WideEyed wrote:I've lived here 6 weeks now and really like it. My one and only complaint is that I am stunned by the lack of pedestrian courtesy. Why is it this way? I understand that people walk slow because it's hot and that they have the bad habit of shuffling/dragging their feet because they often wear flipflops. But why do people stop at the end of an escalator when the know there are others behind them?
Because they are situationally unaware... inside their bubble. Answer: Run into them, push out of the way, while saying, "Hey!" in a loud voice.
Why am I forced to step off the sidewalk into the street when passing an oncoming group who won't share the sidewalk?
Because you let them. Strong shoulder forward and bash right through them. It really is quite satisfying.
Why do people stop and congregate at a tight bottleneck? Why do people stop, change direction without looking first, and run right into me? Why do people not step to the side on the escalator or conveyors and not let me pass? Why won't anyone walk up or down on an escalator or conveyor? Why do people cut in front of the queue when they clearly see that there is a queue? Why do people not let me off the train or elevator before barging on? Why do slow walkers drift from side to side and not let me pass? Why do people seem to have a complete lack of awareness of those around them? Is it self centeredness? Is it because there are so many cultures here? Is it just every man for himself? I've noticed several times that people will apologize when they realize they have been inconsiderate, but it's the lack of awareness, self centeredness, and zombie-like momentum that has me questioning the place. Please don't take this as a rant. Singapore is great, but six weeks here and I've experienced all of these things. I've lived all over the world, and really love Singapore, but I have never experienced a place where everyone's head seems to be inside a bubble. What gives?
Trains and elevators are another great place to perfect your "barging" techniques... also in heavy queues where no one will let you pass. I AM coming off the train... and I have no problem in making strong body contact with someone trying to shove his way on... nearly bowled over one blighter he was in such a rush. If you are dragging a wheeled bag, make sure to drag it across their ankles as well.