Be a Local, Not a Tourist

Why real-world knowledge trumps more stuff

When it gets really hot at the beach in July to September, we bring the ultra light-weight Neso beach tent for some cooling shade. Photo: Per Håkansson.

It’s easy to spot the beach tourists from the locals. It’s not just how they look and what they wear but also what they bring to the beach. While the locals bring their wetsuits, boards, and maybe towels; the beach tourist have a whole truckload filled with tents, coolers, plastic beach toys, umbrellas, blankets, beach chairs, grocery bags, boom boxes, and God knows what.

My intention is not to make fun or diss the tourists, just making a reflection on human nature. It seems that when we are driven by fear in facing the unknown we make sure that nothing is missing. On the other hand, when we know our environment and trust our knowledge we need fewer things to thrive and survive.