Tourist phobia.

Hands up if you agree that the hot spot for tourists in every city is the old town area! Or maybe it’s just like that in Stockholm. And despite the fact that I really like the old town here, I hardly go there. Because tourists give me the creeps. Don’t get me wrong, I love to travel myself! But when I’m on vacation I try to keep a low profile and blend in with everyone else. Because I know how annoying tourists can be.

But yesterday I went there on purpose, to go on tourist hunt. And five minutes later I already regretted that decision! But here is what I discovered:

A good identifier is always: caps, backpack, camera on hand:

© Jule Helmke

They always stand in the middle of the street to take nice pictures of each other

© Jule Helmke

© Jule Helmke

They buy stuff, that they will never ever use again once they are home

© Jule Helmke

They always appear in groups

© Jule Helmke

But please don’t get me wrong, I’m not a people hater or a cynic. Sometimes it just feels like if tourists think they are the only people on earth… So if you happen to be on vacation with your loved ones, turn around before you just stop on the middle of the street to take a picture and don’t occupy whole streets when you are in bigger groups. To keep up the common well-being

Next stop: Central station.

I’m aware of that the people around me are thinking “What’s wrong with her?” when they see me taking pictures of every doorknob and every tree, like a freaking tourist. But today someone finally had the guts to come and talk to me!! So, I’m at the Central Station taking pictures and stuff, when suddenly there’s this guy standing next to me. Out of nowhere! He asks me what I’m doing, so I tell him that I’m taking pictures for my blog. Then he just stares at me and goes “You are german” (definitely not a question!) I didn’t know if I should be impressed that he noticed it so fast or just be scared! Finally he asks me what my blog is called and after I tell him he says “You should name it julejesuslovesyou. Because he does! God bless you, Jule.” I just stare back at him with a big fat question mark on my face. And then he’s gone. WTF? Who’s freaky now…

© Jule Helmke