There has been a time when travelling was an activity reserved for just a few. Orient Express used to link Europe with Asia, transatlantic ships brought travelers from America to Europe, and Europeans to the New World. Hotels used to offer pretty much similar experience at that time. Imperial style, glamour lobby, well-dressed bellboys. Travelling was a privilege and the world was still undiscovered.
It was a lovely Saturday night in Valletta, the capital of Malta. The city was slowly falling asleep and getting some rest, and so did we. A few hours later, in the middle of the night, the horror started. Pavement works had been scheduled for that odd time when most locals and tourists were sleeping and apparently no one was informed. After 2 hours of trying to get some sleep, we decided to call the 24/7 phone number provided to hotel guests for the time when reception is closed. For the entire night, no one picked up the call.
As the time goes by and the number of travellers continues to grow, irritated residents of cities like Venice or Barcelona, have taken their anger to the streets. These are images of once charming places, which have been taken over uncontrolled mass tourism, which in many cases, no longer contributes to communities.
