If you are a tourist and you know it (and proud of it), clap your hands!
Sep 14th, 2006, 11:03 AM
#61
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"Some of the busiest places where we live now serve food that would appall most tourists."
What does that mean? Aren't locals also tourists when they go somewhere? Why would locals have any different tastes than tourists? All tourists are also locals somewhere.
It's this idea that somehow tourists are an isolated breed with different tastes from "normal" people or "locals" is what I can't figure out. When someone says the food would only appeal to tourists, that is hogwash. There are locals who would have the same taste as those locals have. What makes people think that all locals have wonderful taste, but when they travel all their taste disappears?
What does that mean? Aren't locals also tourists when they go somewhere? Why would locals have any different tastes than tourists? All tourists are also locals somewhere.
It's this idea that somehow tourists are an isolated breed with different tastes from "normal" people or "locals" is what I can't figure out. When someone says the food would only appeal to tourists, that is hogwash. There are locals who would have the same taste as those locals have. What makes people think that all locals have wonderful taste, but when they travel all their taste disappears?
Sep 14th, 2006, 11:28 AM
#63
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I agree, starrsville. I too, am a tourist. I think snobbery comes into play often when we discuss tourists v. travelers.
Re: food: Neo, my taste does decline when I eat out as a "tourist". We sometimes end up eating at what is available, not necessarily at the best place. I do a lot of research before I travel, but one thing I don't really look into is restaurants. Maybe I'm just too tired after doing all the work looking at our itinerary, hotels, etc. Plus, when we're with my kids, we stick to pizza type places that I really wouldn't patronize when I'm at home. For example, on our trip to Cape Cod we ate at Mystic Pizza. I don't really think their pizza is all that great, but my parents and sister were with us and they had never been there, so we ate there. I had no other suggestions, and it didn't mean that much to me to make a big deal about it. I wouldn't eat at a place like this at home b/c I don't care much for their pizza. Likewise, we ate at Clancy's in Cape Cod. I didn't think their food was that great, and I would never eat at a place like that at home. But, it was getting late, we were tired, hungry, and it was there. We also stop at lot more for fast food for the boys on our vacations, b/c it's easy and quicker than a sit-down place.
Re: food: Neo, my taste does decline when I eat out as a "tourist". We sometimes end up eating at what is available, not necessarily at the best place. I do a lot of research before I travel, but one thing I don't really look into is restaurants. Maybe I'm just too tired after doing all the work looking at our itinerary, hotels, etc. Plus, when we're with my kids, we stick to pizza type places that I really wouldn't patronize when I'm at home. For example, on our trip to Cape Cod we ate at Mystic Pizza. I don't really think their pizza is all that great, but my parents and sister were with us and they had never been there, so we ate there. I had no other suggestions, and it didn't mean that much to me to make a big deal about it. I wouldn't eat at a place like this at home b/c I don't care much for their pizza. Likewise, we ate at Clancy's in Cape Cod. I didn't think their food was that great, and I would never eat at a place like that at home. But, it was getting late, we were tired, hungry, and it was there. We also stop at lot more for fast food for the boys on our vacations, b/c it's easy and quicker than a sit-down place.
Sep 14th, 2006, 11:44 AM
#64
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Neo (and GoTravel since you seem *determined* to twist what I wrote), I'm referring to a couple of restaurants where I grew up. Example: the Brass Rail. It was always packed. The food was terrible. Greasy, fattening, overcooked. But it was always packed with people from the Lehigh Valley. And when they brought their out of town relatives to the place, the relatives were usually surprised at how so many people could like such bad food. There is no accounting for taste.
There are a couple of greasy takeaways where we live now that serve the need for people to get something cheap and filling. The places have NO atmosphere, unless you count grungy floors and rickety tables as atmospheric. But they're cheap and they're open late and you can smoke all you want, so they've usually got customers.
Now, for the Brussels example. The small streets surrounding the Grand'Place are full of mid priced restaurants. One is virtually indistinguishable from the next. You won't have a truly bad meal. You won't get food poisoning. You won't pay a fortune. But you won't remember it either. (the only exception might be the Leon's, which is fun and the locals do go there from time to time, although they generally don't admit it). The restaurants do ok because they are located in the heart of the tourist zone. You don't need a reservation, they serve early and late, and they don't mind people dropping in with noisy kids. Because those are the people they cater to. Their attraction is their convenience, not their food.
BUT for the same money, if you're willing to travel out of the tourist zone, you can eat much better and have a memorable meal and pay the same amount--or less. So that's what the locals do. Because many of these restaurants are as convenient for the locals as they are INconvenient for tourists. Most tourists aren't willing to venture out to Fort Jaco or Stokkel. If, GT, you think Shake Hands or Le Jaco, which are both full almost every day, really serve the tourist trade, you're in for an awakening. Because they don't.
