There are obviously many people in this world
who are not used to crowds, and they don't realize they often accidentally stop
masses when they are in public. Each and every one of us has to share the
space in this world with a massive bunch of other people. How many billions of
us are out there? It certainly is a great idea to be sensitive to other people.
Here are 8 questions. If you answer all of them with a no, you are good to go
sightseeing.
Tips for sightseeing in crowded areas
1. Do you have to block small lanes or bridges by sitting and drinking or eating on steps or the pavement? Would you sit down in the entrance of your GP and not give way to other patients?
2.
Do you have to pose for snapshots in narrow lanes, on crowded bridges, or on busy
streets, while the photographer plays with the camera? Don't you care about the
hundreds of people waiting to get on?
3.
Do you have to form a front-line with your mates, when strolling through a busy
or narrow lane, in a way that others aren’t able to overtake but build pedestrian traffic?
4.
Do you and your friends all have to stop at the same time, when one of your
group sees something alluring in a store window so that it does get even more
crowded?
5.
Do you really have to push others away at a bakery, ice cream parlour, Pizza
stand or similar, to see what’s available. Why, out of all people who are
queuing, should the store owners not serve you? You reckon they won’t need your
money to make a living? You feel more important than the others?
6.
Do you have to enter at the exit side when waiting for a taxi, the bus or a
boat to have a collision?
7.
Do you have to argue with clerks/officials who ask you for whatever is required
by the country’s law, and make other people wait even longer in a queue? Do you
believe you have the power to change their regulations on this particular
visit?
8.
Do you carry your backpack on your back in crowded areas because you enjoy
pushing it into the faces of fellow tourists or locals?
You
are not the only one in the world, make life more pleasant for everyone around
you. If your answer to one or even more of the questions is yes, please go back to question 1 and
rethink. You probably live in a state of ignorant bliss.
What
are your suggestions for sensitive behaviour in crowded areas?
Looking forward to hear from you.
From
Berlin with love