Retrospect: parkers

Self-tutoring about people and events of the past: the tutor reflects…

When you live in a residential neighbourhood, you often have people park in front of where you live. There’s no problem with that, when it’s public parking. Moreover, it can lead to some interesting dynamics.

Decades ago, in Victoria, someone approached my friend, who was parked along a residential curb. “Move, please,” they asked. “Why? This is public parking,” my friend answered. “Because my friends like to park here,” they answered. My friend told them the easy solution: consider him as one of their friends.

I recall some people who would park in a residential spot, then wait for another vehicle to come pick them up. They were in their 40s or 50s, and always seemed happy. They were carrying dossiers and/or briefcases. They never had to wait long for the pickup vehicle to collect them. The vehicle they had left behind would remain there for 2-3 days. Then, out of the blue, they’d return, still smiling, pile into their parked vehicle, then drive away. This would happen a few times per month for a few years.

Moreover, I knew someone who liked having a car parked in front of their house because they felt it drew attention away from their home, and made it look like more people were inside.