Collecting Dust

The first time we went to Germany, the Deutschmark was at an all time low. We got three, once even four, Deutschmarks to the dollar. We came home with a cuckoo clock, a set of crystal wine glasses, and dozen of other souvenirs that have since been packed away, forgotten in the garage. We would have come home with a BMW if we knew how to get it through customs.
That's the way it always is when traveling. Awed by the cultural differences, we always rest our brains in the local stores buying stuff we've never seen before and will never figure out a use for once we get back to our real life.
Like most travelers, we have certain memorabilia that we collect. Bells, spoons, key chains. All the junky little things that are mass produced in third world countries and embossed with name of whatever 'sight' the tourist needs to remember. Check it out at your local variety store and I bet you find out that your city has commemorative ashtrays, shot glasses, coffee mugs and spoons that will end up in some spendthrift tourists rummage sale.
Which is why it occurs to me that I should be buying my souvenirs second hand. When Ryanne saw a silver colored bell from Catalina, California at a yard sale, she bought it to add to my bell collection. As it happens, I have been to Catalina and neglected to buy a bell, so it worked out well.
Then I thought, just because I haven't been to a place doesn't mean I might not want to think about it sometimes. There are a lot of places I would never go. Ever. But why not have a bell from Timbuktu? Not that I don't already have souvenirs from places I have never been. It seems that one of a tourist's responsibilities is to bring back gifts to those left behind. That's why I have a kangaroo plate from Australia, shell art from some Mexico, a basket from Africa- you get the idea.
So now I'm wondering. Why go to all the discomfort of living out of a suitcase, staying in creepy hotels, and stripping down at airports when I can end up with the same trinkets just by visiting a local flea market? I could start a collection of 'stuff from places I didn't go.'
Sounds like more fun than traveling.
Nancy Sherer