Have Stick – Stop Traffic
I have been observing human nature the last month. Having been back and forth to hospital with a leg injury almost every other day, I was eventually able to walk in a staggering fashion. Not helped by my leukemia, my steering was all over the place, I couldn’t walk in a straight line (sober) and I had to keep resting.
Solution, buy a walking stick until I can walk on my own.
How things changed for me as a pedestrian. Driver’s attitudes to me completely changed.
Here in Wells, Somerset, we sometimes have to take our chances when crossing the road. Car drivers just do not want to slow down and lose a precious ten seconds waiting for somebody to cross the road.
But appear at the kerbside with a walking stick and they all stop while I take not ten, but thirty seconds or more to cross. And they smile and wave.
So if you are healthy and can cross quickly, no chance, I’m not slowing down for you!!!
But if you are obviously stricken and very slow – then by all means I will stop for you and please, just take your time, no rush.
I’m now back on my own two legs and having to wait and wait for a gap in the traffic, nobody stops.
Has anyone else noticed this quirk of human nature.
And something else.
In Wells where I live, two people passing in the street will hardly speak to each other.
Say “good morning” to them and they give you a very suspicious look.
I spend most of my time in Glastonbury, just five miles down the road, and everybody speaks to everybody else, strangers, locals, those passing through, everybody chats. What a difference.
Let me know, I would love to know what happens in other countries.
Stay happy
Bux
Recent Comments
13
Possessing a stick is certainly one way to try and prevent oncoming traffic from running us over whilst crossing the street Bux... doesn't work very well over here though!!
I try my upmost best to converse with folks on the street here (even if there is a slight language barrier)!!
Some are receiving, others ignore me.... the same as everywhere I guess!!
Stay happy as well buddy! :-)
👍😊🦏
There is sometimes a language barrier here. The anglo-saxon expletives are terrible at times.
I thought you would be speaking French like a native by now.
Bux
I certainly understand that Bux, but... me speaking French like a native???
I could live here for another 100 years and that wouldn't happen!!!
I get by though!!
Hope all is well buddy and enjoy a wonderful weekend! :-)
I know the feeling already, Bux. Like when I say good morning to somebody that I know working in a establishment, she'll be looking at me suspiciously or strangely one or the two and that's just enough for me to keep on going thinking, "wow, that was something."
I hope you feel better enough to not need a walking stick but I do understand your struggle of getting across the street.
Myra ♥️
That's it exactly Myra. That suspicious look.
Yep, off the walking stick now, but back on the tablets.
Never give in.
Bux
Hi Bux!
Here in the US, not too many people walk; they drive. But that being said, they drive like what you experience as someone who walks.
Drivers don't slow down for other drivers; they cut people off, drive over the posted speed limit, and sometimes even have episodes of road rage.
Be careful out there, Bux!
Wow, that also happens in the UK, not often, apart from the speeding. Most of the accidents are speed related.
Yes indeed, be careful out there.
Bux
Hey Bux, I reckon I'm a bit lucky living in Portugal.
Most commercial outlets (banks etc) have a kind of "walking difficulties" lane that means the locals often let me move to the front of the queue.
Much appreciated.
However, often, more elderly (usually ladies) with no mobility difficulties take advantage.
That's OK so long as my Portuguese wife isn't there.
Fatima is very protective and fiery (even she calls it her latin temperament). More hot air than action though.
;-)
Richard
How is life in sunny Portugal. Cooling off in the UK right now, cold mornings, rain, all the usual Autumn stuff.
Don't start me on queuing, folk here regard their place in the queue as sacred.
Bux
Yes, as a Brit the Portuguese approach was a surprise, although it can lead to a little pushing and shoving.
Still sunny here, getting cooler, but still short sleeves and a fan close by!
Portugal "winter" is around December/January when it usually snows a bit on highlands in the North (they even have their own bagpipes!). It hasn't snowed in the Algarve since records began.
;-)
Richard
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Hi Bux
I know the feeling - although mine is a bit different to yours.
My difficulty is on a train in Bangkok, where about 4 seats are reserved for older passengers. I am thinking of buying a walking stick to make me "look" older. Then I am more likely to get a seat from able-bodied people.
I will be 83 next month & walk 6klms a day. LOL
Denis
Keep walking old fruit. Its so important to keep yourself active.
Bux