City Slicker Rules for Visiting Tourists

1. Don’t chit chat with people on the subways. Its an unspoken rule to be quiet, as the subway ride is almost a zen meditation time for commuters – the only part of the day where the phone doesn’t work, you can’t move or go anywhere, its just calm and still. This rule may even extend into someone not responding if you say something unnecessary (ie, a comment about the weather, or etc). Its fine to ask a question if its something necessary (ie, does this train stop at 45^th?).
2. If you don’t understand the orchestrated walking symphony *see prior post*…then stay to the side and out of the way (this applies on the streets, too). You are messing with our harmony!
3. If the Taxi light (these are the numbers on top of a taxi) is OFF, THE TAXI IS FULL. No need to get frustrated or angry at the cabbie because he didn’t stop even though you were very clearly waving both arms and yelling at him. Also, if the taxi light is ON, cabbies will be looking for you. He’ll probably make it across three lanes to pick you up even if you accidentally lift your arm in the air and really aren’t even meaning to hail a cab. Its actually pretty hilarious when I see someone who can’t figure out why no cabs are stopping for them!
4. More rules to come later…