Has it been that long?
Since I've had something to complain about?
Hell no. Just been doing other things.
But, seeing as how I've started on the subject of complaining, I have a fine example of why I prefer Europe to North America (and perhaps the West Coast, specifically).
I take the bus to work almost daily, so I get to do something I enjoy doing (when I don't let it frustrate me) - observe humanity.
Now, to exit some busses from the back door requires little more than follow a simple step or two. On some, you step down and this activates the door. Simple - and most people get this one, even by default, as they instinctively step towards the door once the bus has stopped at their stop anyway.
BUT, some of the newer, low-profile busses with no step have another method of getting the door to open.
You see, on the doors (2) there is a long, yellow sticker.
On this sticker are the words (paraphrasing) - To Open Door Put Hand Here, above and below a picture of a hand which is shown to scale. This hand has an arrow pointing to it from above and below.
Here is where old world sensibility outshines the new world order.
9 times out of 10, and perhaps I'm being generous, I watch our local population enact the following scenarios:
- waiting at the back door after the bus has stopped for the door to open by itself
- staring at the door, then putting their hand anywhere BUT where it is shown
- growing impatient, many folks will start pushing on the door (and only with luck going over the designated location to activate it opening)
- growing even more impatient, yelling 'BACK DOOR, BACK DOOR!' as if the bus driver is secretly revelling in keeping them and their rude behaviour on the bus longer.
I watch some people do one or more of these things EVERY DAMN DAY.
A moment of magic and reassurance about humans greeted me the other day, however, courtesy of two elderly German tourists.
After the ride home, into downtown, the couple (who spoke German and some English - yes, I like to listen to people's conversations on the bus) rang the bell, then proceeded to the door as it approached the stop. Just before it reached the stop, they both looked at the door, understood their course of action and one of them placed a hand exactly over the graphic on the door indicating hand placemnt.
The door opened, and the left.
I was so proud of them and reminded once again as to why we have to get the hell out of here.
Honestly.
Without seeming hostile or bitter, but just observational, I am constantly reminded of how all of our 'individualism' and 'free spirit' attitude here is really just an excuse for egotism, greedy actions and plain old rude behaviour.
I long for a world where people are nice, polite, honest, hard-working and non-violent - and while that may never come to pass, I'll take a bit more maturity anytime.
Stay tuned for more fine examples of humanity showing that the 'me' generation is only growing stronger.
*sigh*
Hell no. Just been doing other things.
But, seeing as how I've started on the subject of complaining, I have a fine example of why I prefer Europe to North America (and perhaps the West Coast, specifically).
I take the bus to work almost daily, so I get to do something I enjoy doing (when I don't let it frustrate me) - observe humanity.
Now, to exit some busses from the back door requires little more than follow a simple step or two. On some, you step down and this activates the door. Simple - and most people get this one, even by default, as they instinctively step towards the door once the bus has stopped at their stop anyway.
BUT, some of the newer, low-profile busses with no step have another method of getting the door to open.
You see, on the doors (2) there is a long, yellow sticker.
On this sticker are the words (paraphrasing) - To Open Door Put Hand Here, above and below a picture of a hand which is shown to scale. This hand has an arrow pointing to it from above and below.
Here is where old world sensibility outshines the new world order.
9 times out of 10, and perhaps I'm being generous, I watch our local population enact the following scenarios:
- waiting at the back door after the bus has stopped for the door to open by itself
- staring at the door, then putting their hand anywhere BUT where it is shown
- growing impatient, many folks will start pushing on the door (and only with luck going over the designated location to activate it opening)
- growing even more impatient, yelling 'BACK DOOR, BACK DOOR!' as if the bus driver is secretly revelling in keeping them and their rude behaviour on the bus longer.
I watch some people do one or more of these things EVERY DAMN DAY.
A moment of magic and reassurance about humans greeted me the other day, however, courtesy of two elderly German tourists.
After the ride home, into downtown, the couple (who spoke German and some English - yes, I like to listen to people's conversations on the bus) rang the bell, then proceeded to the door as it approached the stop. Just before it reached the stop, they both looked at the door, understood their course of action and one of them placed a hand exactly over the graphic on the door indicating hand placemnt.
The door opened, and the left.
I was so proud of them and reminded once again as to why we have to get the hell out of here.
Honestly.
Without seeming hostile or bitter, but just observational, I am constantly reminded of how all of our 'individualism' and 'free spirit' attitude here is really just an excuse for egotism, greedy actions and plain old rude behaviour.
I long for a world where people are nice, polite, honest, hard-working and non-violent - and while that may never come to pass, I'll take a bit more maturity anytime.
Stay tuned for more fine examples of humanity showing that the 'me' generation is only growing stronger.
*sigh*
Labels: bus, canada, germany, humanity, rudeness, tourist, vancouver
posted by Allat at
9:13 PM
0 Comments
