I was in New York City recently for a industry event. When I am in the Big Apple, it takes me back to my days as a young boy who used to venture into the city via the Metro North train to see a Ranger game, or maybe just view the tree at Rockefeller Center. I did escape once again on this trip to Carnegie Deli, the famous Jewish Deli. But this is not about food or events. This is about people walking.
You see, New York City is one big grid, with lights at every intersection, and every one of them synchronized. So whether you drive at the right pace or walk at the right pace, you can make all these lights, and keep the pace going. In addition, whether it says walk or don't walk, there is a way to know how to possibly sneak across even if it says do not walk.
And this is where the story gets to the point. I am walking the streets of NY and I know how the game works. The problem with NY today is it is overrun with visitors and tourists. As such, I frequently heard loud car horns behind me when I walked against the lights. But honestly, I needed to focus on the next light ahead of me. What was happening back there?
Then it happened in front of me. You see, I am not the only guy in New York that does this - in fact, most natives know it and do the walk this way. So I was sitting at a light, and a New Yorker took the leap against the light. No big deal. He knew what he was doing.
But a group of "out of towners" followed - not looking - assuming that if this person could walk, they could as well. And they almost got smacked. Horns blared, brakes screeched. It was another close NY call.
And it made me think that as humans we sometimes follow without really knowing the truth. Following blindly. Not knowing if it is safe or even the right thing to do. And what does this have to do with Corporate Travel? Find out in my next post.....
