Comments on: A beginner’s guide to people watching

By: AnitaMac

AnitaMac — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:53:39 +0000

One of the things I love to do when visiting a new place – fascinates me how locals and tourists go about their day. The interactions can be so interesting. While I am no fashionista – love to watch the clothes and shoes go by!!! And, how about how they dress their dogs……I could watch for hours.

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Best travel blogs – our 25 favourites « 101 Holidays blog — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:51:10 +0000

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By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:55:04 +0000

Haha, too true Linda – there’s nothing like a good bitching session away from the ears of your poor targets. Guilty as charged 🙂
Mike, I think you’re onto something there. Some languages are entertaining even when you don’t understand a word (I could happily listen all day to a group of Italians in a lively debate). And as for us Brits, well I have to confess to doing exactly as you suggest: always reluctant and reticent about making first contact but very relieved when someone else does it for me. My wife is far better at speaking first to strangers so we work as a team 😉

By: Mikeachim

Mikeachim — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:56:48 +0000

Agreed.

People-watching when they speak a language you don’t….is a fascinating experience and I love it every time. You have to dig deep into your gut instincts and knowledge of body language and of what intonations suggest. I love doing it. Possibly even more than eavesdropping on English speakers.

In fact, when it comes to English speakers and especially the English, I can’t help but try and connect, if only to just say hello. I have a theory about the stereotype British reserve, the way we keep ourselves to ourselves….I reckon it’s not something we’re entirely comfortable with. Thinking of the times that a conversation lurker has stepped in and said hello, at my own reaction (an initial spike of indignation that mellows in seconds)…I think we want to get involved. We want to watch, but we want to connect even more, deep down…? Well, maybe. And I’m projecting and generalising wildly. 😉

By: Linda

Linda — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 08:46:46 +0000

Great post! I’m a bit of an addict too. Here, beaches are a good place, especially if you need to release your inner b*tch e.g. “There is no way she should be wearing a bikini at her age!”

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 07:29:05 +0000

Thanks for the comments – glad to see I’m not alone in my hobby 😉

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LandLopers Picks of the Week | LandLopers — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 03:56:35 +0000

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By: Rick Griffin

Rick Griffin — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:18:46 +0000

I love people watching – it’s one of the best forms of free entertainment anywhere. Great post Andy!

By: Monica

Monica — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:06:37 +0000

During intense sessions of people watching I like to play a little game of ‘What does that person do?’

It is best played in groups and out of ear shot of the person you’re watching but can be great fun.

And it is amazing how much you can learn about a person from their shoes!

By: Beverley Reinemann - pack your passport

Beverley Reinemann - pack your passport — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:27:50 +0000

I think I’m a bit of a serial people-watcher! I love observing people and watching their reactions. It’s gotten even worse since I’ve been travelling where there are so many more different cultures. A great post by the way!