Munich’s city center is a pedestrian zone. No cars allowed! Walk through there before 9 AM, however, and you wouldn’t know it. Delivery trucks, maintenance vans, trash collectors—the lifeblood supporting beautiful store fronts and clean streets must come from somewhere, after all.
As a pedestrian, it’s annoying to be in the minority in a pedestrian zone, but alas, at least most of the drivers are friendly and patient. They’ll usually let you go first and make room for you to slip by.
Should you pass back through the city on your way home in the afternoon, you’ll observe the opposite: Suddenly, walkers are everywhere, and the occasional street sweeper will struggle to get through. The other day, I spotted two fretting guys in a cleaning cart, praying for an opportunity to turn right.
As I walked by, it hit me: “Right now, the drivers are the party who suffers the most—and it’s on us pedestrians to give them a break.” I was already past the turn, but thankfully, soon enough, some of my fellow walkers did. People stopped for a few seconds, and the fellas could move on with their drive, work, and day.
Even the most familiar situations constantly change in their dynamics. Be present so you can reassess them anytime. Keep asking who needs a break the most, and be generous when you find yourself with the ability to hand one out.
