) makes me think of the rehearsal dinner for DD's wedding last fall. Her in-laws held it at the Hard Rock Cafe (is there a more touristy place?) at Station Square in Pittsburgh; this is probably Pittsburgh's number one tourist destination. There were dancing waters! We had the best, best time. It was really a lot of fun.
I was at Madame Tussaud's in London, and DH and I had a blast. Apparently the system there has changed, but when we went, we had so much fun. We laughed for at least an hour.
I took DD to Liberty Island when she was just a tyke. She stood at the base of the Statue of Liberty, looked up to the top, and put her little hand over her little heart. Now if I had been trying to blend in as a cool East Village non-tourist, would I have that memory?
I was at Madame Tussaud's in London, and DH and I had a blast. Apparently the system there has changed, but when we went, we had so much fun. We laughed for at least an hour.
I took DD to Liberty Island when she was just a tyke. She stood at the base of the Statue of Liberty, looked up to the top, and put her little hand over her little heart. Now if I had been trying to blend in as a cool East Village non-tourist, would I have that memory?
Sep 13th, 2006, 07:02 PM
#28
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(Why do I always have another thought after I hit the post button?)
I am also reminded of our wedding in NYC. One of the Baldin brothers was outside the hotel as we were all off to Central Park for the ceremony. He stared at the little wedding party, just as anyone would, for we were all dressed up, had flowers, etc. I was so excited, and I smiled at the Baldwin, and said Hi! He said hi back, of course.
But my brother, who must always be cool and wants everyone to know just how far downtown he lives, was exasperated that I would say hi to a celebrity. What a jerk. But the thing is, he didn't want anyone to think he might be a tourist in town for a wedding. Poor guy.
Sep 13th, 2006, 08:13 PM
#29
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Oh, bayougal, you've got me all misty thinking of See Rock City barns...I am touristy and proud. I had a lovely time eating at the Cheesecake Factory in Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas...I bought three t-shirts for $10 in Chinatown in NYC, and I have a route 66 xmas ornament...oh, I also have the matching Biltmore ornament, come to think of it! I feel lucky to get to travel so much more than my parents and grandparents did...how could I apologize for being a tourist?? Let's all raise our camera on a string high and yell "Where's the gift shop!!"
Sep 14th, 2006, 02:09 AM
#31
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Yes, yes, me too!
My husband and I revel in our tourist-y-ness...without embarrassing ourselves tooo much. We figure, if we've gone out of our way to go somewhere, it's because there are things there worth seeing or doing, and just because thousands or millions of other people have thought so too, is that some reason to avoid those places?
I remember panicking for about a minute over what kind of shoes I should wear in Italy last year so that I wouldn't "stand out" as a tourist. Then I remembered: Ohh yeahhh, it's not as though I'm going to fool anyone just because I'm wearing European-looking shoes. The fact that we're holding a map, and can't speak their language, now that might give us away as tourists. But who cares?? Everyone was nice to us anyway!
My husband and I revel in our tourist-y-ness...without embarrassing ourselves tooo much. We figure, if we've gone out of our way to go somewhere, it's because there are things there worth seeing or doing, and just because thousands or millions of other people have thought so too, is that some reason to avoid those places?
I remember panicking for about a minute over what kind of shoes I should wear in Italy last year so that I wouldn't "stand out" as a tourist. Then I remembered: Ohh yeahhh, it's not as though I'm going to fool anyone just because I'm wearing European-looking shoes. The fact that we're holding a map, and can't speak their language, now that might give us away as tourists. But who cares?? Everyone was nice to us anyway!
Sep 14th, 2006, 03:23 AM
#32
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In the US it is not a 'problem' but in Europe it is unavoidable to look like a tourist...so I embrace it.
What would the point be if you are in Rome and not go to the Vatican Museum because it is touristy!
Take the Gran Canyon, Zion, Bryce or even Disney World....EVRYONE there is a tourist by definition. There is nothing wrong with it.
Tourist traps....well Four Corners comes to mind. Thing is you will never know until you get there.
