One of the problems American’s have, is the lack of vacation time. Europe is far away, and if you only have a few days then you focus on the ‘must see’ tourist destinations. It is a combination of wanting to see what you have heard about and wanting to show friends and family that you have seen it. Which is also why Japanese tourists aways include themselves in any picture of a landmark.
The best way would be to rent a house for a few weeks to absorb the atmosphere and culture of a place, and to go to tourist attractions at a time when there are fewer people. Sadly, that is a luxury few of us can afford.
It does astonish me that people are so keen to take their own photo at a landmark. After all, photos / postcards by a professional photographer, taken at an optimal time with no crowds, are usually available to buy. Besides – does anyone ever look at their photographs after the holiday?
Nicolas Fouquet, who built The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, was like Cardinal Wolsey. You should never build palaces and show off a magnificence and wealth greater than the Kings. He will never believe you built your palace in his honour, and it will be your downfall. They forgot the King had the power over life and death.
Nice first newsletter! I visited Giverny in the (barely) pre-social media age and I remember it being lovely. Sad it’s become a symbol of overtourism.
Wow. I’m so glad I went in the pre-selfie era. We had the place to ourselves!
One of the problems American’s have, is the lack of vacation time. Europe is far away, and if you only have a few days then you focus on the ‘must see’ tourist destinations. It is a combination of wanting to see what you have heard about and wanting to show friends and family that you have seen it. Which is also why Japanese tourists aways include themselves in any picture of a landmark.
The best way would be to rent a house for a few weeks to absorb the atmosphere and culture of a place, and to go to tourist attractions at a time when there are fewer people. Sadly, that is a luxury few of us can afford.
It does astonish me that people are so keen to take their own photo at a landmark. After all, photos / postcards by a professional photographer, taken at an optimal time with no crowds, are usually available to buy. Besides – does anyone ever look at their photographs after the holiday?
Nicolas Fouquet, who built The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, was like Cardinal Wolsey. You should never build palaces and show off a magnificence and wealth greater than the Kings. He will never believe you built your palace in his honour, and it will be your downfall. They forgot the King had the power over life and death.