I’ve spent a lot of time in elevators and crosswalks the past 23 days. It certainly allows for interesting people experiences. As with most things related to people, some experiences are good and others aren’t.
I won’t lie, mornings are best when I can get from the seventh floor of the hotel to the first floor and then out the door. (I think I’ve heard every Bing Crosby Christmas song there is at this point.) Same goes for the hospital after a 0.6 mile walk. (I’ll get to crosswalks later.) The in-hospital walk to the elevator is a convoluted traipse through various hallways. It’s hard not to run into people (sometimes almost literally). Then, once again, it’s a pleasant reprieve when the trip to the sixth floor is solo.
In those all too often moments of encountering other humans, I do my best to be pleasant. “Good morning,” is usually reciprocated with the same or, “Hello,” or “Hi.” Once I really put myself out there and commented on very well-behaved children with shiny, tiny, neon suitcases. I was rewarded with a look from the mother that pretty much said, “You have no clue how long and how frustrating it was to get these three kids ready this morning.” Kind of made me glad I said something.
One morning, a gentleman still putting himself together, adjusting his durag, turned the corner to wait for the elevator to reach the seventh floor. I said my usual, “Good morning.” He responded with, “I love your energy!” I said, “I’m faking it.” (And meant it.) He found that hilarious. He introduced himself as Carlos and told me all about his 18 year old son who has the same kind of drive I do. (I’m a better actress than I thought.) Our short conversation extended over another person getting on and we parted with, “Have a great day.”
There was one trip with two guys commenting on my Dbeck shoes. I told them they’re the most comfortable shoes I’ve every owned. (True.) On parting, my “Have a nice day,” got a, “Have a blessed day, young lady,” from the younger of the two. While some people say that all the time, what made it interesting was that there was a Baptist Health seminar table set up in the lobby. For those not familiar, Baptist’s logo is a pineapple. As they walked by the table ahead of me, the young guy said to his companion, “Hey, do you know what an upside down pineapple means? It means you’re a swinger!” The look on the Baptist rep’s face certainly blessed my day!
Then, my favorites – the folks, for whatever reason just don’t acknowledge your fake perky greeting. At least I try.
I’ve found you risk your life in pedestrian crosswalks around here. They’re clearly marked and there’s at least one sign stating you should stop for those in the crosswalk. Don’t expect people to do that. Many just zip by – I get it, you’re late to an appointment, there’s no damned parking for the number of people who are here, and it’s Miami. So, it’s best to wait and then kindly wave at anyone who stops for you. (No, I have NOT flipped crazy drivers off. I do not have a death wish.)
The most interesting crosswalk experience didn’t involve the crosswalk (other than I was standing at one). I was heading back to the hotel and noticed a guy on a scooter getting ready to exit the lot. I was amazed at how fast he was going and then thought the exit arm must be up for some reason. It wasn’t. Luckily, he realized that and ducked while the arm activated and lifted enough that he didn’t get decapitated. He looked over at me before turning right (which he had to do) and shrugged like, “That was close!” OK, dude, have a blessed day.
People are interesting.
Recharting at a new latitude 