You would expect that people coming to NY would have learned the difference between an express and a local train, but no.

In Chicago the annoyance is very localized. Every time I walk up Michigan ave north of the river I remember why I never ever do that. Outside of that stretch, it's a lot less traumatic. In DC, it was mostly around the metro that got tough. Which all goes to reinforce Jessica's point, that it's the areas where a busy local scene intersect with masses of tourists, and where they impact your mobility, that are the sore points. Outside of that I don't much care one way or another.

The other place that the tourist slagging comes up, I think, is when you see the masses all lined up and blocking the sidewalk in order to get into something like the Cheesecake Factory. Which is probably still unfair, but I think most locals wherever you are more welcoming to people who seem to have some interest in things that make the city unique, or are at least aware that mega-chains aren't it.

I had two people ask me about the trains in NYC. I'll take that as a sign that I blended.

Heh. The times I've been asked directions (as opposed to seeing people look confused, and taking pity, which I've done many times as a resident of DC), I've never been sure if I look like a native, or just like a tourist who knows what she's doing/has maps. I mean...I got asked by a nun, in Paris, where the library was. But I doubt I looked Parisian...

I got asked by a nun, in Paris, where the library was.

She was hitting on you.

What did you end up ordering?

I got the bacon, cheddar, and scallion omelet with potatoes. It also came with grapes and slices of pineapple. If we go back, I think I will eventually work my way through their menu.

I got asked by a nun, in Paris, where the library was.

Is it possible it was the only French she knew? "Ou est la bilbiotheque?" is a pretty time-honored phrase from high school French courses.

I wonder how you say "nun" in French.

It could be worse. I can't even get the "natives" here to move out of the way so I can get on the train. Le sigh.

ETA: A nun is a "religieuse", which is also the name of a tasty cream-puff pastry.

You would expect that people coming to NY would have learned the difference between an express and a local train, but no.

Hey, I have no idea what the difference is, and I've been to NY.

(OK, I was there with my NY host, so she took me to see places without me experiencing the wonders of getting lost).

But I was almost angry at people with Israeli t-shirts (that's to say, shirts in Hebrew that you only get to see in Israel. Like "end of combat course, December 2004"). You're going to a new part of the world. Try new things, not your brother/boyfriend's shirts!

Ack. Doop post.

Which is probably still unfair, but I think most locals wherever you are more welcoming to people who seem to have some interest in things that make the city unique, or are at least aware that mega-chains aren't it.

Teh internets have helped with this immensely, in my case. Sometimes chains are destination simply because people have a fear of the unfamiliar. So now I use Yelp or something to find some good places that aren't chains.

As much as tourists can be annoying? I still want them in SF. I remember what the city was like after the dot com crash, and Sept. 11. It was dead. Favorite restaurants died. Hotels closed up. Lots of stores went out of business. The result wasn't pretty. So, when I am annoyed with a tourist, and wanna bang 'em on the head with my umbrella, I take a breath and thank goodness they chose SF to spend a holiday.