Originally Posted by
Der Ev@n
Tourism
:The process by which space that has not be allocated to production or housing (i.e. the eradication of real life) is turned into a place where fake life can be had...for a price.
Very nice. Judge much lately?
Anyway, call it whatever you want, but for at least part of this trip you're a genuine bona-fide tourist. You are, after all, traveling through several regions, with no intent to become a permanent member of the community, primarily for your own edification, entertainment and/or experiences.
Or do you intend to ride through the Alps staring at the asphalt the entire time, and not engage in any social or economic contact for fear of contaminating the locals with your, uh... non-localness?
I don't see anything "fake" about respectful forms of tourism; not everyone hops from McDonald's to McDonald's when they travel. You cycle through a town, treat your hosts graciously and modestly, chat in a friendly fashion with the locals, soak up the scenery, sample the local cuisine, get back on your bike and repeat. What's wrong, unreal or fake about that?