I would love to be a traveller and not a tourist but until I have the money and time....I will continue to be a proud tourit (without white trainers - I don't wear them at home so I don't wear them on vacation either).
What would the point be if you are in Rome and not go to the Vatican Museum because it is touristy!
Take the Gran Canyon, Zion, Bryce or even Disney World....EVRYONE there is a tourist by definition. There is nothing wrong with it.
Tourist traps....well Four Corners comes to mind. Thing is you will never know until you get there.
I would love to be a traveller and not a tourist but until I have the money and time....I will continue to be a proud tourit (without white trainers - I don't wear them at home so I don't wear them on vacation either).
Sep 14th, 2006, 04:25 AM
#33
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I don't mind being a tourist -I just don't want to be the classic "ugly american".. The "ours are bigger" kind. The "If I shout maybe she'll understand" kind.
It helps if tourists had some clue as to where they are and had read at least a little tourist guide. One woman asked me where I got my "Insight Guide' and when I said the library she was astonished
It helps if tourists had some clue as to where they are and had read at least a little tourist guide. One woman asked me where I got my "Insight Guide' and when I said the library she was astonished
Sep 14th, 2006, 04:34 AM
#34
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I'm a tourist, and I'm about to head off to a tourist destination. Jeans and sneakers are going with me.
If there is a dress code, I'll follow it. But, like the dress code at work, no woman wears the same thing, we all follow the code, and we reflect our individuality. Sure, some things look more professional than others, but the outfit meets the qualifications.
The first time my Mom was in France a local told her they could spot the tourists because they all wore 'le baskets' -- basketball shoes.
If there is a dress code, I'll follow it. But, like the dress code at work, no woman wears the same thing, we all follow the code, and we reflect our individuality. Sure, some things look more professional than others, but the outfit meets the qualifications.
The first time my Mom was in France a local told her they could spot the tourists because they all wore 'le baskets' -- basketball shoes.
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:05 AM
#36
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I feel so lucky to be a tourist. My parents could never afford it. I've seen so much of our world and have so much left to see, will never have the time or money to see it all. I've never had a trip I did not enjoy, probably because my feet were happy in my tennis shoes! 
I want to go where all those tourists gather but I also like that stretch of beach where only a few go..
I want to go where all those tourists gather but I also like that stretch of beach where only a few go..
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:29 AM
#37
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Clap, clap, clap
While I tried to wear clothing more appropriate to the country I was in,
I couldn't help looking like a tourist in Japan this year. I got STARED at several times. At 5'3" with dark brown hair - you could still see me from 2 blocks away. So there was no trying to fit in. We were gaigin, we were different and it was very freeing.
Luckily, unlike Europe most Japanese LOVE Americans (and even if they didn't they would never be rude to you).
DH didn't like when I wore my "trainers" but my feet hurt most days from all the walking. So the choice was cut the day short or wear the tennis shoes. Tennis shoes it was.
Love this thread, love this board. I lurk here and the Asia board. I read the Europe board but I'm afraid to post there.
While I tried to wear clothing more appropriate to the country I was in,
I couldn't help looking like a tourist in Japan this year. I got STARED at several times. At 5'3" with dark brown hair - you could still see me from 2 blocks away. So there was no trying to fit in. We were gaigin, we were different and it was very freeing.
Luckily, unlike Europe most Japanese LOVE Americans (and even if they didn't they would never be rude to you).
DH didn't like when I wore my "trainers" but my feet hurt most days from all the walking. So the choice was cut the day short or wear the tennis shoes. Tennis shoes it was.
Love this thread, love this board. I lurk here and the Asia board. I read the Europe board but I'm afraid to post there.
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:56 AM
#39
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Trainers are merely Britspeak for sneakers or athletic shoes or "tennies" as some West Coasters say. I live in the UK and still say sneakers.
A big clap for not being afraid to call onself a tourist while traveling and sightseeing. Bruges, Belgium, is one of my favorite places and it's about as touristy as it gets in Belgium. But deservedly so.
