Monday, February 9, 2009

Why "The Continuous Tourist"?

Erika & I were sitting in a splendid pub in Asheville, North Carolina with our friends Denise & Allan (and all of our wonderful children) when Denise asked us to take a picture of her under a sign with the pub's name.

This led to a conversation in which Allan said that when he's traveling, he prefers "blending in with the local population" over sticking out like a touristy sore thumb. Erika then pointed out that Denise would act like a tourist even when she's at home, at which point I jokingly called her a "continuous tourist" and Allan casually observed: "Now that's a blog: The Continuous Tourist." Thus, the seed was planted.

Travel is my lifelong passion, and I find that when I am not traveling in fact, I am traveling in my mind by remembering past trips and thinking of where to go on my next one. And I love to write, so it makes sense to write about traveling.

Sitting in the pub, I agreed with Allan about how to behave. I've always tried to blend in when traveling, for I grew up on the coast of Florida and know it's not a good thing to hear the phrase "like a tourist" used to describe one's self. Plus, I like to see the out-of-the-way places that tourists miss. I thought "The Continuous Traveler" sounded like a more appropriate and dignified description of me.

But then again, "The Continuous Tourist" is more catchy and memorable, and as we sat in the pub I couldn't deny that I always have my camera at the ready to capture images of my travels -- after all, it was sitting right there on the table next to my elbow. So I decided to swallow my pride and admit that what might seem bad at one moment is not really so bad in the final analysis. In one sense or another, I am a continuous tourist and proud of it.

5 comments:

  1. I'll drink to that! But I think you need the picture of me under the sign to really illustrate the point! ;-)

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  2. John and Ericka are good people, and I for one would, and have, drink beer with John all day!

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  3. Hi John,

    My friends Pat and Becky sent me your information. I am interested in renting your cabin Feb 12-14. We have other friends that live on the same Mtn that we would like to hang with for the weekend. Pat and Becky have already rented their cabin out so they are helping me find a place to rent.

    Thank you,

    deann.scheppele@allentate.com

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  4. With traveling and writing we share 2 of the same passions! Thanks for stopping by my blog. You definatley need to visit the SW!

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  5. I so relate to every thing you said, John.. I too love to travel.. especially the back roads where you get to enjoy the true nature of the people and place.

    You have created a wonderful blog, John.. thanks for stopping by my Florida blog!

    be well, be happy
    Pam

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