Blogger Diary: The Tourist

I’ve lived in Philadelphia for nearly three months, and, while I won’t call myself a local, I feel as though I’ve finally begun the process of settling into something of a routine. I have “my” coffee shop, a few favorite vintage stores, a reliable bookstore — those haunts that make me feel less like someone passing through and more as if I actually live here.

Moving causes us to go through so many transitions in such a short period of time. We begin as tourists in our new cities or towns and for many that can be a feeling we’d like to see pass as soon as possible, we’re eager to earn the stamp of ‘local’, to find our place and begin a new kind of life. There’s a comfort in community and in being recognized by your neighbors, and I at least enjoy the feeling of being at “home,” of having a home base, wherever that may be. I still spend my weekends seeking out new experiences, but the urgency to know has lessened. There’s time, I’ll see it. That is, until, visitors arrive.

This past weekend, I hosted my very first Philly house guest: my mom, and unlike past visits when I’ve lived in a city for a couple of years, this time I had the chance to be less of a tour guide and more of a fellow tourist. The perfect excuse to slap on some sneakers and get a good dose of Philadelphia history, to trek out to the country to see a more rural Pennsylvania, and see all those things topping ‘Top 10’ lists across the Internet. That need to explore is one I don’t want to lose, sometimes it just takes an out-of-towner to remind us that breaking free of routine and being a tourist again isn’t a bad thing.

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Where have you explored lately? I’d love to know!

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9 years ago
Sara
9 years ago

I’ve lived in San Francisco for a little over a month now and I feel exactly the same way. There are still SO many neighborhoods that I’ve never been to/probably haven’t even heard of! I still feel the overwhelming urge to go out and explore during every second of spare time I have. However, I hope that this urgency never escapes me – it’s such a great thing to always have something new to explore!

xoxo Sara
http://www.restlessnomads.com

9 years ago

So fun! Love exploring! Great photos

http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com

Martha
9 years ago

Hi Julie! Having just moved to Philadelphia, I’m wondering what your favorite cafe/vintage stores/bookstores are? That sounds like a great trio of places to spend free time!

Aman
9 years ago

I will always remain a tourist in Vancouver, there always something new to explore!
http://lifturbum.blogspot.ca

9 years ago

How may I do a photo project for free people..is there a special contact
Thanks
Monika

9 years ago

Just moved to a new town…definitely understand the tourist feel. Went around town the other day just taking photos…yours turned out much better!

http://alldaydaisychains.weebly.com

9 years ago

Love this serie of photo !
There is always something to explore close to our home !

x,
Maïa
http://www.wildandfolkheart.com

9 years ago

i love that feeling, not tourist-not local. since i’ve finished high school i did not live in one place for longer than a year. it makes me feel free, it gives me so many amazing opportunities and so much energy! i moved to Philly almost one year ago (and moving out soon, yay) but with a camera that i always carry in my bag i still got that touristy-feeling. my photo-blog is a great motivation!

9 years ago

Awesome photographs <3 I love travelling but now I have school so focus on that first. But maybe, the end of 2014 I'll travel to China .

http://www.kinikunormal.blogspot.com/