On traffic

Today I miss sidewalks. As much as I enjoy being part of a live game of frogger, I long for at least an attempted delineation between people and traffic. It's not that I actually fear being hit...vehicles are moving so slowly that it's not really an issue. It's that it's annoying. No matter where I walk, I'm in the way of some autorickshaw/cycle/car/fruitcart/motorcycle. Or I'm trying to dodge obstacles like trash and stray dogs. Or I'm stuck behind people walking extremely slowly. Or I'm almost running into a car that decided to just stop and park randomly, now blocking everything else, and inciting many angry car horns.

Which brings me to the horns. Oh dear heavens, the horns. Many people use them politely to say "hey just wanted to let you know I'm here" as they approach a corner or are backing up. Or to politely nudge you out of the way as they try to navigate the bike/people/car disaster. These horns don't bother me. It's the dudes (mostly cars and motorcyles) who just lay on the horn at all times, seemingly to say "I'M COMING THROUGH AND I DON'T CARE WHO IS IN THE WAY!" And the ones who think that the horn has magical powers that will somehow clear a traffic jam that is not moving at all, if only they honk loudly and long enough. To all of you inappropriate honkers, I beg of you: Stop it. Just stop it.

and one last bonus rant while I'm on a roll:

Dear dudes peeing on the walls all over the city,

Seriously, what do you think you're doing? If you had no other options, that would be one thing. Or, at the very very least, you could try to be a little more discreet. But no, there you are, in plain view of a heavily travelled road, seemingly on your way to work, carrying a briefcase, and dressed nicely. I'm sure there is a bathroom wherever you are going. The city, and all of those who have to live with the daily stink, would appreciate if you learned to use it.

Regards,

a grossed-out commuter