Vol III: #4 I Hate Being A Tourist
Tourist are ignorant, unaware, and vulgar. And if you believe popular myth, we Americans are the worst kind of tourist. This is a lie. Another myth is we are all stupid, fat, and lazy. Though we struggle with these issues, the United States holds no monopoly on ignorance, pride, or gluttony. To my point, the French hotel clerk who called me “tres grossir’ was in fact a fat Frenchie.
As for me, I want to appear as though I belong and on occasion I succeed. My heart always smiles when people speak to me in their native tongue or ask me for directions. It’s moments like the one I had with asshole hotel clerk that make my skin boil. He didn’t know I speak French and thought to take advantage of the situation to be rude. What my French friend did wasn’t unique. In every country, culture, and tongue, we express our sinful pride and take advantage of foreigners. I hate it. One value my parents gave me was to value all people no matter where they come from. So more accurately, when I say I hate being a tourist, I’m really saying I hate being vulnerable and belittled or being a target. (And, while I like being called a smart American because I know north African geography, it’s asinine to judge my countrymen if they don’t. The fact that I know where Algeria is in relation to Tunisia or Egypt never made me a dime.)
The full picture of my travels unfortunately includes a few jackasses, but also kindness and warmth. Twice in Paris, I tripped on an uneven sidewalk. Each time a stranger reached out and asked if I was ok. A random luggage clerk in Kathmandu brought me my bag from a locked room, though his boss wasn’t thrilled by the act. And, in every city and village, children always returned my smile with a smile, and usually their parents smiled too.
Halfway through my time in Nepal, I had to let myself be a tourist. I let myself be vulnerable and decided to trust Simon. My decision helped build a better relationship with my friend. And, I relaxed. Yes, the diarrhea continued and my jet lag persisted, but I found peace in the storm. So what to the people who try to take advantage of me or talk shit? That’s life. I am choosing to let it roll off my back and keep trucking.
Here’s to all the ignorant tourist: you made the journey and crossed the waters. You’re the explorer and the adventurer, the one who said yes when most others say no.
