For no particular reason I decided to pick up my blogging again. I have decided to turn this blog more into a piece about my local environment of South West Florida. Currently living in Cape Coral (the largest city by land mass in Florida) I have the honor of having a fairly geriatric population of neighbors, a large amount being snow birds.
Now being in the thick of snow bird season, I tend to think of them more and more. They are a double edge sword as any tourist town knows of seasonal visitors. Albeit ours stay for longer stretches than the typical American vacationer (which is 1-2 weeks at most, and ours stay 1-3 months). This leads to longer lines, need for bigger infrastructure of services (private and public) and general dislike from some locals. However, all and all, I don't mind the snowbirds (and my income doesn't depend on them either). They do bring vital income to area and some what of a diversity of character.
However, what I do mind is the homogenizing of local color. If you go to a place other than your home, do a few things, namely be respectful of environment, the peace of community you are visiting, and local traditions/customs. If things must be "how things are done up north", well frankly, just stay there. Likewise on bad behavior that would violate the peace of community. The phrase that comes to mind is "if you don't shit where you eat, don't do it where I eat". This little part of the rant stems from the seasonal bad behavior we witness year and year.
However, I must admit, I am thankful we don't live on the beach or in a full blown party town like Key West or Cancun.
All and all, snowbirds and tourists come for the same thing that drew many transplants here. The weather and Florida lifestyle. I cannot fault them for that.
