pbrewer+FollowVisiting Boston as a Tourist Made Me Understand What ‘Local Gatekeeping’ Feels Like Boston is historic, impressive, and proud — very proud. I didn’t expect that pride to show up as hostility. In a café near Beacon Hill, the barista asked where I was from. When I said California, she smirked and said, “Oh, so you’re here to ruin our city too?” Later, a guy at a bar lectured me about “tourists driving up rent” as if I personally caused the housing crisis. Boston locals love their city, but some act like visitors don’t deserve to be there unless we pass a quiz on colonial history and Red Sox stats. Travel is supposed to open doors, not make you feel like you’re trespassing on someone’s identity. #Travel #Boston #TouristLife2212Share
