I read a conversation on Twitter the other day that went something like this:
"Has anyone been to #Liverpool? I'm thinking of popping there one weekend. Any advice? #ttot #travel
Edinburgh is nicer :)
Is it far from Liverpool?
About a 4 hour drive haha
I'd say there are definitely better places in the UK!! Edinburgh or Glasgow. Basically just anywhere in Scotland.. It's way better ;)"
The person asking the question about Liverpool has now decided to travel to Edinburgh instead.
I see these kinds of conversations on Twitter, and in chat forums such as the Lonely Planets Thorn Tree all of the time. I understand it. If you've experienced something that you love, you're passionate about, and you want to share with other people, then it's a perfectly natural way to react. I'm sure that their feedback was not without merit. Edinburgh is a beautiful city; the fringe festival is one of the most amazing festivals I've ever been to, and the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming despite the invasion of tourists that outnumber the locals.
The bias is especially true when we recommend the place where we live. Have you ever criticised a city in front of somebody who lives there? They can become very defensive. They have grown to love that place. It may have been an instant attraction, or it may be a strong appreciation that has built up over many years, or a lifetime.
"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it" - Confucious
When you visit any city in the world, you're experiencing the world of many thousands of people who live in, and love that city. It's easy to buy a guidebook, and to go and see the city's top 10 attractions for instant gratification and to save yourself a wasted day. But don't we lose out on the very sense of adventure that spurred us to travel the world? It can take time to get under the skin of a place and to really feel what makes it tick.
Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008. Check out Liverpool's art scene. Of course, it's most famous for being the birthplace of The Beatles. But it's also home to other oldies such as The Farm, and newer stuff like The Coral and The Zutons. It has the oldest and one of the largest Chinese communities in Europe. Albert Dock has the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings and Stanley Dock has the largest brick building in the world. Not a city person? How about a trip out to Formby Beach? I'm not skimming the surface yet..
But I digress. You see this isn't about Liverpool or Edinburgh. It's more about travel, and what it means to the individual. It's about appreciating and understanding where you are.
If you are a traveller who simply wants to skim the cream from the sites of the world, you will soon run out of "top 10's". You will be forever trying to out-do your own previous experiences. If you take the time to appreciate where you are, and what makes others love, really love, the place that you have found yourself in, then you can sustain more than a lifetime of memorable and "top" moments.
"Has anyone been to #Liverpool? I'm thinking of popping there one weekend. Any advice? #ttot #travel
Edinburgh is nicer :)
Is it far from Liverpool?
About a 4 hour drive haha
I'd say there are definitely better places in the UK!! Edinburgh or Glasgow. Basically just anywhere in Scotland.. It's way better ;)"
The person asking the question about Liverpool has now decided to travel to Edinburgh instead.
I see these kinds of conversations on Twitter, and in chat forums such as the Lonely Planets Thorn Tree all of the time. I understand it. If you've experienced something that you love, you're passionate about, and you want to share with other people, then it's a perfectly natural way to react. I'm sure that their feedback was not without merit. Edinburgh is a beautiful city; the fringe festival is one of the most amazing festivals I've ever been to, and the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming despite the invasion of tourists that outnumber the locals.
The bias is especially true when we recommend the place where we live. Have you ever criticised a city in front of somebody who lives there? They can become very defensive. They have grown to love that place. It may have been an instant attraction, or it may be a strong appreciation that has built up over many years, or a lifetime.
"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it" - Confucious
When you visit any city in the world, you're experiencing the world of many thousands of people who live in, and love that city. It's easy to buy a guidebook, and to go and see the city's top 10 attractions for instant gratification and to save yourself a wasted day. But don't we lose out on the very sense of adventure that spurred us to travel the world? It can take time to get under the skin of a place and to really feel what makes it tick.
Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008. Check out Liverpool's art scene. Of course, it's most famous for being the birthplace of The Beatles. But it's also home to other oldies such as The Farm, and newer stuff like The Coral and The Zutons. It has the oldest and one of the largest Chinese communities in Europe. Albert Dock has the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings and Stanley Dock has the largest brick building in the world. Not a city person? How about a trip out to Formby Beach? I'm not skimming the surface yet..
 |
| Formby Beach, near Liverpool |
But I digress. You see this isn't about Liverpool or Edinburgh. It's more about travel, and what it means to the individual. It's about appreciating and understanding where you are.
If you are a traveller who simply wants to skim the cream from the sites of the world, you will soon run out of "top 10's". You will be forever trying to out-do your own previous experiences. If you take the time to appreciate where you are, and what makes others love, really love, the place that you have found yourself in, then you can sustain more than a lifetime of memorable and "top" moments.
Hi, just hopped across after your comment on our blog. We love travelling this wonderful country of ours too. Liverpool is a great city, we had a fantastic week there. Will definitely go back. Travelling by boat is the best way; you get to stay in the centre of things in your own home!
ReplyDelete