However, not sure about the clap for "touristy" restaurants. There's nothing wrong with being a tourist and eating in a restaurant with other tourists, but if the restaurant is patronized almost entirely by tourists and shunned by most locals, there's probably a good reason for it. The Three Crabs in Sequim, WA, comes to mind.
In Brussels, the most touristy restaurants are around the Grand'Place. You won't eat badly there and you won't pay a fortune. But Brussels is a gastronome's delight, home to so many wonderful inexpensive restaurants that ARE off the tourist trail, it would be a shame not to venture out and try at least one of them.
Sometimes we love traveling with the general tourist pack, but there are times when it pays to be a lone wolf.
A big clap for not being afraid to call onself a tourist while traveling and sightseeing. Bruges, Belgium, is one of my favorite places and it's about as touristy as it gets in Belgium. But deservedly so.
However, not sure about the clap for "touristy" restaurants. There's nothing wrong with being a tourist and eating in a restaurant with other tourists, but if the restaurant is patronized almost entirely by tourists and shunned by most locals, there's probably a good reason for it. The Three Crabs in Sequim, WA, comes to mind.
In Brussels, the most touristy restaurants are around the Grand'Place. You won't eat badly there and you won't pay a fortune. But Brussels is a gastronome's delight, home to so many wonderful inexpensive restaurants that ARE off the tourist trail, it would be a shame not to venture out and try at least one of them.
Sometimes we love traveling with the general tourist pack, but there are times when it pays to be a lone wolf.
Sep 14th, 2006, 06:20 AM
#40
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
There's nothing wrong with being a tourist and eating in a restaurant with other tourists, but if the restaurant is patronized almost entirely by tourists and shunned by most locals, there's probably a good reason for it.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Couldn’t agree more with you.
Being a tourist and touring the sights of interests is one thing, and which I like doing (in most cases), but being discriminate about good restaurants while travelling is another. This is more evident in large cities with substantial restaurant-eating population, for example New York and San Francisco. A lot of restaurants here in NYC rely on locals and if they slip up or not keep up in quality and service, it is so easy for locals to divert their allegiance to a competing restaurant.
Restaurants that are in this city’s so-called tourist belt are prone to rely on clienteles who want the conveniences of easy access (proximity) without straying in what they perceive as potentially un-touristy and unfriendly neighborhoods. In some instances, tome of these restaurants may be good, but they are not the best that large restaurant-cities have to offer. These restaurants don’t have much impetus to improve their quality given their positive business environment due to constant churn of visiting tourists. Carmine’s (yuck) in NYC’ theater district and Little Italy’s restaurants are the ones that we locals do not patronize, yet they remain successful because tourists go for them. If for some reason the influx of tourists were to die down, I know very well that it’s these tourist restaurants that would be the first to fold.
There's nothing wrong with being a tourist and eating in a restaurant with other tourists, but if the restaurant is patronized almost entirely by tourists and shunned by most locals, there's probably a good reason for it.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Couldn’t agree more with you.
Being a tourist and touring the sights of interests is one thing, and which I like doing (in most cases), but being discriminate about good restaurants while travelling is another. This is more evident in large cities with substantial restaurant-eating population, for example New York and San Francisco. A lot of restaurants here in NYC rely on locals and if they slip up or not keep up in quality and service, it is so easy for locals to divert their allegiance to a competing restaurant.
Restaurants that are in this city’s so-called tourist belt are prone to rely on clienteles who want the conveniences of easy access (proximity) without straying in what they perceive as potentially un-touristy and unfriendly neighborhoods. In some instances, tome of these restaurants may be good, but they are not the best that large restaurant-cities have to offer. These restaurants don’t have much impetus to improve their quality given their positive business environment due to constant churn of visiting tourists. Carmine’s (yuck) in NYC’ theater district and Little Italy’s restaurants are the ones that we locals do not patronize, yet they remain successful because tourists go for them. If for some reason the influx of tourists were to die down, I know very well that it’s these tourist restaurants that would be the first to fold.
