Discussion Questions (week 2)

I was taken aback by the Christian Science monitor. Throughout the piece, I had to pause and take a second to reflect on what I was reading, simply because I genuinely could not believe this. I was initially shocked to know that this type of tourism exists--that people would voluntarily participate in this type of event. Then I stopped to think, how is this any different than the strange tourist events that Americans choose to participate in? Further reflecting, I realized I couldn't think of a single tourist attraction off the top of my head that I found as strange, jarring, and real as the Caminata. The hike truly takes it one step further (at least in my realm of knowledge). And so I pose the question, is this something that anyone in this class would choose to participate in, if given the chance?

Right now, I feel as though I can confidently say that I would not want to pay to take part in such an event. I think the hike could even be deemed hazardous, as it probably has the ability to trigger feelings of trauma in people that they are not used to feeling. All in all, I came away with a sour taste in my mouth. Though I understand that the people who began the Caminata believe it to be a historical and informative experience--noble motivations--I do not think the average American would react enthusiastically to the hike. Perhaps I'm just not a risk-taker, but I know that I am not the type of person who would enjoy such an experience, and I'm excited to hear if others would choose to pay for this "tourist attraction."