I'm sure that I'm not the first to have this idea; there are likely whole industries, from mom-and-pop to Amalgamated GeeWhizzery, Inc, doing it. I just don't know of any, and if I had to find one, I don't know how I'd start. But --
I read an interesting entry on LiveToLearn Mom's blog about her family's trip to London, and specifically about how great they thought the British Museum was. I agree; when we went, we were delighted by what we saw there. She spent more time there than we did, but not at all wasted, and we know that if we go back (WHEN we go back), that'll be a major destination. (Her earlier posts on other parts of the same trip are well worth reading, too.)
Which is when my thought popped up: Wonder if you can 'hire' knowledgeable locals when you are on such a trip to advise you on things you want to know about doing what you want to do? Don't take the tube before 8:30; If you're near Trafalgar, do go to this museum; The Changing of the Guard is overrated and supercrowded; Here's a restaurant you'll probably like. Not tour guides, and not supercilious "Oh, if you go there, you simply MUST see this, else, the trip is wasted" people. Just folks who are knowledgeable and friendly, willing to share that unbiased knowledge with you ... for a price.
It must exist!
1 comment:
I'm glad you liked the posts. I've thought the same thing before and have taken it upon myself to ask waiters, students, bus drivers, etc (aka, total strangers) all kinds of things - my favorite question is "Where would you go if you wanted to completely amaze and/or disgust your new girl/boyfriend's mom - without it seeming like you were trying to do that?" You get GREAT ideas on what to do and what to avoid.
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