The Greenman Politiks.

The Germans never cross the road when the man is red. A small detail, which you wouldn't normally pay attention too, until you are stuck in the situation. It goes something like this... I stand at the crossing. There are no cars around for miles in site. I stare at the red man. I look around and everyone is waiting patiently. I try to out stare him, kind of hoping that if I focus all my energy he will turn green quicker. But nein. After a few seconds of stressing myself out in this manner, I give into temptation and cross. But the feeling isn't too good, I feel like I've broken some serious laws.

It's funny to observe how some people, the daring few, follow, once you've taken initial action. That can say a lot about people. Do they quitely grin to themselves afterwards, having done something naughty? I wonder. These guys are so subtle that you have to look extra hard to find that smile. But these trivial details can actually reveal a lot about culture.

In London, traffic light crossing is a completely different story. People just don't have the time to wait, even if they wanted to. Sprinting from A to B with Tesco's sandwich in one hand, Blackberry in the other, Londoners don't even have the time to sit down to eat their lunch. Or if they do, their companion is their beloved laptop. Sad.

In Russia things are even more extreme. Its war. The drivers find it fun hitting the gas pedal instead of the breaks when approaching pedestrian crossings, while the street-crossers get their kicks from jumping on the road the second the light turns red. If you ever visit, I suggest you use the underground crossings, especially in winter, when the roads are pretty much like ice rings.

The Germans on the other hand, stand and wait patiently. It seems like they have all the time in the world. And they don't question the law. Its kind of relaxing, handing over control. Red stop, green go, and you don't have to think much for yourself. Its all been drawn out for you. But nein. I just cannot do it. And it's not even because the opportunistic Londoner inside me cannot resist the temptation to disobey, but more the frustration that I am wasting my time waiting around. I got places to go, people to see, things to do, rush rush rush rush. And here I got this red dude, who is, I am sure, programmed to last much longer than normal, or that's what it feels like anyway, prohibiting me from crossing a completely empty street..! It's all a conspiracy.

But then I stop and think. Isn't that one of the major reasons I moved to this city? To get away from the chaos that is London? Precisely. Berlin is chill town, with an amazing beat. It's really not what I expected of a German town before I came here though.* When I thought Germany, I thought strict rules and regulations. But nein. People here can pretty much do whatever the hell they like. The did try to implement the smoking ban, but you can pretty much smoke everywhere still, eat your own food at bars and restaurants, drink your own beer. Clubs just don't close and you can get away riding the metro for free most of the time. At first it seems like no body cares. But after a close study of the behaviour at the traffic lights , I think I am starting to tune into Germanness.

They don't need the laws, the law comes from within. Its like they were born with a sense of correctness, so no need for external oppression, Big Brother style. People will buy the metro tickets anyway.

A slightly different case in London though. A no there is a no, and they will turn it into a big ban. No this, no that, and extortionate prices for half a cucumber wrapped in cling film. No wonder people disobey. It's quite ironic really, but its true; deny the people something and they want it more. They don't just drink, they get wasted.

No so many cocaine addict neurotics here thank god. And sure, maybe here people won't get as many things done, seal as many business deals (if you calculate the amount of seconds lost each day waiting for the man to turn green) but at least they are not stressing. And probably end up living longer as a result. It might take me a while to adjust, lawlessness and opportunism is just too tempting, but then so is relaxing. Maybe its a healthy alternative for the body and mind to wait for Mr. Green after all.

*Berlin is unlike any other German town however, so will have to travel around and get back to you on the traffic light situation there.