I've found that the pace of life here in Hong Kong is fast, yet slow. Maybe it's just the driving that's particularly fast. But I find the general pace of walking to be insanely slow.
I'm not a fast walker. Just ask AC (who I usually have to run to keep up with). But as it's getting hotter and hotter outside, I don't want to spend a huge amount of time out there. Also, my lunch break is short, so I want to get where I'm going and come back in an expedient manner.
But here, people tend to walk slowly. And there are so many people, they have developed flocking instincts that enable them to quickly form small groups that block the walkway when a fast-walker approaches. I find myself like a predator, trying to find gaps or weak sections of their wall, only to be confused and eventually repelled by the continual undulation of the group. They also use toxic substances as a defense mechanism. If I get too close, I'm usually blasted with a exhale of cigarette smoke casually thrown over a shoulder.
I guess I should just budget more time, put on more deodorant and assimilate into the flock.
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The Partly Cloudy Patriot
Silversun Pickups - Carnavas
The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
Planning to live forever. Living like I'm dying tomorrow. Or at least trying.
Planning to live forever. Living like I'm dying tomorrow. Or at least trying.
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Travel(ing again)
Nov 17 - 20 : Hanoi, Vietnam
Dec 2 - 6 : Xian, China
Dec 14 - 21 : Thailand
Dec 21 - Jan 9 : Japan
Dec 2 - 6 : Xian, China
Dec 14 - 21 : Thailand
Dec 21 - Jan 9 : Japan
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3 comments:
that sounds similar to walking on Clement Street.
I might suggest finding an impromptu flock-block-busting partner; perhaps an equally frustrated pedestrian with whom you give eye contact and a knowing nod to _ a subtle agreement to tactics. Block-buster A (you) should first go for the bulls rush, but be loud about it and let them know you're coming. Block-buster B (random like-frustrated compadre) then stealthily slingshots to the outside (not unlike a 70s-esque Anne Cavello roller derby move). The flock will sense the misdirection, head for block-buster B, at which point he/she will signal you with an audible. Something like "Echo! Tango! Niner! Bravo! Niner!" That's when you resurge the line, bust through the gap and glide past them, spiking your coffee cup in victory; not just for yourself, but for all of us middling types still trapped behind the conformity of our `flock blocks.' Soldier on young man. Soldier on.
- Coffee Fueled Ron
LOL - I was constantly tempted to just take the bowling ball approach and watch them scatter like a well-thrown strike. Its maddening for a "power walker" like me.
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