Comments on: Helping tourists – how much is too much?

By: Buzz

Buzz — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:48:23 +0000

Tina, I am an example of the connect that you like. I enjoy having met you and all my new friends from BsAs and hope to keep the connection – and even in Italy (assuming your are still making your way).
As far as M is concerned, she is loving all the new people she has connected up with during her first (of many) trips to BsAs and AR and always keeps the connections alive – as you know from her friends.
Thanks for the mention… B

By: Mom

Mom — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:07:16 +0000

My personal opinion is that is a very admirable quality of your character to help people. And yes it can be draining. If you give, they will take. However, I think it’s important to protect your spirit from being drained and that as you know can be done in several different ways. However, to create a short cut of help for people that isn’t draining, I think the idea of putting a page on your blog that gives interesting insights and links would be a great way to help people without getting annoyed by the constant pulling by their energy.

On a lighter note, okay well, I am still looking for that today…love you lots, mom

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:01:14 +0000

I hate tourists! I hate myself for being a tourist sometimes. I hate the word.
The tourist’s problem is, that he has nothing to give you back. Advice by insiders just cannot be payed back. Well, that might just my opionen of course;-)

By: tangobaby

tangobaby — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:51:50 +0000

I think the centralized blog page of tips and fun things to do, and TP’s ideas make great sense…

As far as trying to figure out which people will drain you and dump you, unfortunately, you can’t screen for that and it may not be obvious from an email exchange, although that’s a good place to start. Usually you won’t find out until you’ve already given too much of yourself. It’s a very difficult area that I’ve explored a little too much myself, so I wish you luck with that.

You’re kind and lively and lovely, so attracting sorts of people is probably just part of what makes you special.

By: TP

TP — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:38:55 +0000

I am all for it: Tina’s BsAs guided tours. With the right marketing, it may be a good business. May be able to get you a few clients and earn some commissions for my next trip down.

(joking about the commission part, but serious about the business part.)

By: Annika

Annika — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:52:44 +0000

You *could* take out a fee… obviously there is a demand, so why not use it to your advantage? Stay on top of things, don’t let them wear you down.

By: Mandy

Mandy — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:07:00 +0000

You could create a page on your blog of frequently asked questions on shoe stores and milongas. That way, like you mentioned, you could just send people that way.

Also, a “best of” section might garner more views.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:04:38 +0000

I get people asking to stay in Seattle for tango magic and other things, and I just have to ask myself: Are they a drain? Do I get something that inspires me or a warm friend? Or not? I just have to have the boundary, and it is not always clear, but I sure don’t mind taking the trouble for those who make my life sweeter. Sometimes it is just worth a try anyway, what have you got to lose?

By: cherie

cherie — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:21:05 +0000

Tina, I SO hear you, but I have to admit that Ruben and I have been so incredibly lucky with the wonderful students who find us.

I think you’re right about weeding out strangers from their first emails.

And also, my advice would be to just do what you feel like doing. If you’d enjoy a trip to Comme Il Faut, then meet the new connect there at a time that’s convenient to you. Just because you’re a nice and giving person and write a blog doesn’t mean you are the Welcome Wagon of Buenos Aires!

P.S. I’m so glad you and P hit it off and I can’t wait to meet her!

By: Tina

Tina — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:25:52 +0000

Great advice Johanna! Thanks. I think that I can even weed a few people out from their first e-mails to me… some e-mails are friendly and clearly appreciative, which I like, while others word their e-mails as though they think I’m the tourism bureau and I’m supposed to provide a service. I can either charge them a fee (ha ha ha) or I can just refer them to the Buenos Aires forum on tripadvisor.com. In fact, maybe I’ll link to it from this blog.