Turn chores into gems
Daily rituals like laundry or shopping can give local insight
I often preach that travel is more rewarding when you get beyond the blockbuster sights and touristy clichés and get intimate with a culture and its people. One way to do that is to pass time like a local rather than like a tourist. From relaxing with Europeans in a park to munching on fresh seafood alongside workers at a market hall, taking part in ordinary European rituals provides a great window into each country’s culture.
One of the easiest ways to interact with locals is to visit a grocery store or marketplace. Food shopping is an integral part of daily European life for good reasons: people value fresh produce, have small refrigerators (kitchens are tiny), and enjoy the social interaction. Nearly every town, large or small, has at least one colourful outdoor or indoor marketplace where you’ll find lots more than a charming and colourful people scene; you can also eat well and affordably.
Europeans love their public outdoor spaces, and on any nice day, you’ll find its parks, squares, and waterfronts filled with families, lovers, and old-timers enjoying a cheap afternoon or evening out. Joining them is a wonderful way to spend a few hours and become a part of the local scene.
In Wurzburg, Germany, spread out a picnic on the park-like stretch of riverbank, which comes with plenty of benches, beer-or-winedrinking students, the down-andout collecting their bottles, and great views of the river, bridge, and hilltop fortress.
Even mundane tasks can be fun when you’re somewhere different. For me, one of the small delights of travel is getting a haircut. I used to dread this task, as it was one time that the language barrier had real and enduring consequence.
As a tourist, it’s helpful to enjoy the little chores and rituals of daily life. You may find that an afternoon spent doing laundry or shopping for groceries can be just as valuable — and memorable — as seeing Europe’s great sights. Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.