_{This is Day 9 of the 30-day Traffic Koans contest. Details on how to enter can be found here: https://steemit.com/traffic-koans/@jedau/traffic-koans-halfway-update-1505319420-6600256}

traffic-koans

Battered and bruised, the man was separated from the other people he recently got into a fight with. Unfortunately for him, he was placed further down the queue.

"Queue quickeners, salves," yelled a passing hawker. "Get your queue quickeners, salves, deodo—"

"Oy! You there," interrupted the man. He thought it suspicious how specific the items were, but it didn't matter. "How much for the queue quickener?"

"You look as if you need the salve more."

"Don't tell me what I need and don't need."

They discussed this matter for quite some time. After a while, angry rumblings from behind the man started to become louder. The line had already moved, and there was quite the distance between the man and the person in front of him. In his haste, he grabbed the salve and went along his way.

I don't know if this is something that's prominent in other countries as well, so I would just come out and say it. The koan specifically talks about road peddlers. Not illegal roadside peddlers who hawk their goods on the side of the road. I'm talking about peddlers walking along the lines on the road while selling snacks, drinks and other items during traffic.

Now, I'm not trying to knock on all of them. Everyone has to make a living, it's just that these people chose stoplights on intersections as their office. They're useful in a number of occasions, specifically when it's a hot day, you're parched, and you have nothing to drink. You just flag one down and a cold beverage is delivered right to your door, er, window.

Some of them knocked on your window incessantly, but the majority of them are nice guys who would just pass you if you didn't show interest. Their wares vary from place to place. I wanted to show a picture I took, but I can't seem to find it. Must be in my other phone that won't open anymore. Now, I told you earlier that their goods range from snacks (usually nuts or junk food) to cold beverages to flannel used to wipe your car with. Near Manila Bay some sell fishing rods, in case you wanted to go fishing. In other areas, bobble heads you put on your dashboard and mini trash bins are popular items. But, the most ridiculous thing I've seen sold in the middle of the road is...

coatrack
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That's right. A metal coat rack. I kid you not. I'll give you a moment to process that. A road peddler bought a metal coat rack, lugged it around and tried to sell that to people, driving on cars, in the middle of the road. Mind you, this was in one of the busiest intersections in the metro. Specifically, it's the intersection between the main highway in Metro Manila and Ayala Avenue (located in one of the main business districts of the country). I used to work there for a number of years, so I became familiar with that guy during my commute. That guy banked on selling a metal coat rack to people going to offices. He could've sold peanuts or softdrinks, but he chose to sell a metal coat rack. A. Metal. Coat. Rack.

God, I wish I was able to find the picture for more effect. Unfortunately (or fortunately), and strangely enough, that metal rack... was sold!!! You can't make this stuff up! I remember celebrating, rolling down my window and giving him a hearty woot right after he sold it. It was sold to a van located two vehicles ahead of me, so I was able to see the whole transaction going down. Haha!

Have any funny stories about roadside peddlers? What types of items are being sold in the roads you travel on? Sound off in the comments section below! Who knows, your comment could win you more than 15 SBD :D