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I hate to admit, but I've failed my promise of contribution to MSR ever since September. Here I am again, penning a bi-monthly Editor's Letter for the second time. Life is beginning to settle gradually after my recent three-month stint of travelling, thus finding time on hand to finally browse through the massive digital archives full of travel media while considering which of these destinations should I start with. If you're wondering how many places I've visited, let's just say that I'm spoilt for choices when it comes to picking an album for posting.
Being to several places around in Europe had not only allowed me to visually savour the vast scenic landscapes that always seem to be in abundance, I have also immersed myself in the local culture as part of a learning experience. I guess that's one of the major differences between a tourist and a traveller. Usually you will see tourists flocking to the major attractions as depicted in their travel guidebooks, rapidly snapping stills of the spot as well as shots of themselves with the attraction before rushing to the next listed attraction. They've probably covered it all together with the local delicacies and purchases that they will pursue at tourist traps, so what exactly are these people really missing out?
The people. The natives also constitute a part to the whole of the city, providing it with the needed character or identity. It is often the people's way of lives and their behavorial habits that tend to give bits and pieces of the city's cultural identity away to unsuspecting travellers like yours truly, for example. Let's see, hmm. Scandinavians are a group of nice people in line with Belgians. Italians' passion in daily life is probably a tad bit too much for my taste while the Frenchs are possibly one of the most liberal and open-minded people in Europe, especially those of the City of Lights. These aspects are not easily experienced by the typical tourists available in bus loads, they will need to communicate with them. Hearing them speak the native tongue may sometimes lead to an interesting encounter, even though it may fall upon your ears many a times as alien talk. Just smile back at them and give them your widest grin, that usually work wonders.
Being to several places around in Europe had not only allowed me to visually savour the vast scenic landscapes that always seem to be in abundance, I have also immersed myself in the local culture as part of a learning experience. I guess that's one of the major differences between a tourist and a traveller. Usually you will see tourists flocking to the major attractions as depicted in their travel guidebooks, rapidly snapping stills of the spot as well as shots of themselves with the attraction before rushing to the next listed attraction. They've probably covered it all together with the local delicacies and purchases that they will pursue at tourist traps, so what exactly are these people really missing out?
The people. The natives also constitute a part to the whole of the city, providing it with the needed character or identity. It is often the people's way of lives and their behavorial habits that tend to give bits and pieces of the city's cultural identity away to unsuspecting travellers like yours truly, for example. Let's see, hmm. Scandinavians are a group of nice people in line with Belgians. Italians' passion in daily life is probably a tad bit too much for my taste while the Frenchs are possibly one of the most liberal and open-minded people in Europe, especially those of the City of Lights. These aspects are not easily experienced by the typical tourists available in bus loads, they will need to communicate with them. Hearing them speak the native tongue may sometimes lead to an interesting encounter, even though it may fall upon your ears many a times as alien talk. Just smile back at them and give them your widest grin, that usually work wonders.
Snow covered Oslo on Thursday, but it's gone for now. I missed my chance at snow since I was away from town for the weekend. I guess that marked the beginning of winter and I shall be seeing snow in the days to come.
Till then, take care and do check back for more updates and content. Ha det.
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