One thing I think Americans excel at compared to people from other cultures is the concept of “personal space”. I was in Paris this past weekend, surrounded by tourists from all over the world, and the lack of awareness or respect for personal space was stunning.
At one point, we were waiting in line to take the elevators up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. This was a long, snaking line, kind of like if you were waiting at Magic Mountain at DisneyLand (or, Montagne Magique at EuorDisney). So, there are hundreds of people waiting on this long line, snaking through a criss-cross of TensaBarriers, and the annoying people behind me just keep barrelling in to me like a freakin Roomba. I get pissed off, but don’t do anything.
Finally, we get to the elevator. Doors open, same deal, people barreling in like molecules in a nuclear reactor. We get up to the 2nd level, and pour out….now, it’s time to wait on the next line. Same deal. Keep in mind, this isn’t regular walking. It’s the kind of line movement that is 2 or 3 little shuffle steps at a time. Almost to the point where you feel silly even advancing, because you’re not really going anywhere, just closing up a gap of a foot or two when the people in front of you shuffle forward.
And, while it was cold and windy up there, I just know that if I had the capability to fart on demand, it would have made for a much more enjoyable experience for me. And maybe, just maybe, I’d have earned myself a little more personal space…..
