It's the Little Things...

Sunday, April 18, 2010
9:11 PM  Half way through my assignment.

Conversations with Tourists

It is far too early on a Saturday morning, and Tara is starting her first tour of the day.  She stands in front of a small theater, looking up at 30 teenagers from a high school in Iowa.  Or Idaho.  It doesn't matter.  She is going over the ground rules as the hormonally-charged group laughs and throws things at one another.  It is going to be a long tour.

Tara: ...and finally -- I hope this doesn't disappoint anyone -- this is a 'weapons free' tour.

(The group pretends to be disappointed.  A guy in the front row raises his hand.  He's smirking.)

Tara (silently bracing herself for his smart-aleck remark): Yes?

Guy: What about my fists?  Do they count as a weapon?

(The group erupts into a fit of giggles.)

Tara:  Let me see.

(The guy flexes his arms to show her.)

Tara: (laughs) Yeah, I'm not too worried about those.

(Group bursts into laughter.)



It was my best tourist burn to date.  I'll keep you posted.

Love,
Tara