“Tourist” Isn’t A Four Letter Word

Katie, At Your Service.

We use the word “visitor” to describe The Peninsula’s guests, but where did “tourists” get such a bad rap? Tourists learn, explore, relax, and appreciate local culture. They infuse sleepy communities with life, enthusiasm, and revenue. They notice things that locals take for granted, shamelessly document the unknown, and carry pieces of our home back to theirs.

And sometimes, when they fall madly, deeply, inescapably in love with our community, they stay.

Two years ago, I became one of The Peninsula’s permanent tourists.

Derek and me -- last day in Iowa

My optimistic fiancee and I, unaware of the impending economic crisis, uprooted ourselves from Sioux City, Iowa and ventured west, to The Monterey Peninsula, our “dream-community”.

Time to Bounce.

Our savings dried up fast, but the love we felt for the area grew exponentially. It didn’t matter that forgoing a car meant half hour walks to work. It didn’t matter that “work” consisted of hocking shrimp on Cannery Row for eight hours at a time. We were smitten with the coast and weren’t going down without a fight.

Our First California Apartment, 5 Blocks from Cannery Row

Six months in, we joined The Monterey County Youth Museum, just in time for its grand re-opening in downtown Monterey, and have been working and playing with The Museum’s wonderful guests ever since. I’ve sold and displayed paintings in Pacific Grove, participated in The Big Sur Marathon Relay and Half Marathon, spent a summer teaching private swim lessons, and painted murals for Dippin’ Dots on Cannery Row.

Team "Off in the Woods", after our first Big Sur Marathon Relay

I’ve hosted and advised a dozen international travelers through Couchsurfing.org, and have been lucky enough to forge close friendships with other locals, both perennial and freshly transplanted, like us.

Steffi and Daniella, from Germany. Our first "Couch Surfers"

Change has been the only constant. That, and my status as a “tourist”. If I ever stop exploring, wondering, being in awe of this amazing place, it’ll be the moment our coastal dreams are defeated.

You, fabulous visitors, keep the dream alive. Your enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and joy inspire the rest of us to open our eyes. We wouldn’t be the same without you, and The Visit Carmel Travel Guide is our ongoing thank-you note.

Wishing you the happiest of travels,

Katie