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Even the most inexperienced traveler can tell you
about the two distinctly different classes of globetrotters. No matter
if those with plane tickets in-hand are from Germany or Japan, Slovenia
or the States, every country in the world both spits out and attracts
two different classes of travelers.
Let's call the first class "The Tourists". The
Tourist is someone who travels for the main purpose of indulging,
pampering, and escaping their humdrum reality. While Tourists are
usually interested in the foreign culture, architecture, and cuisine
that surrounds them; when it comes down to it, about the closest
interest they have in meeting and mingling with local folks is when they
need help with their luggage. Cultural intimacy is not their plan, a
well-removed vacation is. The Tourist can most easily be identified by
the expensive luggage on wheels, crisply creased clothes, expensive
jewelry, and can usually be spotted poolside, beach-side, or touring on
an air-con bus in a large group.
The second class of world seeker we'll call "The
Travelers". Like The Tourists, The Travelers cling to their own travel
agenda; but The Traveler is out to discover reality, not escape it. The
Traveler might dabble by the poolside from time to time, but their main
interest is in exploring the country and culture. Travelers can usually
be identified by their dusty, overstuffed packs, sweat-stained clothes,
messy hair, and big old smile on their dirty faces.
You see, while some people travel in search of the
perfect aprés-golf margarita, others travel in search of life-changing
spiritual fulfillment. Drastically different motivations, yes, but each
has its own place. And while in my last column,
"Stop and Taste the Menudo", I stressed the importance of not
overdosing on classic Tourist tendencies; this time around, I thought
I'd talk to the Viajeras about taking care of themselves and playing
Tourist for a day if need be-for the benefit of their health, their
trip, and for the benefit of the locals.
I've seen the heartiest of hard-core Travelers
snap. Even the most curious and kind-hearted souls can only be pushed so
far before they suffer a momentary lapse of politeness and tell a local
to shove off because they tried to sell them an overpriced bottle of
water. And when it gets to this, it hurts. It hurts the image of all
foreigners, it hurts the local who's just trying to make a living, and
it hurts you as The Traveler because you've just stopped absorbing your
surroundings and have shut yourself off to them. Traveling is a
well-rounded balance, and if you're hot, tired, dehydrated, and
stressed, sometimes you have to get down off your adventure pedestal and
pamper yourself already, Girl!
When I was in Cuba with my boyfriend, we were
traveling as down and dirty as we could. Bedbugs, roadside eateries,
local buses, fans not air-con. And while it was all great fun and
absolutely rewarding, after two weeks, we started to get edgy, three
weeks and we wanted to strangle each other. We were spreading ourselves
too thin, and our depleted physical and emotional states really started
to affect the quality of our trip. So no matter how much we detested the
idea of it (or not), we knew what we had to do. We dug deep in our
pockets and splurged on a beautiful, air-con Havana flat for a couple of
days. And let me tell you, those two days of ringing room service,
watching satellite TV, and cranking the air-con to arctic levels
rejuvenated our travel gusto to the point that when we left, we looked
upon the country, the masses, even the sweaty, rickety buses with fresh
eyes. We were rested, patient, happy, and ready to dive in all over
again. In short, those two days of playing The Tourist saved the virtue
of our trip, and while it was really hard to scrape up the cash and (not
so) hard to justify the princess treatment, the much-needed break was
worth every five-dollar cup of room-service coffee.
You see, traveling can be tough for The Traveler.
Don't let those strong, tanned arms supporting a hefty backpack fool
you, even the heartiest of Travelers need a little pampering once in
awhile. The overstuffed buses, the sun, the roadside food, the pack, and
the annoying catcalls can wear on you. At the same time, it's all
incredibly interesting and challenging, and the experience gives you a
taste of real local life. Just remember-it's okay to step away. Let go
of your invincible Traveler image, regain your strength, refocus on your
quest. Just as The Tourist can benefit by jumping on the local bus once
in awhile, so can The Traveler by relaxing by the pool and having a cute
boy in a speedo bring her margaritas. As I mentioned before, it's all a
matter of balance. Lock yourself away in a four-star hotel and you may
never see the country, but run yourself sick and ragged and you'll never
truly experience it.
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