When I first touched down in London, I was determined to camouflage myself as a “real Londoner.” Minimizing anything that revealed the undeniable fact that I am, indeed, a tourist was a priority, and I wanted to explore every neighborhood –– not just Westminster and Covent Garden –– and some of its hidden gems that the “typical” tourist would dismiss. I was really going to know London by the time my semester abroad wrapped up and recognize what lies beneath the city’s iconic skyline. Now being a bit more self-aware, I can admit that I may have been wrong. The past few months of traveling within and outside of the city has proven to me the indisputable value of embracing your status as a tourist.
Within my first week in London, I checked off many of the go-to sites. I roamed around the incomparable St. Paul’s Cathedral, snapped selfies in front of Tower Bridge, gazed up at Big Ben, and geeked out over the top-notch vintage at Brick Lane. I wanted to explore these destinations so I could then focus on the so-called “off-the-grid” spots and familiarize myself with the “real” London.
Of course, after three or so months in the city, my friends and I have stumbled upon a bunch of low-key local favorites, whether it’s been lesser-known pubs or markets, and we’ve ventured to the more residential neighborhoods. But, even now, none of us can casually walk by Buckingham Palace or the London Eye without grabbing a quick photo or pausing for a moment to acknowledge the sheer epicness that surrounds us. If we neglect these scenes like we assume the locals do –– and FYI, I’m not saying that they necessarily do! –– it would straight-up be sad and make us seem unappreciative of it all.
Revisiting and endlessly admiring these sites doesn’t make you a tourist. Instead, the constant appreciation and acknowledgement of this beauty establishes how you’re a thoughtful person who’s living an intentional life.
Back home in Boston, I still snap photos of the sunset as it reflects off the Pru, imagine myself living in a South End brownstone littered with potted plants, and smile to myself whenever I’m walking through the Public Garden, particularly in the spring. Certain things are “touristy” for a reason, and you should never overthink or apologize for appreciating the beauty around us –– if anything, you should spend more time taking it all in. If not, what else are we supposed to be doing while taking the time to explore? So, even if you feel that you’re a know-it-all when it comes to your city, Boston or elsewhere abroad, it’s imperative to slap on a tourist label every now and again.
