of being a tourist
It's remarkable what landmarks tourists have created. Nearly everywhere you go there is a famous landmark or something to "rub for good luck". There was the sculpture on the Charles Bridge, and there is a a sculpture in Brussels as well. The thing about the sculpture to rub for good luck in Brussels is that it is right next to a marker for one of Brussels Art Nouveau architects and is a beautiful example of the craftsmanship. The crowd was busy photographing and touching this sculpture while completely ignoring the masterpiece right next to it. I ask someone nearby, "Do you know what it is or what it is for?" referring to the good luck charm, she laughed and said she didn't. I asked her if she knew why she was filming it. She laughed again and walked away.
Such is the case of the Manneken-Pis. It's just this little statue not more than 2 or 3 feet high. Various legends abound, but most likely it was a drinking spout, albeit, a humorous one. By the way, I think there is an underground river that runs beneath Brussels, which is in fact connected to the sewage system. Water from this stream is used to create some of the Belgian beers. I think it was Victor Hugo that said something about residents of Brussels drinking their own piss every day; Perhaps the Manneken-Pis is a joke on that.
Regardless, it's famous, and most likely so because of throngs of tourists who have made it so. On it's own, it's just a pissing sculpture. Tons of sculptures that spew water are all over Europe. But the question is, why do we, as tourists, continue to flock to these unlikely monuments. Does it add to our experiences of visiting a place? Does it verify we were there? Does it connect us to the bigger whole, make us feel more complete?
Would you go to Lourdes or Roquefort and not visit the caves? Of course not. Paris without Jim Morrison's grave? Perhaps. But not the Eiffel Tower or Notre Damn? Probably not. Somethings are landmarks and have gathered true legendary status. But maybe it's a homage to something dear to you ( are you a fan of Mr. Morrison?). If you are a fan of the Parisian literary greats; Hemingway, Sartre, ..) then you go to Cafe De Flore and Cafe Deux Magot. Problem is so does EVERYBODY else. Then it becomes the point when what could be a true landmark, in fact becomes a tourist marker.
And back to the Manneken- Pis: landmark or tourist marker? Why would you go see a 2 foot high sculpture of a little boy pissing?
I did. But I still want to know why.
Such is the case of the Manneken-Pis. It's just this little statue not more than 2 or 3 feet high. Various legends abound, but most likely it was a drinking spout, albeit, a humorous one. By the way, I think there is an underground river that runs beneath Brussels, which is in fact connected to the sewage system. Water from this stream is used to create some of the Belgian beers. I think it was Victor Hugo that said something about residents of Brussels drinking their own piss every day; Perhaps the Manneken-Pis is a joke on that.
Regardless, it's famous, and most likely so because of throngs of tourists who have made it so. On it's own, it's just a pissing sculpture. Tons of sculptures that spew water are all over Europe. But the question is, why do we, as tourists, continue to flock to these unlikely monuments. Does it add to our experiences of visiting a place? Does it verify we were there? Does it connect us to the bigger whole, make us feel more complete?
Would you go to Lourdes or Roquefort and not visit the caves? Of course not. Paris without Jim Morrison's grave? Perhaps. But not the Eiffel Tower or Notre Damn? Probably not. Somethings are landmarks and have gathered true legendary status. But maybe it's a homage to something dear to you ( are you a fan of Mr. Morrison?). If you are a fan of the Parisian literary greats; Hemingway, Sartre, ..) then you go to Cafe De Flore and Cafe Deux Magot. Problem is so does EVERYBODY else. Then it becomes the point when what could be a true landmark, in fact becomes a tourist marker.
And back to the Manneken- Pis: landmark or tourist marker? Why would you go see a 2 foot high sculpture of a little boy pissing?
I did. But I still want to know why.
Posted by the girl at 11:57 PM
1 Comments:
Maybe seeing a tourist site just connects one to other tourists - past, present and future. M.
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