I am used visiting people who are living in different parts of the world. I am always aware of being a tourist, a temporary guest in another country. At the same time I get an "inside" view of the local culture through relatives or friends who have been living there for quite a while, the Philippines is a good example. But this time I have to define the term "tourist" a little bit more touristic... "The term “tourist“ is increasingly used as a derisive label for someone who seems content with his obviously inauthentic experiences (MacCannell)". (In contrast, anthropologists are usually looking for the very ‘authentic’ :))
On the island of the Dominican Republic, along the Coast of Punta Cana, there is one fancy resort after the other. A family trip for two weeks -all inclusive - is more than I ever could think of. It sounds so nice: white beach, 5 different swimming pools, 2 pool bars, buffets every day (North-American style), tropical weather and all drinks for free! And that's only the beginning...
You enter a whole different world. Everything is perfectly arranged to suit your eye and your "relaxation". You get a wristband and depending on its color you can move in certain areas and consume certain things. As if we were animals and this mark tells everyone how to treat us.
It's like a set up tourist village and every tourist stands in the center of attention surrounded by many so called "botones" (bellboys) who are waiting to serve you (in exchange for money of course). But even the "Safari trips" outside of the resort are set up for mass tourism.
Most of the tourists are Canadians, just a few Asians and Europeans.
Certainly it seems to me that all visitors are walking on a stage, perfectly dressed up for the five meters between room door and pool seat (or buffet). The stage is given by the clean and fancy surroundings but the tourists are also creating the image themselves. Eyes are wandering down your body while walking by. Kids in the age of 4 or 5, barely walking but already learning how to dress up. You can do all sorts of sport like tennis, golf, beach volleyball, water aerobic and swimming or reading. Some are drinking all day and waiting to get tanned (or sunburned).
Further more, all the staff are locals. Of course the economy of this country is depending on tourism but it seems just too normal that these colored locals have to serve the (white and) wealthy ones, moreover their livelihood is depending on the tip of the rich ones. This circumstance strengthens images of stereotypes on both sides. On the one hand, as a visitor you get the picture that you don't have to worry about anything, you paid to be the "king" and everything will be done for your best comfort, the staff is friendly and happy to serve you. On the other hand, the locals might get the impression that all visitors have lots of money, prefer to be lazy and to consume.
In fact, many people are saving all their money to have a vacation like this. But I'm wondering: Is this supposed to be the peak of human evolution?
At the end you are traveling for hours to another country but you don't get a hint of the local way of living! Practically you don't even have to know a word of Spanish (local language). On top of all this place is called edenH - as if it were the paradise on earth.
I'm missing some mind stimulation, different styles and new impressions.. and something "not-set-up".. maybe you can call it.. "authentic".
