Here’s to “Connecting Routes” ~ a space to spotlight a common theme in my travels that offers snapshots from one place to another, like the tantalizing tease of a tasting menu or a shortlist of your next dream vacation!
Top Three Places for Road-Side Experiences
There’s outreach, then there is another level of fulfilling your needs - and that too, at red lights. Just as vehicles come to a slow stop, they descend with goods that can relieve you or make you wonder if anyone would actually buy that. From windshield squeegees, dental floss, battery operated fans to local snacks and drinks, rolling down a window in some countries can complete any quick transaction. Hawkers are a sight to see. Experiences can range from hard hustling that’ll make you double-check your door-lock, to an expression so genuine that however brief, it coaxes heartfelt interactions. These encounters have always moved me. Sometimes, there’s just a look, a smile, a plea that can make it down to your core. People with disabilities, children begging, folks trying to feed their families, creative concoctions, weathered hands on the window, curious faces peeping in, eyes that penetrate deep, strangers sharing a special second … have you experienced this? Whether or not the window’s down, if we’re open on this journey, life’s Big Thoughts tumble in.
So then, I started to seriously consider what I could sell. Surely, no one would want a drive-by suture session, a quick pregnancy or health check up, a look in their ears or down their throat … yet, passing through 150 countries, I’ve seen a lot of stuff waiting to be traded. Which left me with the wonder of what each of us would say if asked, what do we have that’s ‘road-side ready’ to offer? Expanding beyond traffic lights to clinics, classrooms and boardrooms, our gifts are a given. How and where we use them is the question. I’ve seen so many scintillating supplies and skills showcased at stop signs. Of course, I’m beyond grateful for my privilege in those instances and, I appreciate the reminder of robust resilience - a quality of our species that readily comes into view roadside.
Pakistan: Standing at a red light, I met a young woman with a story - my father wasn’t pleased I’d promised to give her rupees toward her school fees. Raised in a ‘teach-a-person-to-fish’ philosophy over handouts, the begging in Pakistan overwhelmed my senses. It seemed that everywhere we went, there was a hand or limb outstretched. While the country has made excellent progress in educating some of its most marginalized, roadside requests here are likely to leave a lasting impression.
Botswana: You name it: sweet fruit, piping hot corn on the cob, cool drinks, live chickens, electronics, kitchen appliances, home accessories and more, it can all be readily available once the car stops. Yet, the unpredictability of availability makes this a less reliable way to shop. There’s so much to learn from these micro-trades.
What about choice, quality and returns? Indeed, while that’s not top of mind, I suspect these transactions offer a glimpse into what, where, when, how and why we trade with each other. I popped some popcorn in my mouth as I thanked the Mama who was diminishing in the rear-view mirror. It was well timed and perfectly salted. Perhaps I should have gotten more, or maybe, I ought to sink my teeth into satiation and shukran, being grateful that we were both at that place at that moment.
Ecuador: The capital city of Quito has quite the rep. Regardless, I’m glad I ventured out. How does a person come up with the idea of having a choreographed dancing routine at a stop light that includes two mannequins, some wigs, a mechanical complex contraption that enables in sync steps and a boom box that ensures he has your attention? As the light cycled red-green-red, I watched him for a long while. Sure, there was likely a more loaded intention for his efforts, but he also seemed to be having fun. So too were all those who paused or passed by him. Had I not taken to the streets, I would have missed seeing one man’s idea, inspiration and wherewithal. Clearly, necessity and creativity are the mother of invention.
May our red lights remind us of what gifts we have that are road-side ready,
What great observations and insights ☺️💚. Thank you for opening my mind to these new perspectives 🥰
Again as sit having my coffee you draw me into a world I have not seen .. thanks for your adventurous nature! ..