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The author's behavior is, to some extent, an attempt at anti-conformity by traveling in a way that he believes most people don't do (i.e. by staying close to lo
by dabedee 4y ago
The author's behavior is, to some extent, an attempt at anti-conformity by traveling in a way that he believes most people don't do (i.e. by staying close to locals, staying longer than a few days, avoiding popular places to experience authenticity). I think most people would in theory like to travel that way. Places that feel authentic draw people and become popular, which eventually makes those places feel less "authentic". That's the paradox. If everyone traveled and behaved like the author, then, in time, there would be less "authentic" places to discover.
- porknubbins 4y agoThis is kind of like the Heisenberg principle for travel. You can’t visit the place without having some effect on it. Though I think authenticity is a bit fetishized anyway. Some of the world’s most interesting places are fusions of multiple cultures. Like wishing for the “authentic” Mexico City before the Spanish.