How do you spot a NYC tourist? (New York, Paris: transplants, pre-k)

[Fred314X]

Originally Posted by quelinda

Yes, but despite what you say about New Yorkers being dirty and dressing poorly, you can still spot a tourist a mile away. Take that as a good or a bad, but its still a fact.

I'll second that motion! It's also got a lot to do with the way they act.

[Fred314X]

Another way to spot tourists in New York: they will purchase subway maps from "helpful" vendors, not realizing that you can pick them up for free at any subway station...or the Transit Information Center on Whitehall Street.

By the way, one more comment on quelinda's statement. Not only can New Yorkers spot a tourist a mile away, but we may occasionally sell the Brooklyn Bridge to some of them. You can't fault us for wanting to have a little fun now and then.

[cyc1e]

'not realizing that you can pick them up for free at any subway station.' (subway maps)

Last week on the 1 train (I think) we could not xfer to D train as they were not stopping due to "an investigation" Perhaps foolishly, I took the advice of the announcer and pressed on to 50th. Once there, & unsure of what to do, I decided that we needed a subway map.

Alas, the MTA attendant had none and the newstand hole in the wall had none. Next subway we entered (I don't remember where) also had none.

So maybe they are supposed to have them for free, but that doesn't do much if the actual item isn't there.

Thus, Barnes & Noble!

I don't mind providing entertainment for you, but really now... no subway maps available in Gotham City?

[Fred314X]

Well, things happen...like people asking for all the available maps at a particular station! Next time you find yourself in the South Ferry area, stop in at the Transit Information Center on Whitehall Street, just off the ferry terminal. You can pick up all the maps you can handle.

[Classicalguy]

Well, all I can say is that I've never confused the patrons on the subway with a fashion show. What some of you think is high style others may consider bad taste. There's nothing wrong with local pride, just don't let it go to your head.

And as for Fred's comment about the Brooklyn Bridge, he's in for a big surprise next time he crosses. As the new owner, I'm going to raise his toll.

[Urban Hiker]

Teehee ^ check out the username.

I "hike" all around Seattle. Don't have a car, but I like hiking. Urban hiking became my alternative to forest hiking.
When I came for my ONE day visit to NYC, I "hiked" over the Brooklyn Bridge and through as much of Manhattan as I could.

Originally Posted by UpstaterInBklyn

Here is dead giveaway.

A couple walking around on a weekday morning, both in comfortable shoes and shorts. Man wears a backpack with water bottles. Woman carries a map/guidebook.

It's like they are on an expedition to "hike Manhattan"!

I see this every day near my office by the Flatiron. How many other people see this every day?

[Fred314X]

Originally Posted by Classicalguy

And as for Fred's comment about the Brooklyn Bridge, he's in for a big surprise next time he crosses. As the new owner, I'm going to raise his toll.

Fortunately, I don't own a car. Otherwise, I'd have to find an alternate route into Manhattan.

[Bluesbabe]

Hmmm. This is an old thread, but as a new addition to this forum I felt compelled to read it. Especially since I'll be visiting NY (first time) come late-Sept for 10 days.

I learned a lot on here. A few things I made a mental note of. Others. . . well. . .

I don't dress "slovenly" or wear visors, and I won't be with anyone else to block passage on streets. But, y'know, I'll be on my feet for countless hours for 10 days straight, so I won't care how my Teva sandles or athletic shoes will look. Same to be said for my REI convertable pants where I can just zip off the lower pant-leg when it gets too warm. (I do NOT wear dresses as a tourist!) Back-pack? A small one just to carry a sweater since it's something I'm inclined to lose. Fanny-pack? I take both one AND a small purse, but either way I still carry a small camera pouch.

And, oh, yes, am I ever a photo fiend! I always step aside to the curb to get out of people's way, and I often snap pics of things no one else does. (If you're passed out on the park bench drunk with only your socks on, you WILL end up in my camera!!!)

And I tend to stare and watch people. No apologies, it's just how I am. Besides, I like to be aware of who's around me when I'm riding mass-transit.

So, yes, I'm sure I'll draw a few "damn tourist" snickers when I'm there. And that's okay, because I'm quite sure that many New Yorkers who ever visit Portland, Oregon, will seem a bit out of place, too.

[BXGEAR]

Originally Posted by Bluesbabe

And I tend to stare and watch people. No apologies, it's just how I am. Besides, I like to be aware of who's around me when I'm riding mass-transit.

So, yes, I'm sure I'll draw a few "damn tourist" snickers when I'm there. And that's okay, because I'm quite sure that many New Yorkers who ever visit Portland, Oregon, will seem a bit out of place, too.

True. Plus we know how to ignore you

[mir_ny]

LMAO!! New yorkers are good at ignoring the crazies, the tourists and the homeless.