Without a Hitch
Posted By Phil on September 26, 2007
I had an interesting little pedestrian encounter yesterday afternoon. After leaving the bank, I turned onto a neighborhood street before turning onto a major road. As I pulled up to the stop sign, I noticed a pedestrian who seemed to be crossing the street. Nothing out of the ordinary. So being the courteous driver I am, I slowed to a stop so that he could cross in front of me.
The man, replete with white hair, blue jeans, t-shirt, hat, and giant cup of soda, stopped. In the middle of the road. I stared at him. He stared at me. We then proceeded to nonverbally communicate with one another: I waved my hand and said, half out-loud, go ahead. He raised his head and said, probably out loud, “no you go ahead.” Or it could have been “are you going this way”. I should my head and repeated, again by pronouncing out loud approximately half the syllables in each word, “n(o) y(ou) (g)o!”
And finally, we seemed to understand one another. He crossed the remaining part of the street, and stood on the corner. I pulled up to the stop sign. I proceeded to turn, so that I might continue on my merry way. As I turned, I notice the man still staring at me. I stared back. He pointed again, in the direction I was going. I thought “uh, yeah, that’s the way I’m going.” And then he did this meager little thumb sign. Well, why didn’t he just say he was hitchhiking?
And what did I do? I smiled and nodded and drove away, feeling probably as bewildered as he did. Though I bet I was the one less disappointed.
I always have the urge to pick up a hitchhiker but you just can’t hardly do it any more. There are just some really crazy people out there. I have done the very same thing. I love that you both end up starting to move at the same time then stop, move then stop. Like a dance. I love how much you’re blogging over here.
Wow, that’s kinda funny sitcom material there. Bart & I started a conversation about hitchhikers while we were on our road trip… We noticed that the majority of the hitchhikers were older gentlemen, usually bearded, w/the backpack and the whole works. I haven’t hitchhiked b/4, however, Bart hitchhiked when he was younger in his late teens & early 20’s. I’m reminded of a 20/20 or 60mins. special where the reporter hitchhiked somewhere in or across the U.S. and documented his trip… Very interesting. Thanks for sharing… I’m picturing your encounter and laughing a bit. (((BIG HUGS))) & LOVE, Rob:-)
I wouldn’t DARE pick up a hitchhiker. I’m the type of girl who ALWAYS looks into the back seat of her car before getting in. You never know when a serial murderer is going to stake out your car and grab you from behind and slit your throat as you’re looking for your favorite radio station. I don’t look under the car anymore though…I’ve decided to take my chances with the serial murderers and rapists who wait for you by hiding UNDER the car.
HAHA! This story cracked me up! Only you, Phil!
Mental note: hide in Jacacat’s car.
Um … I personally hate drivers that stop for pedestrians to cross outside of the designated crosswalks.
“A lack of order on the streets is a recipe for disaster!” - Unknown