Some people travel to see places
Old buildings, ornate churches, famous landmarks…
You get my point
And there is nothing wrong with that of course
But I travel to see people
To experience other cultures
To expose myself to other ways of thought

Don’t take me to a resort
There is not much to learn there for me
The walls, the swimming pool, the restaurants
Don’t have any lessons for me
But bring me in contact with the locals
Invite me into their lives
And that will make me extremely happy

Because I’m the tourist of cultures
Not of ruins
I learn from people
Not from buildings
Rest and relaxation
I can do close to where I live
Exploring other cultures
A reason to travel for me

Don’t bring me to hotels
Bring me to homes
Where the people are
Don’t bring me to restaurants
Bring me to kitchen tables
Where the food is prepared with love
Don’t bring me to big cities
Being me to towns
Bring me to the country side

I’m a tourist of people, not of places
I’m not looking for what’s outside
Bring me inside into people’s lives, into their homes
And into their hearts!

Lida Berghuis
August 4th, 2013