When vacationing in Manhattan, I was surprised over how angry locals were over tourists gumming up the sidewalks. One actually wrote in chalk on the sidewalks, drawing tourists on the right side and local express lane on the left.
I thought, “What a jerk.” But, I can see their point.
We love tourists in our city – unless it’s cherry blossom time and downtown is gridlocked. But, here’s a tip to those from less urban areas – stand to the right.
It definitely applies to escalators at metro stations where locals are commuting and you’re blocking their way. Oh, that’s a good way to start a fight.
We understand you’re looking around and things are unfamiliar. Just stand to the right so locals can pass. That’s all we’re asking.
As a side note – when I was working in Osaka, Japan I discovered locals not only drive on the left, they walk on the left side. Naturally, I was in everybody’s way. I’m not sure what they were saying, but it didn’t sound like “Have a nice day.”