Oh, and Neo, I had dinner at the Marlow Bar & Grill the other night. Nice meal. Except...my appetizer arrived with bits of glass in it from a broken lightbulb (at first I thought it was rock salt but then it didn't TASTE salty, just...pointy). The staff were horrified and I ended up drinking free.
There are a couple of greasy takeaways where we live now that serve the need for people to get something cheap and filling. The places have NO atmosphere, unless you count grungy floors and rickety tables as atmospheric. But they're cheap and they're open late and you can smoke all you want, so they've usually got customers.
Now, for the Brussels example. The small streets surrounding the Grand'Place are full of mid priced restaurants. One is virtually indistinguishable from the next. You won't have a truly bad meal. You won't get food poisoning. You won't pay a fortune. But you won't remember it either. (the only exception might be the Leon's, which is fun and the locals do go there from time to time, although they generally don't admit it). The restaurants do ok because they are located in the heart of the tourist zone. You don't need a reservation, they serve early and late, and they don't mind people dropping in with noisy kids. Because those are the people they cater to. Their attraction is their convenience, not their food.
BUT for the same money, if you're willing to travel out of the tourist zone, you can eat much better and have a memorable meal and pay the same amount--or less. So that's what the locals do. Because many of these restaurants are as convenient for the locals as they are INconvenient for tourists. Most tourists aren't willing to venture out to Fort Jaco or Stokkel. If, GT, you think Shake Hands or Le Jaco, which are both full almost every day, really serve the tourist trade, you're in for an awakening. Because they don't.
Oh, and Neo, I had dinner at the Marlow Bar & Grill the other night. Nice meal. Except...my appetizer arrived with bits of glass in it from a broken lightbulb (at first I thought it was rock salt but then it didn't TASTE salty, just...pointy). The staff were horrified and I ended up drinking free.
Sep 14th, 2006, 12:39 PM
#65
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ok this is the best thread I have read all day. Since we are all admitted travelaholics and tourists, here's my plan:
In Minnesota here, we have the world's largest ball of twine. Imagine us in front of it with our sneakers and jeans on, with the camera hanging around your neck and the map in your hands.
Who's in????
In Minnesota here, we have the world's largest ball of twine. Imagine us in front of it with our sneakers and jeans on, with the camera hanging around your neck and the map in your hands.
Who's in????
Sep 14th, 2006, 01:00 PM
#66
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No matter how hard you try or how acclamated you think you are, if you travel somewhere where you don't live yo are a tourist. Now, there are good tourists and bad tourists but you're still a tourist, and theres nothing wrong with that. Most places you visit would die withot the tourist dollar, whether it be europe, hawaii, wherever.
Sep 14th, 2006, 04:22 PM
#67
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I happen to live in a town that depends on tourist dollars and we love tourist!! I even don't mind following a tourist in a car who doesn't know where he's going because I know I may be doing the same thing one day.
I don't mind being a tourist. That just means I keep in open mind and am willing to learn new things, taste new foods, experience new places and meet new people. I try to live my life without pinning LABELS on people. If I meet someone who happens to be traveling the same direction I am, I've made a friend. If I happen to rub elbows with the locals where ever I am, then I've made a friend. Just travel and enjoy!!!!
I don't mind being a tourist. That just means I keep in open mind and am willing to learn new things, taste new foods, experience new places and meet new people. I try to live my life without pinning LABELS on people. If I meet someone who happens to be traveling the same direction I am, I've made a friend. If I happen to rub elbows with the locals where ever I am, then I've made a friend. Just travel and enjoy!!!!
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:28 PM
#68
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Oh my god, BTilke, glass in your food? You should have gotten more than free drinks. That's really horrible and frighteningly dangerous.
And my comments mainly were not aimed at anything you said. Just the general ideal many have of trying to separate tourist restaurants from local restaurants. I know poeple here in touristy Naples who call The Olive Garden and Red Lobster tourist restaurants. How foolish. There are tons of locals eating there. They are the same people who will eat at one in another town when they travel. Not all locals have good taste, just as not all tourists do.
And my comments mainly were not aimed at anything you said. Just the general ideal many have of trying to separate tourist restaurants from local restaurants. I know poeple here in touristy Naples who call The Olive Garden and Red Lobster tourist restaurants. How foolish. There are tons of locals eating there. They are the same people who will eat at one in another town when they travel. Not all locals have good taste, just as not all tourists do.
