the new york “walk”

30Oct07

With Daphne in NYC, I’m finding myself in the big city once in a while. Now that I’ve been there at least a handful of times, I’m starting to feel like I know the place. I can get around on the subway. I can hail a cab. And, I actively discriminate against non-van cabs in hopes of improving my chances of taking a ride in the “Cash Cab”. But, best of all, I know the New York “walk”.

Hardcore “niw yawkers” probably don’t even notice. But, as a displaced Vancouverite, it can be a real culture shock. For those of you who can’t relate… here’s what you can expect from each city.

In Vancouver…

• … if you so much as brush someone, expect the other person to apologize profusely. Don’t be surprised if you can’t help but also apologize. It’s a race.
• … if you’re in a rush, wait… you’re never in a rush. Apologize anyways. You can never apologize too much.
• … if you’re really in a rush, politely say “excuse me” in the most genuine, comforting, unobtrusive, apologetic voice. Then, apologize pre-emptively for the possibility of brushing past the person. Finally, apologize in response to their apology for holding you up.

In New York…

• … if you so much as brush someone, you should be ashamed. Anything less than a coffee-spilling shoulder check is unexcusable.
• … if you’re in a rush, don’t worry, so is everyone else. Tailgate the person in front to let them know you’re there.
• … if you’re really in a rush, you can guarantee that the person in front of you is doing the New York “strut”, which moves 7 times slower than the average chinatown grandmother towing along her 11 grandchildren to the fish market while chatting to her BFF Rose on the latest bluetooth headset. No joke.

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Tags: apologize, Cash Cab, Chinese, New York, strut, walk