Tourists

On the subway this morning, there was a flock of tourists.  You can spot them from a mile away, they are dressed in shorts and comfortable shirts at rush hour, they are drinking coffee in front of the NO FOOD OR DRINKS sign, carrying cameras, and they are talking.  One this morning was laughing, I don't know what was in her coffee cup, but "I'll have what she's having!"  On the DC subway if you are talking you are either a tourist, or the locals are double checking to make sure you are not crazy, the real nut cases have conversations on the subway, with themselves.  By this afternoon it was in the 90's and 90% humidity, the kind of weather where you can smell the tourists, you don't have to see them to know they are there.  Twice in my life I have lived in places that host a lot of tourists, 18 years in Disney World, and now almost 6 years in our nations capital.  I have a unique understanding of them. 

I love being a tourist.  I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.  When I am traveling, I look like it and I enjoy it. You'll know me when I visit your town, I will dress funny, carry a camera, and talk to strangers on public transit.  I do try not to smell like a tourist.