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:38 PM
#69
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"No matter how hard you try or how acclimated you think you are, if you travel somewhere where you don't live you are a tourist." Very well said. Count me as another one who is tired of people thinking they can be secret tourists. I'm proud to be a tourist--just look at my screen name.
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:51 PM
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One of the funniest posts I've ever read here was by a person who started with, "I consider myself a traveler, not a tourist."
Webster's defines a tourist as "one that makes a tour for pleasure or culture." While a traveler is "one that goes on a trip or journey." My dog - or a lump of coal - could be a "traveler." Me, I'll take "tourist" any day. Pleasure and culture - yep, that's the life.
And some of the most beautiful places on Earth are tourist traps - that's how they got that way.
Webster's defines a tourist as "one that makes a tour for pleasure or culture." While a traveler is "one that goes on a trip or journey." My dog - or a lump of coal - could be a "traveler." Me, I'll take "tourist" any day. Pleasure and culture - yep, that's the life.
And some of the most beautiful places on Earth are tourist traps - that's how they got that way.
Sep 14th, 2006, 06:26 PM
#71
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The only reason I would avoid a "tourist spot" would be if it was really crowded, I travel on the shoulder seasons so I can see the spots with some breathing room.
Years ago I was telling a well-traveled friend that I avoid tourist spots and she scolded me by saying "they are popular for a reason". Made sense to me so I changed my tune.
I live and work in a tourist area, my photo is in many a Japanese home movie or scrapebook, my office used to be next to a tourist attraction. I can spot a tourist and sometimes even figure out where they are from just by looking, but I think it is interesting to meet the tourists here in Los Angeles.
Maybe they have been searching out wonderful restaurants for their trip that I might not know about!
I have never seen the point of being ashamed of being a tourist, I am what I am where I am.
Years ago I was telling a well-traveled friend that I avoid tourist spots and she scolded me by saying "they are popular for a reason". Made sense to me so I changed my tune.
I live and work in a tourist area, my photo is in many a Japanese home movie or scrapebook, my office used to be next to a tourist attraction. I can spot a tourist and sometimes even figure out where they are from just by looking, but I think it is interesting to meet the tourists here in Los Angeles.
Maybe they have been searching out wonderful restaurants for their trip that I might not know about!
I have never seen the point of being ashamed of being a tourist, I am what I am where I am.
Sep 14th, 2006, 06:52 PM
#72
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I think a lot of folks think of "tourist" as the middle aged man in the bermuda shorts, short sleeved button down, white socks, black dress shoes, fishing hat, and a brownie hanging around his neck. In the movies/tv, he's usually portrayed as being rather dumb and/or naive. Because of this, folks feel the need to distance themselves from that term.
For me, I've never considered myself a tourist or traveller... just someone who goes on vacation. While I tend to limit my visits to "tourist areas", I do so because I don't like the crowds, not because I feel too superior to participate.
For me, I've never considered myself a tourist or traveller... just someone who goes on vacation. While I tend to limit my visits to "tourist areas", I do so because I don't like the crowds, not because I feel too superior to participate.
Sep 14th, 2006, 07:03 PM
#73
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A few days ago Ellen Degeneras did a live show from NY. She was in tourist trashing mode with all sorts of jokes about tourists and how to spot them.
Only a few short years ago NY'ers were pleading with tourists to come back to NY, go to the theater, go shopping, see the sites. She attempted to undo what thousands of NY'ers were trying to regain.
Only a few short years ago NY'ers were pleading with tourists to come back to NY, go to the theater, go shopping, see the sites. She attempted to undo what thousands of NY'ers were trying to regain.
Sep 14th, 2006, 08:24 PM
#74
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One of the things I enjoy in SF is seeing tourist enjoy SF. And I enjoy helping them, answering questions, making suggestions etc. When I was in SF the Saturday before last I had so many conversations with tourists, from Europe, from around the US, and even from other parts of CA. Their enthusiam and joy rubbed off on me.
This year I have been amazed regarding the tourist we have had in my small city, and obviously I didn't run into all of them. But at my favorite cafe there was the mother and two darling children from Vancouver BC. And another day at the cafe there was a wonderful family, mother and father and two young children having cold drinks on the terrace. I ran into them a couple of hours later when they were coming out of a Chinese restaurant. And at Safeway just the other day I was in line with a precious couple visiting here from Belgium. All beautiful and interesting people.
Every tourist commented on how warm, kind and helpful the people in my small city had been to them. How nice!!
