TOURISM

As a frequent traveler, I struggle with the responsibility and contradictions that come from being a conscious outsider. When I find myself acting like a typical tourist, I have to laugh and accept the reality of the circumstances. I try to take a step back and observe the obsurdity in it all.

What makes certain places tourist destinations? What is the relationship between you and the people in that particular culture?

How many times have we been bombarded by images of a certain place and then in reality, does being there in person live up to your expectations? Why do people feel the need to photograph themselves in a place? Do you really need a picture of yourself standing in front of an attraction to remember what it felt like to be there? As much as I try to distance myself from the typical tourist, are we really that different? What is it like to have a communal travel experience? All of these questions and more come to mind.

I like finding irony in these situations.