Les Touristes
Over the weekend I had a great moment when I was sitting on a bench reading in Odeon while waiting for a friend. Meanwhile, a gentleman and his grandson sat next to me. I could see them struggling with their neatly filed xeroxes of maps the grandfather had packed. So I leaned over and told them where we were and helped them get oriented. The brilliant moment then came when they told me “your English is really good.” I couldn’t help smile and laugh, and responded, “thanks, I’m American.” Still, this came as a great compliment to me. It was one of those moments to remind you that not all tourists are bad, and sometimes they just need a helping hand or a tip from a local. So in honor of this encounter, today’s post is an ode to the tourists around Paris (a series inspired by the Martin Parr show I saw at the Jeu de Paume this fall [my photo of his photo above], which I hope to continue).
Brigid :: FrenchLogic
June 15, 2010 at 11:58 am //
I work at a tourist attraction (nothing like Disney) and sometimes I curse the tourists for driving slowly or stopping for pictures, but then I think I wouldn’t have my job without them.
grace
June 15, 2010 at 12:00 pm //
I help tourists. It’s a weakness of mine. The only thing I ask them is where they’re from. This week I’ve helped people from italy, spain, the usa and slovenia find the moulin rouge and sacré coeur.
Ashley
June 15, 2010 at 1:16 pm //
Oh, the backpacks! So funny!
Catherine
June 15, 2010 at 6:09 pm //
I love the photos of Martin Parr too – and the rich colours and subject matter in yours are the perfect homage..Greetings from Mexico City..
Verus
June 15, 2010 at 7:44 pm //
When I spent a few month in Paris, I decided to discover the city by taking off at unknown random metro stations. That was my way to get to know the places which were not crowded by tourists. But wherever I took off in Paris city, after 15 minutes of walking I found myself among tourists.
That time I hated this phenomenon, because I considered it to be too commercial. These days I know exactly that the presence of many tourist means just that I am at a really beautiful place that everybody wants to visit.
Cheers,
Verus
amanda {mocking bird}
June 16, 2010 at 7:16 am //
lovely story… :)
we are all tourists at some point, it’s how we choose to be in someone else’s city that’s important.
amanda {mocking bird}
June 16, 2010 at 7:16 am //
p.s. love your blog!
betsyboo
June 16, 2010 at 1:54 pm //
Congrats on being mistaken for Parisienne!
Aqeel
June 16, 2010 at 5:20 pm //
As a tourist you will meet different people and exchange some nice experiences.