This year I have been amazed regarding the tourist we have had in my small city, and obviously I didn't run into all of them. But at my favorite cafe there was the mother and two darling children from Vancouver BC. And another day at the cafe there was a wonderful family, mother and father and two young children having cold drinks on the terrace. I ran into them a couple of hours later when they were coming out of a Chinese restaurant. And at Safeway just the other day I was in line with a precious couple visiting here from Belgium. All beautiful and interesting people.
Every tourist commented on how warm, kind and helpful the people in my small city had been to them. How nice!!
Sep 15th, 2006, 02:04 AM
#76
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LOL, Sweetsailing-- count me in!! MN was not previously on my list of "don't miss" places, but that's changed now.
Reminds me of a photo of a typical tourist--myself. On a trail in Kokee forest in Kauai: jeans, sneakers, camera on strap around neck, a bottle of water in one hand, a bottle of mosquito repellant in the other. OY!!
Oh--has anyone mentioned the ultimate American "tourist" symbol--the fanny pack?I don't use them, but only because they are too small to carry the maps, bottled water, camera, film, mini language dictionaries, brochures ,etc.
Reminds me of a photo of a typical tourist--myself. On a trail in Kokee forest in Kauai: jeans, sneakers, camera on strap around neck, a bottle of water in one hand, a bottle of mosquito repellant in the other. OY!!
Oh--has anyone mentioned the ultimate American "tourist" symbol--the fanny pack?I don't use them, but only because they are too small to carry the maps, bottled water, camera, film, mini language dictionaries, brochures ,etc.
Sep 15th, 2006, 05:17 AM
#77
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I'm curious about that phrase "the ultimate American tourist symbol -- the fanny pack". I see them a whole lot in Europe and it seems generally they are attached to a German, not an American. Here in Naples, Florida we have a ton of German tourists, often in big groups and they all nearly always have those fanny packs.
On the other hand, the last time I was at Disney World I thought for a while they might arrest me since I wasn't wearing what seemed to be required -- a fanny pack. And those were primarily clearly American tourists.
So where did the custom come from -- and are they really more common among Americans than among Germans?
On the other hand, the last time I was at Disney World I thought for a while they might arrest me since I wasn't wearing what seemed to be required -- a fanny pack. And those were primarily clearly American tourists.
So where did the custom come from -- and are they really more common among Americans than among Germans?
Sep 15th, 2006, 05:35 AM
#78
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I have to admit we BOUGHT fanny (I should call mine belly because I always wear mine in front) packs for Disney. They came with attached water bottles.
I've got to tell you they saved our trip. It was October and there was not a single day that was under 95 degrees!
Each kid had their own with snacks and water, their own tickets, etc. It saved time in lines and allowed everyone to last until the nice sit down lunch in air conditioned comfort.
OK, now you know I'm really a tourist because I've been to Disney World (more than once).
I've got to tell you they saved our trip. It was October and there was not a single day that was under 95 degrees!
Each kid had their own with snacks and water, their own tickets, etc. It saved time in lines and allowed everyone to last until the nice sit down lunch in air conditioned comfort.
OK, now you know I'm really a tourist because I've been to Disney World (more than once).
Sep 15th, 2006, 05:48 AM
#79
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While attending some outdoor classes in Styria (Austria) for two weeks, we did some hiking. Everyone else in the group was Austrian, German or Swiss. And on those outings, virtually everyone wore fanny packs aka bum bags.
I think the habit started with the U.S. but gained popularity with Germans and Austrians pretty quickly for country activities where they didn't want to carry a daypack.
I don't really see anything wrong with them. Although in Brussels and occasionally in the UK, I see teenagers and young adults wearing them not strapped around their waist, but over one shoulder and across the chest, bandolier style. Where this trend originated, I have no idea. It doesn't look comfortable.
I think the habit started with the U.S. but gained popularity with Germans and Austrians pretty quickly for country activities where they didn't want to carry a daypack.
I don't really see anything wrong with them. Although in Brussels and occasionally in the UK, I see teenagers and young adults wearing them not strapped around their waist, but over one shoulder and across the chest, bandolier style. Where this trend originated, I have no idea. It doesn't look comfortable.
Sep 15th, 2006, 07:54 AM
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Sweetsailing, How funny. I would have my picture taken in front of the twine ball only because it would be the most ridiculus thing on my trip and I would email it to all my friends and label it The best part of my vacation.
I wore a fanny pack on a trip to Scotland in 2001. Looking back I can not believe I did that. Now I use a day pack or a shoulder bag. No white shorts and dangling cameras.
I wore a fanny pack on a trip to Scotland in 2001. Looking back I can not believe I did that. Now I use a day pack or a shoulder bag. No white shorts and dangling cameras.
