It seems strange to me, but it must be true.
NPR did a short piece on what the first questions are when strangers meet. It seems that it depends on where the meeting took place. In New York City, its “What neighborhood do you live in?” In Washington DC is is usually “What do you do?” In Vermont you might hear about a persons ski experience, or the small boat they own.
Here in LA, its different. The question usually is “How did you get here?” ie, “I came down the 405 and then took the 10.” The next follow up questions is “Where did you park?”
In Manhattan, discovering where someone lives tells you a lot about them. If they are from the Upper East Side or Brooklyn, then you may know something about their income or background. In DC, what a person does tells you a lot as to whether they can be of help to you in your climb up this or that ladder. Folks in New England are more interested in outdoors and the like.
But folks in LA LA Land are always searching for a better route from here to there. And of course, the illusive parking space. If I am going to be returning to a certain area and the person next to me has a ‘great’ parking space. That knowledge is golden.
I don’t use freeways if I can help it, unless its 10 PM or 5 AM. I take surface streets and know many back alleys and neighborhoods through which I can find short cuts. I am always looking for a new way to get from here to there.
Parking – “You can park at the bank at the corner after 5” or “At 6 pm parking is free on Venice.” That little bit of info sometimes is a big help.
It makes a difference where you are, but in certain cities, LA being one, Parking is right up there with what do you do or where do you live. Who would have thunk it?
JVH
H/T Laurie Keller – IPS
