jman
12-21-2011, 04:18 PM
Yes, just 1 more day before a long, long break from work for Christmas and New Years!
Anywho, just read an article that others might be interested in (although nothing new). Just a time waster really..lol
Here's an excerpt:
"While I concede that tourism generates tremendous revenues (and much needed jobs), I feel that it has become a vulgar, tacky and somewhat pointless endeavor that does nothing whatsoever to benefit of either the traveler or the people in target countries. I am making a strong distinction between “travelers" and “tourists” – travelers voyage to foreign lands in order to immerse themselves in native cultures and experience something truly different and unique. Visiting other countries can be a profoundly life-altering or life-enriching experience.
I have been lucky enough to travel extensively in my life and I have treasured every journey I have made.
But “tourists”? Well, they’re only interested in spending money, having their passports stamped, and boasting to their friends back home that they’ve been to other places.
I have seen Americans in Europe who refuse to learn even the rudiments of the local language, refuse to communicate with the local people (unless they are fluent in English) and do little or nothing to explore the local culture. They go from hotel-to-tourist site-back-to-hotel, all the while taking photographs and writing inane post cards home.
I have seen Americans in Paris (Paris!) go for lunch at McDonalds, and then go to an American-style sports bar to watch NFL football games.
But I am not limiting my criticism to the Americans."Full link: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/271028/20111221/tourism-new-york-visitors-air-travel-bloomberg.htm (http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/271028/20111221/tourism-new-york-visitors-air-travel-bloomberg.htm)
Anywho, just read an article that others might be interested in (although nothing new). Just a time waster really..lol
Here's an excerpt:
"While I concede that tourism generates tremendous revenues (and much needed jobs), I feel that it has become a vulgar, tacky and somewhat pointless endeavor that does nothing whatsoever to benefit of either the traveler or the people in target countries. I am making a strong distinction between “travelers" and “tourists” – travelers voyage to foreign lands in order to immerse themselves in native cultures and experience something truly different and unique. Visiting other countries can be a profoundly life-altering or life-enriching experience.
I have been lucky enough to travel extensively in my life and I have treasured every journey I have made.
But “tourists”? Well, they’re only interested in spending money, having their passports stamped, and boasting to their friends back home that they’ve been to other places.
I have seen Americans in Europe who refuse to learn even the rudiments of the local language, refuse to communicate with the local people (unless they are fluent in English) and do little or nothing to explore the local culture. They go from hotel-to-tourist site-back-to-hotel, all the while taking photographs and writing inane post cards home.
I have seen Americans in Paris (Paris!) go for lunch at McDonalds, and then go to an American-style sports bar to watch NFL football games.
But I am not limiting my criticism to the Americans."Full link: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/271028/20111221/tourism-new-york-visitors-air-travel-bloomberg.htm (http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/271028/20111221/tourism-new-york-visitors-air-travel-bloomberg.htm)