Sunday, July 19, 2009

Tourists Come in All Sizes, Shapes and Shades of Red

I love to people watch and recently while at Disney...while all others in my party risked life and limb on a roller coaster ride...I had the opportunity!
We in Florida love our tourists...really...and if anyone here ever gives you the impression otherwise, you remind them it's because of you that we don't have a state income tax!

So...it is with love in my heart that I offer these observations...

For the love of God and all that is holy please put some clothes on those pale translucent white limbs and some sun block... say like 100 spf. Your bright red tender flesh reminds me how quickly shrimp cook in a fry pan!

Some fashion advice...even a 51 year old grandmother (me) knows you do not wear white or brown socks with flip flops...I mean really...I don't know how you say "Dork" in France but we here in Florida have a mental picture of you now to put in our dictionary.

Also...when your small child says..."Mom, I think I am going to be sick..." you have maybe, at most three seconds to get ready for vomit!
I must say Miss woman from New York...you don't seem to know the meaning of a New York Minute...but your small daughter does!

And...lady talking on your cell phone about your grandchildren and your daughter-in-law...I almost slapped you! (again, with only love-in-my-heart)
With everyone listening because you have a big and insensitive mouth you disparaged your grandchildren aged 11 and 13 by saying they are ungrateful brats because their mother hasn't taught them any better... I wondered what you have taught them!

To the older couple who sat with their disabled daughter in the wheel chair while she cooed like a baby...I saw you watching other people as I watched you...I know you felt badly about envying others. I hope my speaking to your daughter and she cooing to me made it a little easier.Thank you for sharing that it was her fourth birthday...I saw the tears well up in both your eyes when I said she was beautiful and she is...and so are both of you! I treasure this memory.

I saw much more...

23 comments:

Judy Schwartz Haley | CoffeeJitters.Net said...

so interesting to take a moment and marvel at the variety in people.

Ash said...

We were there over 4th of July - I wish I had thought of using my camera to capture some of the human sites - but then I would've had to figure out how to use those black boxes over faces. Wow.

Hands down, the best place in the world to people watch.

Ginger said...

Great post, it fits most tourists perfectly. I've been in Vegas for the past week and talk about tourists...whew you really see some strange ones here. But they keep Nevada green when they are spending money. No state tax here either.

Karyn said...

Oh you had me cracking up, until the end and then you made me cry. You are the most thoughtful person to talk to the parents of the handicaped girl. xo

Rhonda said...

I'm with Karen on this one. She basically stole my comment ... only she left hers first, so I can't really say that, can I? That was so awesome of you! And the fact that it meant as much to you as it did to them means something. A whole lot of something.

And seriously?? No income tax??? Gawd, we get taxed on EVERYTHING here!! Probably about 70% of our incomes goes to the government in some form. (Income, property, sales, unemployment etc etc)

And you killed me on your bad drivers comment on my blog!!!

JennyMac said...

So funny and SO true...Disney is like a nonstop people watching explosion. Love your bits but the last one almost made me cry. Very sweet.

Brenda said...

I too love that our tourists help the state economy. My observations:

1. Foreign countries must have a different concept of standing in line than the US - just because you have 50 people in your group from South America and you are all wearing the same neon yellow shirt does NOT mean you can cut the line to join the one member of your group holding a flag at the front of the line.

2. To the foreign family behind us in line at Typhoon Lagoon yesterday - just because we choose to leave some personal space between us and the family in front of us does NOT mean you can walk around us to fill in the space.

3. Just because they make an outfit in your size does NOT mean it is the right style for your body type.

4. I understand that Florida is sunny, but unless you are at a water-theme park, please leave the bikini top at home. I really hate getting on a ride after you when your sweaty naked back mark is still on the seat.

Ronda's Rants said...

Yuck...and double yuck...see there are some advantages to being a ride party pooper!

Jeanne Estridge said...

I loved that last story. I'd think of doing that, but I'd never have the courage, in case they got offended.

supahmommy- somethin's wrong with that girl said...

A- MEN. :)

lol
sits friend
d

Ronda's Rants said...

I worked as an aide for an Autistic class...people are offended if their children are invisible to you.
Children with special needs understand you loving and noticing them and I think most parents welcome the attention!

Dog By Nature said...

Too true...tourists are a blast. We get a lot of interesting ones here in LA but then again, most of the people that live here are weird too:)

Justine said...

Oh, the things one will see at a FL amusement park! Hope the idiots and their day-glo flesh didn't ruin it for ya!

Justine :o )

A New Yorker said...

You can keep the tourists. NYers dread them. Over crowding, slow...the French are the worst. They are mean and rude and always attempt to break the rules. Since we have one of the highest state taxes we don't really count on their income, although I know it helps. I'll take the Australians and Irish any day but the rest can stay home.

Glenda, saved by grace said...

Funnest sport ever in my book is watching people! Thanks for speaking to the parents of the child in the w/c. I am one of those and I know EXACTLY how they feel!

Betty W said...

I love watching people too, but I forget too quickly to write the things I notice down. And I´m not even fifty yet... :)

Blog Stalker said...

I absolutely love people watching!
It should be a sport

Have a great day!

Blog Stalker said...

I absolutely love people watching!
It should be a sport

Have a great day!

Debbie said...

Oh Ronda. That is what I love about you. Taking the time to notice that couple and trying to make their burden easier.

Anonymous said...

Ahhh...these are great observations. I especially like the last one.

I always people watch too...I never thought to write down my observations though....very interesting stuff!

Teri said...

This immediately took me back to when I would go to beaches out of the country. It never fails...some really old and "slightly" out of shape man always insists on wearing a tiny Speedo. Help.

Kathryn Magendie said...

Oh, I could write a book about tourists *laughing* - maybe I will one day! lawdy be!

Claremont First Ward said...

I got tears in my eyes reading about the kindness you showed to that couple and their child.