Monday, August 16, 2010

tourist in my town

I live across the country from most of my family and good friends. While the negatives of this outweigh the positives, I have to admit that there is one really good thing about living far away…and that is having visitors! It is not only fantastic to hang out and catch up with friends but to take them around town and act as a tourist is always a highlight of having friends fly in.

This past weekend was one of the best I’ve had this summer and I have to give thanks to the out of town visitor who was the driving force behind our trip to Tofino where the beautiful beaches and the chance to surf always create amazing memories. Taking someone to a fantastic spot that showcases the beauty of my side of the country not only gives me a chance to show off why I love where I live but also to take advantage of all there is to offer. There is so much to take in all around me and sometimes without the push of a foreign friend, it’s hard not to take for granted all that there is to experience. To be able to pull out my camera and see the sights as if I’m seeing them for the first time becomes a bit of a proud moment - and I don’t have to feel like a dork for taking tons of pictures of the mountains that surround me every day or the park that I’ve walked through many times before.

I love being a tourist in my own town but sometimes, without an actual tourist to give me the excuse to act in awe of my own area, it’s easy to say, maybe next time, or, one of these days. But visitors are a great excuse to try out that fancy restaurant that everyone talks about or take a tour bus around town to the sights you‘ve heard so much about. Sometimes, you just never know what your city has to offer until somebody else is around to see it. Anyone want to come visit?

What’s it like to be a tourist in your town? Where do you take visitors?

PS Thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes...what a way to make a girl feel loved! Too sweet!

17 comments:

christine, just bella said...

Vancouver area is one of my favourite weekend getaways!! I've yet to go to Tofino buy am dying to check it out... so beautiful :)

Allison said...

Surfing in Tofino is on my list of things to do.

T said...

I feel like I am still a tourist in my town, but I have it easy and take visitors to the beach!

Diana Mieczan said...

I love when friends and family visit us....I pretty much always feel like a visitor as we move so much....Glad you are having a wonderful summer,sweetie:)

Kisses

k said...

haha yah, i feel like a tourist too and i DEFINITELY appear to be one because I speak english and not german :)

Good South said...

I definitely feel like a tourist and I do always feel a little lame when I haven't been somewhere or know about something so I think it's awesome to get out and explore!
When family or friends come to town, the first thing I think is :FOOD. where can i take them?! haha. but we love some good food!

-elizabeth

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Usually if someone is in MY town I have to take them across the river to Minnesota. There's not a whole lot to do in my small little town.

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

I LOVE being a tourist in my own town. I live in NYC so it's kind of easy to do because there's a lot of attractions. What I love most is walking around the city and taking pictures.

Molly Page said...

A year ago when I made my Ultimate To DO list (basically a bucket list...) I specifically put "Enjoy my city like a tourist would." And I did so for the exact reasons your mention in this post. We were having visitors pretty regularly (we too live away from family) and realized there were lots of fun things to do - that we only did when visitors were here. So, I can honestly say in the last year we have lived like tourists, and it's been a lot of fun.

Chelsea Talks Smack said...

I love beign a tourist for the day, love- and that last photo is GORGEOUS!

Viva La Fashion said...

the beach looks amazing! :) sigh.

Nicki said...

This is SO true. I live near San Francisco and I've lived here all my life. However, I still feel like there is still so much more to see and do! I can never grow bored of it!

Beth Dotolo said...

I so need to apply that mindset. There is so much in my city that I have to see!
Lovely blog... so glad to have found it!

My Owl Barn said...

I spent some time in Vancouver last year and it's a wonderful place. I can't wait to go back!

paislea said...

i love your blog! thanks for the comment on mine! i hope you come back and follow!

allisterbee.blogspot.com

Holly Knitlightly said...

I want to go to Vancouver SO badly.

There isn't a whole lot to do in my town, usually people will go to Niagara Falls or Toronto if they're visiting my town.

ag. said...

I would love to be a tourist in NYC or San Fran...definitely on my list of places to visit!

Hope you all enjoy your cities and the surrounding areas!