Last week, I had the pleasure to meet Clare Guilloton, a French girl that moved to Colombia almost a year ago and started Monita in Bogotá – an amazing blog where she appreciates all the bits of design she finds in every day of Colombian life. The beauty in a hammock, a coffee crop, our traditional hats, a fair, a rustic bus…the design in many things that surround us but unfortunately we locals, don’t appreciate as they become everyday things.

I was surprised by the fact that a foreigner made me discover the beauty of my country, in pictures and patterns. I have borrowed some bits to show you, but you should have a proper look at her blog. She is very talented Graphic Designer and her pics so far are great.

Frequently visitors find things that locals don’t have any idea existed. To mention a few, my UK family  has never been in some spots I have; I’m not sure if Margate is a good example for a beach day or Blackpool for a night out, but blame it on the ticket seller. Anyway, getting back on topic, apart from helping the economy and becoming ambassadors of our countries, tourists can teach us a lot (clarifying, good tourists). Let’s see how:

• They have a different perspective and see things that others can’t (I will give you a hint, it’s not dead people).
• Tourists walk at the right pace, They don’t go like robots, they are constant observers, appreciating every detail and finding beauty in cute little streets or horrible crowded places.
• They immerse themselves in the destination, trying the local food, talking to people, learning about the culture.
• They have a plan, even when they try to be “spontaneous” they accomplish their goals within tight deadlines.
• Tourists have never ending energy, they don’t rest until they have ticked all the boxes in the map/list.
• They have the best attitude towards bad moments, they don’t go back home and cry, no no no! they go back home and peddle how they dealt with the unexpected, or how that event became the best part of their holiday, sometimes they assume “it was meant to happen”.
• Good tourists are always welcome. See you soon Clare! 🙂