San Francisco!!
I have been living in San Francisco for the past two and a half months. This is the first time I have ever been outside Bangalore for so long and the first time I have ever lived by myself. Though I am missing home I am really enjoying my solitude. Lots of time for myself that I can't crib for a long time about the lack of it.
I love San Francisco. The city's very charming. (Some people say that it's really a town that likes to call itself a city) And the people here are really polite. So far every driver I have seen on the road has waited for the pedestrians to cross. I mean, they actually wait, just the hint of a pedestrain twenty feet away from the curb is enough to make them stop and signal the person to cross. We in India will jerk our necks impatiently to signal someone to pass, but here one would politely lift their hand, curl their fingers and signal people to go. Usually with a smile and a nod. How polite is that? Why can't everybody do that? Don't believe me? Here's a small example of how one catches the bus to their workplace.
How you walk to the bus stand:
Blr: Don't notice anybody except to avoid colliding with them. Cut in in front of people if need be.
SF: Greet everybody you come across with a smile and a Hi. If you have just had your morning coffee, greet them with a 'Hello there!'. Never cut in on someone's path.
Always wait patiently for the other person to pass. (Note: this might sometimes result in both the people waiting politely for one another for an infinite amount of time)
How you stand at the bus stop:
Blr: Just mind your own business and avoid eye contact. Not that anyone will chit chat with you, you don't really want to talk to anyone either.
SF: Smile and nod at your neighbour and occassionally exclaim to your neighbour 'What a beautiful day it is today!'
How you board the bus:
Blr: (I don't need to say this)
SF: Wait for the person in front of you to board first. Stay atleast two feet away from the person in front of you. Let the women go first. (Always. Everywhere)
That's where I catch my bus
That's actually a sports bar located at the same corner where the bus stop is
I love San Francisco. The city's very charming. (Some people say that it's really a town that likes to call itself a city) And the people here are really polite. So far every driver I have seen on the road has waited for the pedestrians to cross. I mean, they actually wait, just the hint of a pedestrain twenty feet away from the curb is enough to make them stop and signal the person to cross. We in India will jerk our necks impatiently to signal someone to pass, but here one would politely lift their hand, curl their fingers and signal people to go. Usually with a smile and a nod. How polite is that? Why can't everybody do that? Don't believe me? Here's a small example of how one catches the bus to their workplace.
How you walk to the bus stand:
Blr: Don't notice anybody except to avoid colliding with them. Cut in in front of people if need be.
SF: Greet everybody you come across with a smile and a Hi. If you have just had your morning coffee, greet them with a 'Hello there!'. Never cut in on someone's path.
Always wait patiently for the other person to pass. (Note: this might sometimes result in both the people waiting politely for one another for an infinite amount of time)
How you stand at the bus stop:
Blr: Just mind your own business and avoid eye contact. Not that anyone will chit chat with you, you don't really want to talk to anyone either.
SF: Smile and nod at your neighbour and occassionally exclaim to your neighbour 'What a beautiful day it is today!'
How you board the bus:
Blr: (I don't need to say this)
SF: Wait for the person in front of you to board first. Stay atleast two feet away from the person in front of you. Let the women go first. (Always. Everywhere)
That's where I catch my bus
That's actually a sports bar located at the same corner where the bus stop is