We've Been Spoiled

I hate tourists. I know, I know, I am a tourist, and at times, I certainly act like one. But I absolutely, positively, cannot stand the groups of people who congregate at the most unfortunate places, show little to no consideration for the country they're in, and move and speak with an unearned sense of entitlement.

This rant is brought on by a terrible kayaking experience. The kayaking itself, while not my cup of tea, was a good time. The 30+ tourists who continually ran into me, walked into me, and were generally rude all day - was not a good time.

We have been spoiled with private guides, a small group, and a wonderful instructor who knows Turkey like the back of her hand. We don't frequent tourist-inhabited cafes and often managed to escape them in the museums and such. Having been so lucky and spoiled, I forgot how absolutely obnoxious tourists are.

I'm rather conflicted about tourism and Turkey. While part of me wants to shout from the mountains how fantastic Turkey is, the other part of me wants to keep it the secret it seems to be, at least in the United States. If they find out how wonderful Turkey is, they will inevitably come, fanny packs and straw hats in hand.

The Turks are incredibly hospitable and genuinely curious about Americans. I feel like if they get to know too many more of us, however, that generosity will start to fade. The "Ugly American" will surely rear it's sunburned head and they will realize, like I have, how draining tourists can be.

Of course, this is simply my pessimistic opinion. Kas is an incredibly tourist-friendly town and, without them, might not thrive like it does. I certainly don't wish that on anyone. I suppose there's a fine line between tourist-friendly and tourist-overrun, and I just don't want to see Turkey cross it. It's just too perfect the way it is.