walk the walk

I walk to school and work everyday. It's enjoyable and they say it's good for me. Also, with the gas prices being high enough that I need to take out a loan just to fill my car up, I'm saving money by using the gifts God has given me- feet. And while I may struggle at walking up stairs without stumbling and some might see that as I curse, I see it as an adventure. However, that's a story for another day. Back to walking.

Many returned missionaries talk about the things they learned from the culture they served in, and the thing I learned in Belgium was how to properly cross a street. Aggression is more apparent in their driving AND in their walking. Let me explain. They drive like they needed to be somewhere 33 minutes ago, and yet in their haste, they are still aware of their surroundings. They are courteous to drivers that need to merge or change lanes, and they stop for pedestrians IF the rules of engagement are followed.

Rules of Engagement:
1. Look left and don't worry about your right.
2. Don't step in front of a vehicle that's close enough to touch.
3. Take a step into the road when the vehicle is any distance further than your outstretched fingers.
4. Point your index finger at the driver.
5. Make eye contact.
6. And keep walking.

At this point they will have stopped without any hostility or honking. The car behind them might honk until they see you walking. If you want, you can point at them to really pacify them. Now it is time to focus on to your right side. (These rules only apply if they haven't also stopped, which in most cases, they have)

7. Point at the driver.
8. Make eye contact.
9. Keep walking.

(Note: A smirk is proven to be the most effective facial expression while crossing.)

At this point, you will be on the other side of the street merrily on your way, and the drivers will be rushing to their imagined missed appointment. It might sound like a dangerous and slow process, but it is very safe and quick. It sure beats the way people try to cross the streets here in the US of A. And since I'm a fan of using efficient methods, I apply my street crossing skills on my daily journey to work and school.

Americans, it seems, aren't used to being pointed at by pedestrians crossing the street. They are used to the slump shouldered, unsure pedestrians that stand 4 feet from the edge of the sidewalk waiting for a half-mile gap in the traffic to cross. So the shocked look that I see on their face when I aggressively cross the street is funny, but it usually lasts only seconds before it turns to anger or realization that it's ok to actually let the pedestrian have the right-of-way (like they really have).

To close, I suppose I should apologize to the rich, business man in his new Mazda CX-9 that almost ran into me. I'm sure that vehicle isn't used to such a hard pounding on the brakes, and I might have made him upset because he realized that he hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings and was angry about his neglect. I'm sorry.