Playing the proper tourist

A friend recently returned from a visit outside the country and was sharing her experience with me. She described how beautiful and clean and orderly the place was, and the number of different landmarks she saw. What was interesting was that her host was just as impressed as she was with some of the landmarks, which apparently she had never seen before! How now, when she is the one who actually lives there?

This was quite a twist -- usually it is the locals who are unimpressed with the features -- natural or man-made - that are part of their everyday scenery; indeed these features tend to become invisible over time and it is left up to excited tourists (and paid tour guides) to make them visible again. I am one of those visitors who gets excited by landscapes, unusual architecture and historical monuments. For instance, I never fail to experience awe when passing View Point on the way to or from the western parts of the country. On the last day of last year, I finally had the opportunity, for the first time ever, to actually stop and take photos while enjoying the breath-taking views of the Rift Valley.

About three years ago, I got a chance to visit a niece who has lived in the Big Apple since she was about nine-years-old. She is now a grown woman running her own business, yet she has never toured this famous city that has been her home for 20-plus years. But she was kind enough to indulge me as I snapped away at fire trucks, yellow cabs and yes, even street signs! She, however, distanced herself when I stopped a real, live and in the flesh NYPD officer for a selfie. The kind policewoman informed me that they were not allowed to take photos with passers-by, but if I could pretend to be asking her directions to some place, my niece could grab a shot of the two of us. And so that is exactly what we did. By the way I thought my convincing ‘lost tourist’ performance was worthy of a Broadway appearance, but maybe that’s just me.

It was during a two-day bus tour of the city’s famous landmarks, including the highly impressive Manhattan skyline by night, that my niece admitted that was the first time she was appreciating all the different things that drew such large numbers of visitors to the place she called home. On the ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty, it was easy to pick out the giddy tourists from their bored companions. We all had our phones out, clicking away at the green lady with the burning torch, while they were seated on the benches, heads bent and eyes focused on their social media statuses.

Selfie with Naija monument

Last month our older daughter and I travelled to the western part of Africa to visit family. As we were being driven around, I happened to spot a monument that I usually see when I am watching Naija movies at home. As a diehard fan of Nollywood productions, I was not about to let such an opportunity pass me by. Without hesitation I asked the driver if it would be possible to get close and take a photo. Thankfully the man was very agreeable so we were able to take selfies with the monument behind us, much to my delight.

Closer home, a good friend and ardent camper has been unveiling the wonders to be found in different parts of this country. I have been longing to join her but there is one problem -- I hate camping. Not that I have ever tried it, but the thought of sleeping outdoors with a thick bedsheet (aka tent) posing as both shelter and protection from the elements and all kinds of wildlife, bugs included, is just not my scene. She did however reveal a resort near the jungle where she camped and we agreed it might work -– her in her tent on the hard ground outside, me in my room indoors with brick walls, soft bed, hot water and proper loo. That way we can remain friends and share our love of travel together.