A London Tale...

[fingertrouble]

I was at Nero's earlier today and had to wait ages for a coffee and a sandwich (the staff were so slow).

Eventually I got them, and went to get some brown sugar for the coffee, and there was this older guy standing talking on a mobile oblivious right in front of the sugar/condiments place. There was loads of space elsewhere to stand and chat on the phone (the street for a start?) but I asked politely.

'Excuse me'

No response.

'EXCUSE ME!'

Nada. Zip. Nothing - talking on his phone and oblivious to the fact his fat arse was blocking access for everyone else.

So I got fed up with that, and pushed past (with small rucksack on back which I could feel almost bowled him over).

He then started having a go at me for not being careful, I then pointed out he was blocking the way, and he said something about being on the mobile (as if that gives an automatic right to block people and ignore them).

I then pointed out that I had asked several times, politely...

I thought it was going to go into fisticuffs but I went downstairs and just prepared myself if this guy would take it further, hot coffee in hand. Thankfully he didn't; I have had people threaten to punch my lights in for bumping into me (no not me bumping into them, someone who on an edge of a crowded platform would rather I be under the train than dare get in their way).

I know I can be an antisocial sociopathic bitch at times, but I usually hide it well...but sometimes like this I really wish automatic weapons were mandatory for everyone living in London. Or at least me.




(j/king)

Comments

Surprise...

[gorkabear.livejournal.com]

Imagine what's my shock as well. It happens often to me here in England. My biggest cultural shock here is how people think they're polite by saying "please", "thanks", "cheers" or whatsoever but how rude the manners, despite the words, seem to us.

And I was speaking about Horsham. Manchester was slightly worse and London is the worst.

Re: Surprise...

[timbearcub.livejournal.com]

I always try and be polite, but it gets difficult when people act so stupidly, don't think about others, and ignore your politeness (on purpose). You've got to realise no-one really interacts unless you have done something that bothers them.

So that's probably why - people are trying to be polite but there are too many jerks out there that seem to only understand rudeness. Sad really.

You could patiently wait like I used to; but people then take advantage of that (letting one person through a door, then a whole load of people push past not letting you through, etc.). That doesn't work here, it could work in Spain, but Madrid seemed to have the same attitude, ditto Paris.

Re: Surprise...

[gorkabear.livejournal.com]

Madrid and Barcelona are horrible - BUT I was referring to attitudes where you're forced to be with more people. And my mind was set in the office where I work.

Anwyay... I do overreact but I'm having a very bad experience so far in England.

[qxbear.livejournal.com]

I would have put my hand on his shoulder and left it there. That usually makes someone uncomfortable enough to move out of my way. I don't say anything, I just touch them.

[timbearcub.livejournal.com]

Are you actually a bear version of Rogue or something ;-)

ZAP! Aaargh! Run away! LOL

Yeah I can see people hate contact, that would work.