Cool in Korea, Part I

Where I come from, I never see this:

Japan or America — even in Europe where I’ve spent considerable time — cars don’t take one another on, in this way:

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Something I hadn’t expected from Korea: a free-for-all, whoever comes first, however they can get in that space, fit their frame in, they’re welcome to it.

Don’t fuss over turning around; just wedge yourself in, exit, key the lock, get on with your business.

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Reminding me of one of peripatacity‘s basic rules: never carry expectations when you travel.

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Who knows what the positioning of these cars is truly saying . . .

Maybe nothing. Or maybe that people park out of convenience. Maybe it reveals a lackadaisical penchant, or a deeper commitment to laissez faire.

Or . . . it could be something visceral. Basic, animalistic. There could be, in this parking behavior, the desire for confrontation — yes, I believe I can discern, in some of the positioning, a smidgeon of intimidation implied. Some drivers seem to encroach on another’s space where there is room to spare, and the nose to nose has a way of communicating such intent in a way that nose to tail might not.

Yet, in other’s positioning behavior, is there not something warm? Revealing a little extra consideration, even a dollop of affection?

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Whatever the underlying reason(s) — if any — this behavior is different.

And, in the free-form, improvisational, non-conforming, rule-rubbed-another-way message . . . I have to say: this is the way I enjoy living.

Beyond that, because of that, I haveta say . . . it’s kinda cool.

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