Accustomisation

IN May 2015, when I first arrived in Porto, I was surprised and disappointed to note that so many of the natives appeared to behave in such an utterly conformist manner, each of them walking on the same side of the road like scurrying termites on their way back to the nest.

At least, that is, until I gradually realised that I was melting in the burning heat and that the esoteric meaning of this little procession is based on a mutual desire for shade. As a result, therefore, I hurriedly made my way across to the other side of the street and got into line with my fellow termites.

Sometimes, conformity is good...