But why would you stand in the middle of the pavement if you’re waiting for a bus?!
Seriously, this makes “every Spaniard” “a big, wanky, cruddy cock”? Maybe, just maybe, an overreaction?
Thanks for reminding me of another way to avoid being an irritating tourist, though. Standing in the way while you look at your map/gaze in wonder/take a photo, etc, will annoy people. Tourists in London annoy the fuck out of me because they do this all the time. Don’t just stop dead. Look around you. Be aware that other people are trying to get on with their lives, and don’t have time for you to slam on the brakes in front of them and stand there looking gormless. Get out of the way. If you have to stand still, stand in an unobtrusive place.
Whatever you do, don’t end up at the Paris Metro with some problem with your little Metro card. Because even if your high school French is serviceable you’re going to have a really nasty ten minutes and some asshole might put his pointy elbow so far into your ribs you’ll think he’s evaluating your liver for foie gras.
New Yorkers, on the other hand, are the soul of helpfulness and kindness. I mean, they don’t go around making eye contact, but if you need help they’ll fall all over themselves, in my experience. Especially when it comes to directions - they’re ridiculously proud of their city and you’ll get four or five people suggesting restaurants and things you shouldn’t miss and arguing over the best train to take.
