To buy, or not to buy?
November 9th 2008 05:48
Category: No Category
I must have a million identical looking pens, you know, the ones that are pretty to look at but never work - each with a city name on it, as if they really had an identity to themselves. Then, there is the stack of fridge magnets, once again, with the names of cities written across them.
Souvenirs are funny things. They are tacky, all made in the same country no matter where you bought them, and almost all useless. Yet, we can't help but buy them in the hope that a part of that place we've been will be home with us, reminding us of the good times.
But what do you do when you get home? These little bits of things gets put into boxes or corners of your shelves, and never used/heard of again until you do a big spring clean up or move.
Why exactly do we bother? Not only do they add to the weight of our luggage, most of them also break in a week. None of the pens I bought even works. T-shirts? Well, it may seem like a good idea a the time but who would wear something that says "I LOVE San Francisco" on the streets of Sydney? (Ok, I have seen people wearing them, but no way you'll see ME on the streets with it)
I've stopped buying souvenirs even as gifts. But that's just because I got stingy and wanted to use the money on myself when I travel. I take photos and send them instead. However, there are still times when I just can't help dig out a note for that cute little beer mug that I'll never use, and the little snow dome with Eiffel Tower in the middle.
Why oh why do we do it?
What have you ever bought on your travels that you have never seen again?
Souvenirs are funny things. They are tacky, all made in the same country no matter where you bought them, and almost all useless. Yet, we can't help but buy them in the hope that a part of that place we've been will be home with us, reminding us of the good times.
But what do you do when you get home? These little bits of things gets put into boxes or corners of your shelves, and never used/heard of again until you do a big spring clean up or move.
Why exactly do we bother? Not only do they add to the weight of our luggage, most of them also break in a week. None of the pens I bought even works. T-shirts? Well, it may seem like a good idea a the time but who would wear something that says "I LOVE San Francisco" on the streets of Sydney? (Ok, I have seen people wearing them, but no way you'll see ME on the streets with it)
I've stopped buying souvenirs even as gifts. But that's just because I got stingy and wanted to use the money on myself when I travel. I take photos and send them instead. However, there are still times when I just can't help dig out a note for that cute little beer mug that I'll never use, and the little snow dome with Eiffel Tower in the middle.
Why oh why do we do it?
What have you ever bought on your travels that you have never seen again?
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Comment by Sara Dobson
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I used to buy tshirts and proudly walk around with Seattle Planet hollywood across my chest (yes I really did - ok! In my defense I was about 10 years younger). Now I don't buy tshirst at all.
I am all about the fridge magnet. Small, easy to carry and I am reminded of my travels every morning as I prepare my cornflakes. It is funny you are writing about this, as this evening I was gazing at my fridge wandering where they have all gone. It annoys me that they go missing. That comes from moving too often I suppose
Comment by AmyHuang
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