!Yo Diggity!

This was the greeting I had when I got to Barcelona last weekend: “Why call it tourist season if we can’t shoot them?”. That’s one way to help the visitors feel special!! haha I’m kidding, actually. I didn’t see this sign as I entered the country, I saw it while at one of the city’s crazily beautiful parks. This park had been designed by Barcelona’s most prominent artist: Antoni Gaudí. Before making my trek to Barcelona, I didn’t know who Gaudi was. However, after touring around a bit I realized that I was familiar with his style and some of his most famous works. And now, I would say that he is probably one of my most favorite artists!! Anyway - back to the warm greeting I had. I want to say that I was not actually offended with this statement/warning which was posted in plain view of all tourists who come to this park. I embraced it. You might think this is weird… but let me explain. After living in a city which is a popular tourist destination (Budapest), I would say that I do empathize with the folks (likely natives) who posted the sign. Each summer, the big, pink, convertible bus fires up it’s engine, cafe’s spill onto the street with their gaudy tourist menus, big, obnoxious signs are posted everywhere advertising museums/tours/gift shops and don’t forget about the students standing their posts on every street corner-armed with flyers. On my way home from work or out to dinner in the evenings it is common to see a hoard of young American’s yelling obscenities and being totally obnoxious. When I go for my run in the morning I have to weave around the gangs of early rising Chinese and Japanese tourists on Vaci Utca. The city does change because of the influx of people. In Barcelona this weekend, I, myself , could see and hear (those darn American’s… grrr…) that the city is very much affected by the tourists. And rightly so. It is one cool, cool city. Much like Berlin, Germany it is really a place that welcomes artists and musicians. There is so much character in each building, park and shop. The city is also attractive because of the people that live there. The same people who are putting up signs such as the one I saw. As much as I embrace the sign which was posted and empathize with those natives who are affected by the influx of tourists, I also want to say that I embrace these tourists, and the tourist season. Not only is tourism one huge benefit to the local economy, but those people who come from all over the world to see the city and experience the culture there may take away something back to their own home. Whether it be a new style, a new color, a different way of dealing with people or just an extra bounce in their step. Whatever they take home, one thing is for certain: they were open enough to see and experience a strange land, a new country, a different culture. They are open to understanding something which is different from themselves… and embrace it. Those loud Americans - I think they are the most obnoxious only because I can actually understand what they are saying. But you know, I just have to be thankful that they at least took a step out there to experience something new and that is actually more than many. Will they learn not to be so darn rude? Chance are that they will… eventually… especially if they keep traveling. They’ll run across a sign like I did and they’ll wonder why the tourists aren’t welcome. And they’ll know. So all I have to say to the sign makers is: thanks for the laugh…. and the hint.