Movement musings (2)

Yes readers, I am back on this subject. However, it has nothing to do with train stations or airports. This time, I want to touch on an issue so perplexing;it actually leaves me feeling bloated with indignation. In order for you to understand, I guess it is better for me to start with the origins.As you already know, I worked in London for a month this summer. Pardon me for assuming your ignorance here, but the city is very big and can be quite daunting for any newcomer braving its streets for the first time. Now, a great sense of direction is not an attribute that I have been blessed with. In fact, I am the type of person that if possible, could get lost walking from the kitchen back to my bedroom. So, you can imagine how nervous I felt when I was given a task at work which demanded me to trek to the other side of London . To my defence, I had recently been doing relatively well with my map bearing skills. However, any drop of confidence I formerly had, seeped down the drain after completing this errand at work Needless to say, I got lost. Although it was cold, raining and all the roads looked the same; I take full responsibility for this. However, I feel that my horrendous experience which resulted in me perambulating the streets of London for one whole hour was aided by the locals. It wasn't that they didn't want to help me out. Oh no, every time I asked someone for directions he was ever so willing to give me a lengthy explanation. However, there are only so many 'turns to the left' and 'crossing to other side' you can do before you realise that either a) you are going mad or b) people are telling you lies. Now, tell me to get off my moral high horse, but you have to wonder what the world is coming to when people lie about knowing the way to somewhere. Surely it is a simple yes or no answer. I was told after explaining my experience to some friends that this happens quite regularly. But the question is why' What causes people to look a distressed, young, lady who is tentatively clutching her umbrella, in the eye and lie brazenly (and so convincingly) to her face' Maybe it is pride, as people don't want to seem like they don't know their own city. Nevertheless, my mind can't help but go back to the days of car journeys with my parents, when people would knock on the window for directions. Nine out of 10 times, my parents would say they didn't know, wind the window back up and that would be the end of the matter. Perhaps others need to take a leaf out of their books. It may make them appear rather abrupt and a bit unconcerned, but at least, it means the person in question will not be left walking in the rain for an hour!
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