One-Way Street

You are not allowed to go this way, because you will go against traffic, and this will cause problems. An unstoppable stream of cars will head in your direction, and you'll have to constantly move to the side, so it would be best to just drive along in the right direction.

But the morning that I took this picture, it was really early, so most people were still sleeping. There were some cars driving here already, but in between cars I could take pictures of me standing against the stream. And when I did, it was actually a little bit daunting, because in the distance I could already see new cars coming up, so I had to take these pictures quickly, and in between, I had to go to the side.

I assume that people might be curious about who my photographer is. But the truth is that I don't have a photographer. It's just a tripod that I have to set up. So with this picture, it was particularly hard to set the perspective right and then to stand in the middle of the street. This usually takes a few tries before I get it absolutely right. And with this particular picture, I had to do it quickly because of the cars.

So should you go against the stream or go along with the stream? Yes, it can be very satisfying to go against the stream and do your own thing. It sounds more rebellious and cool to say this. But for the past few months, I've also come to realise that the rules are made a certain way. Rules came into existence because they were moulded that way throughout time, different generations, and different problems that people had to encounter in the past.

This road, for instance, has a one-way road system, because this area (a large pier with lots of tall buildings) has only two streets. So they implemented a one-way road system to enhance the flow of traffic. It makes perfect sense, so you don't have to go against it. It makes everyone's life easier.

So I'm saying it can be very cool and rebellious to say: "screw the rules!", but rules have a purpose, and are moulded into what they are now through time. So yes, you can go against that, but wouldn't it be wise to also consider following them? And then, when things get too boring, break a little rule just to keep things exciting.