The other day I read a post about the Lonely Planet writer who did a
whole chapter on a country without even going there, and amongst all
the discussion about how inaccurate travel guides can be, there was
the remark: "no matter what country it is the guide-book always says
that the people are very friendly".
So, I was wondering what experiences any of you have of the 'locals'
being rather different from the picture the guide-book paints of them.
I keep remembering what the Rough Guide To Morocco said about the
hustlers: basically, that they do pester you, but you mustn't be rude
to them - just be polite and good humored, and they'll soon give up
and leave you alone. Not, you'll notice: 'If you politely refuse their
services, they'll follow you around shouting ". you! . you!"'
And the children you beg from you in Morocco: the LP guide said that
all you needed to do was wag a finger at them to point out they were
doing wrong, and they'd quietly go away - not 'even if you refuse with
the utmost politeness, they'll still pelt you with stones'.
So, any experiences of guide-books being 'optimistic' about people? |
231486. which travel guides have given you an inaccurate picture of the local
231486. which travel guides have given you an inaccurate picture of the local
231486. which travel guides have given you an inaccurate picture of the local
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