Queue

In Australia, there are so many “queue management systems” that things can get more organized and leads to more orderly and polite line behavior at the superstore, post office, bank, etc.. To my perspective, queues in Australia have been social requirements in any public places; as if they (Australians) said, “Please queue up otherwise you’ll not get the front!” 

The cultural story of queues in Australia occurred once I went to one particular bank in Adelaide. I didn’t realize that all visitors should take a queuing ticket before proceeding to their seats. I turned to be aware of this after an old lady, who was also a visitor, came and suggested that I should take the ticket.

  

“What number do you have,” the old lady suddenly asked.

“159,” I said.

“Mine is 158,” she said. Then, surprisingly, she continued,” You can use my ticket. Go first to the cashiers”.

“Why I should I…?” I wondered.

“Because I know you’ve come first. You have a right to take the turn”.

“No, thanks, Mom. Ladies first! “I was trying to convince her, but failed. She would not take her own turn.