NotFrench
I’ve been looking for tips on how to pack for a two week tour of Europe. It’s a business trip so, other than England, I’ll be in five other countries for only one day each, including France.

I checked the weather and all that, but I wanted someone to tell me what I’d need to bring with me, and/or generally how many times you can wear a pair of pants or a dress. Or how to wash them in your hotel or, better yet, how to make your clothes seem clean even when they’re filthy.

The only thing I could find was people trying to tell me how to fit in to the style of the place where I might be going. Especially in France. People seem REALLY worried about looking like a tourist there.

I don’t care. I don’t want that.

I’m not going to try to look like I’m from any foreign place I visit. If I look like I belong there then they’ll think I know where I’m going or have any idea what I’m doing. And if I make any cultural blunders, people will think I’m being an asshole rather than just the clueless visitor I am.

Worst of all they’ll think I don’t need their help and I sure as heck will!

I’m not going to try to hide that I’m a tourist. I think one should be proud of venturing to new places and experiencing new cultures. And anyone who feels the same way will be able to easily identify me, with my camera around my neck and my Bermuda shorts.

the author

Babe Scanlon is a writer living and working in San Francisco. She's worked as an archaeologist, computer game designer, agent at Agent Provocateur and hypnotherapist. She is controlling your mind at this very moment.

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