So, I thought that cars and bikes randomly stopping in front of me with little warning, in order to chat with someone in the next car or hanging out on the sidewalk was unique to this island.? Well, I was wrong.? In Theresa Maggio's non-fiction novel, "The Stone Boudoir" she comments on the fact that "...was a passenger in my friend Santo's car [in Sicilly] when he stopped, blocking traffic, to chat with a friend.? They must have talked for eight minutes.? Ten cars backed up behind us, clogging entry to the Corso Garibaldi.? No one beeped or said a word..."? Her friend then explained to her that no one got upset because they knew that next time it would be there turn.

I must say I have thought about this concept a lot!? And after reflection, I still disagree!? It is so rude and gives no thought to the fact that the people you are holding up may need to get to work/an appointment/or have a screaming 7 month old who wants lunch!? I don't want the option of having a turn!? If I want to chat, I'll signal to whoever to meet me around the corner!

While I'm on my soap box about randomly stopping - what is up with people on Reid and Queen Street who stop in the MIDDLE of the sidewalk to talk with a friend/tie their shoelace/gaze skyward!? Is it really asking too much to take two steps to the left or right so the person behind you doesn't get whiplash.? And why am I always the one to say sorry or excuse me - it wasn't my fault!

If you read about a crazy lady running people down with a stroller any time soon you'll know who it was!!

PS - I do understand the need to relax and stop to smell the roses, just not on two of the busiest pedestrian filled streets in Bda!

Bluenoser, you're the one to apologise because you are Canadian 

With you on the sidewalk etiquette though. Notice also that the usual etiquette is that the slower walkers stay on the side furthest from the road, the fastest walkers take the middle. This works til someone turns up who just doesn't absorb that rule. Or until Front Street in cruise ship season. I try to tell myself that the world won't end if I take a little longer. Or at least, try to make sure that I don't say out loud what I am thinking.

You know, I had never made that link.

Is there any special etiquette to follow in these situations, either for the person stopping to chat or those caught behind them... I'd hate to step on a behavioural landmine. Should I be including people in my conversation when I block their path, or does 'good morning' suffice? And if I want to have a longer chat, will my buttocks grow to suit the increased duration?

My favourite was the cop car stopped and blocking 1 lane on Reid St while the cop sitting in the car was leaning out the window chatting up the cutie on the sidewalk.

How  about the time I was on the ferry and the Captain very aggressively turned the ferry around and headed for Pw's dock. Once there the Capt. and 1st mate had a chat with a fisherman who then handed the 1st mate some fish. After exchanging pleasantries we continued to Dockyard.