Don't get me wrong, I have no problem being a tourist. I walk around with a fucking map, embracing this status. The thing is, despite my pale skin and ever-increasing freckles (compliments of the Russian side of my family, giving me half of my affinity for alcohol (I'm genetically gifted) and the likelihood that I will one day get skin cancer), I don't necessarily stick out that much. Here is why:
Reasons Why Sarah Doesn't Look Like the Israeli Equivalent of "Super Gringo" (family joke):
Firstly, I need to clarify. In Spanish, gringo means American/Dirty Foreigner. When we would go to Mexico to visit my uncles, my dad used to say that he was Super Gringo because he speaks almost no Spanish and basically sticks out (he and I have the same/similar complexion). However, while my dad was joking, I do not think that he is Super Gringo. While my dad might not speak a lot of Spanish, he speaks what he knows and asks questions. He is respectful. He is a foreigner, yes, and a tourist, but not a loud and obnoxious one. He takes an interest in the culture.
Even though I am living in Jerusalem for the summer, I definitely consider myself a tourist. The minute I stop becoming a tourist is the minute I take up permanent or semi-permanent residence in Israel. Being fluent in Hebrew would be a plus. So, here are characteristics which separate the respectful tourist/very temporary resident from a Super Gringo:
1. Don't be loud. As a person who talks very loudly (my voice carries/I come from a loud family/random excuse), I go out of my way to follow this rule. I think people talk louder in the US.
2. Take the time to learn the area. Even if you're in a place for less than a week, you are probably revisiting at least some of the places. Walking around looking like you are insanely lost is fine, as long as it is only the first or second time.
3. Avoid tacky tourist wear. Those shirts you see people selling? They are called souvineers for a reason. Their purpose is to remind you of your vacation...after the fact. There are other nitty gritty dressing details, but they vary based on location. I will say this: as long as it doesn't have a logo of some sort that gives it away (or isn't a Hawaiian-style shirt), you're probably safe. Personally, I'm not sure where I stand on hats. I know, they protect you from the sun, but I don't normally see locals wearing hats. When I wear a hat, I go for a baseball cap. I have a white Addidas cap (the only one in the store that fit my large head) that will hopefully be less...crisply white by the end of the trip. I also wear Asics most days. This is because one of the tendons on the top part of my right foot is being weird and I think my sandals caused that. Plus, if I'm doing lots of walking/any running, sandals suck. Plus, they are no longer glaringly white like the hat I almost never wear. That helps. Basically, I try and minimize the number of times I leave the apartment dressed like I'm at summer camp (except when I go jogging).
5. Speak their language. Unless I have no clue what is going on, I try to speak Hebrew to people. If I have major questions, I ask them in English, because I want to make sure I understand. Sure, it's obvious I'm foreign, even when I speak Hebrew. But I'm making an effort.
So yeah. Also, I don't take pictures because I feel weird, being the only person taking pictures. I have yet to run into a Birthright group. I might be a tourist, but I'm a tourist who is flying solo. I like that.
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