I would be lying if I said I don't understand holiday shopping, because I do. Just yesterday, I found the loveliest little top in a second-hand outlet. I love trawling SH clothes shops and bookstores while abroad. Especially bookstores, because tourists from all over the world have traded in their own reads from places far and wide. It creates this wonderful mishmash of world literature that I live for. I found some theater plays, too. Never have I found First Folio books so cheap. So I get the excitement of bringing home something unique and foreign. And rare. You know how few good books are published in Romania, especially in English?
One thing I could never understand, however, is the ubiquitous lines of tourists crowding stores like Versace or Gucci or whoever the fuck. Call me clueless, I personally don't know if the Gucci store in my town has different stuff than the one here in Barcelona. I don't know if Zara or H&M do, as I don't really hit those while traveling, either. Unless I've prepared poorly. But even when I'm missing something, I prefer second-hand stores. Like the one I mentioned, I went to because I want to attend some dancing events while here and realized belatedly I hadn't packed any loose stretchy pants I wouldn't mind dirtying or tearing. A nice four Euros covered my needs and I got that cute tank top thrown in. About all the holiday shopping I'm looking to do.
I kept passing these lines of people, and I'd look in, expecting it was a museum or some such. Nope. Dolce and fucking Gabanna. I keep thinking seriously, you came all this way, to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, just so you could buy some Prada or some shit? It's not even one of the fashion capitals of the world.
Dior. Excuse you me.
What beggared belief was the fact that along the Gran de Gracia, all these so-called elegant stores are housed at ground level of some of the most exciting, most unique buildings ever made. Like we're talking architectural wow-wow. And these people are pouring over their phones, or peering in irritated, wondering how much longer it's gonna be. I bet they haven't even taken their mandatory selfie in front of Casa Vicens yet.
I wanted to walk over and shake them. Look the fuck up. You're missing it. You're in one of the most beautiful places in the world and you're actually letting it slip by.
How can you?
A lot of people talk about not wanting to look like a tourist while abroad. I don't. I mean, I'm not gonna do the selfies and the mandatory museums that all websites copy-paste from one another. But I don't care about looking like a tourist. I walk around with my plate-eyes, constantly stumbling for all the looking up and around I'm doing. They do say you should see Barcelona for the buildings, and I'm not about to miss a fucking window pane.
I don't know, maybe these people got money. (Accidentally typed monet. Somehow, I doubt that.) Maybe a trip to Barcelona is nothing much to them. Maybe they're here all the time and are bored of the architecture and the sheer wonder of how a place can look like this. If that's money, I hope I never get it, though. What's the point of walking through life, if you're gonna keep your head down and just for good measure, keep on a permanent scowl?
Fuck it. Enjoy yourself. Be a fucking tourist. Take the time to gawk at the life that's passing you by. Before it passes.
If I were to migrate anywhere Barcelona would be it,my absolute fav place. Make sure you visit Sagrada familia and let me know if they have finished it yet?
I remember the first time I was in NYC in the 1980's as a teen, everyone told me "Don't look up, they'll know you're a tourist and you'll get robbed." Lol.
Ugh, designer crap. It reminds me of those American tourists who seek out familiar restaurant franchises while traveling or stay in all-inclusive resorts and never leave the grounds. I always think, why even travel if you stay inside of your bubble? Speaking of designer stuff I just heard it costs Louis Vuitton less than $100 to make bags they charge over $1,500 for. Lemmings, I tell you.
Ha that makes sense. Now it seems to be more a matter of looking cool or something.
I was just passing one, I don't remember which, and thinking why? Why come all this way so you can have the exact same hamburger? Baffling. Lemmings, indeed.
I 100% echo your sentiment @honeydue!
Missing out on what a destination is all about, for the sake of owning a piece of Gucci, is superficial beyond belief!
Empty lives, empty spaces!
I don't care what people think when I'm taking photos of what some may deem nonsensical, but is something I want to capture of a beautiful destination.
PS Gucci etc often is found at 'pre-loved' stores, I've found some gems at a fraction of the original price, sometimes still with original store labels!
I read this yesterday but didn't get to comment. However,your words were on my mind while taking my own nonsensical photos. I still hope sometimes people will follow my gaze, what the hell she looking at, and maybe see the damn beauty they're surrounded by.
I knowww! Funnily enough, a lot of these people who spring for designer labels wouldn't be caught dead in one of these stores. Oh well, their loss..
Their loss exactly! However, here in SA, many of those dolly birds are smarter than their peers and are selling their designer wear on online stores like Yaga.
Oh hey, you're abroad! (Sorry--just catching up.) So glad to hear that, because I know how much travelling means to you! I hope know you're having a great time!
Secondhand for us too, all the way. Plus, if you're travelling in a foreign city, think of all the extra history you're interacting with by wearing somebody else's clothes!
Right? Especially in a place where foreigners are constantly coming and going. Who knows who wore this shirt before me? It holds room for a story and I can't resist that.
And thanks! I am. Barcelona's got a great energy and seems very friendly so far (despite reports). How are you guys? <3
We're good, thanks! So, so busy. Maybe some big changes on the way. Maybe something that'll free up a little time to get writing again, hopefully!
I was in Stockholm and Copenhagen recently and walkrd past Louis Vuitton in both cities. In both cases there was a queue with people waiting to get inside. You're prepared to spend multiple thousand $/€ and still have to wait in the sun before you even get to see the product? Luckily I'm past the luxury handbags stage now
I completely feel ya. Then again, I feel that implies having a taste of your own (which would need to see it before deciding), and I doubt many of these people can claim that.
Thank you so much!
Yee, that's true, the building is beautiful, and it's not really good to see something that is beautiful and unique and say it is not, nice photos, so impressive 🥰🙏