There's a certain kind of tourist
Whom I see everywhere I go
It's a woman of a certain age
Exploring the world happily solo.
She's somewhere from Northern Europe
Always tanned and blonde and fit,
With cargo shorts that show her legs
And sandals that team up with it.
Those sandals are specially designed -
Sturdy leather, two toned, cream and black,
With toggled cord to adjust the width
And velcroed firmly across the back.
Somehow she seems so self-assured,
Despite the heat she always looks cool
Although she and her pack are loaded up
With every travel and hiking tool.
She has binoculars around her neck,
A fancy camera in her bag.
Her phone has all the gadgets
And she has guidebooks in her swag.
She knows the names of all our birds,
Finds the cheapest place to stop,
Can read a map of any town
And knows the best coffee shop.
I'd like to think I looked half as good
And had a simple style to choose
I am a long way from her poise and style
But I already have the shoes.
