I guess my mind is wired from my days as a Security Policeman (K-9) in the air force. I just quietly watch people to a point of stereotyping them. I don’t approach them, nor do I say anything to them. I just look. If a normal person would do this, they would see the diversity in the numerous people that pass.
Let me give a few examples from when I sat in the train station in Philadelphia: I saw a young lady, I would say mid to late twenties, walking along, pulling her wheeled medium-sized luggage behind her. She was dressed for warm weather (although it seemed a little chilly to me), shorts/open toe shoes/thin blouse, and her eyes were constantly moving around, as if looking for something. She finally found what she was looking for, a young man, about her age, also looking around. Is this a hook-up, family member, or what?
The Eagles had a home game, therefore there were many fans there dressed in the regalia that they were hoping would push their team into a winning stance. I hate to say it but most of the fans were on the chubby side. They were loud, to the point of almost being unruly. I would hate to meet them after they drink a few beers.
There were four Amtrak police officers huddled near the center of the terminal (one was K-9) and they didn’t seem to be doing anything. The terminal is very large and there was a lot of corridors and floors to patrol. Oh well, I am not a supervisor anymore and maybe there was a reason to be in one place, together, for as long as they were.
All types of people were there, Black, White, in-between, Asian, Indian, and Latin. All skin shades that make the world what it is. All coming and going in harmony.
I’ll switch to the boardwalk of Atlantic City. This is the place to sit and people watch. So many different people, all in one place, coming and going, on a nice sunny day. That boardwalk was crowded, with people on foot, bicycle, skateboard (motorized), inline skates, carriages pushed by men, and motorized trams. On the shore of the Atlantic Ocean there is a carnival with a Farris Wheel and a helicopter that was giving flights up and down the beach.
As I sat and watched the people, I noticed all types and ages. Some were young and spry; some were old or had a walker or cane (plus they moved slowly), a few were in wheeled chairs (being pushed or motorized). If a person would look hard enough that person would see the affluent mixed with the middle class mixed with the homeless. I did not see anyone begging for a handout this time, however, on other trips to Atlantic City I have encountered and given to the homeless.
When travelling, there is always the danger of people that are up to no good. That is where keeping your eyes open helps. I was leaning of a building, watching people passing when, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man slowly heading directly toward me. I stayed in my present position for a few moments to gauge what the man was up to. I figured it a thing of no good and turned toward him. He veered off and walked pass me and did not look in my direction. In town, out of town, anywhere, keep your eyes open and always pay attention to what is around you.
I’m a people watcher and most times it’s a good thing.
