The thing about big cities is that there is no everyday life. Today, the Sydney CBD was in lock-down mode because of US Vice President Dick Cheney’s visit. This only just after two of the world’s largest cruise ships, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elisabeth 2, met in Sydney Harbour which led to curious drivers clogging up the roads around Woolloomooloo. And there are the festivals and concerts, the markets and political demonstrations all the time. Gay Mardi Gras, Tropfest, Sydney Festival, Open Air Cinemas, the world’s most spectacular fireworks (or so they say) on New Years Eve. People who need to make their weekends pass by doing something special or witnessing something unique, can best do so in big cities.

 

 

The number of things to do and to see is huge, and, paradoxically, the offer is as constant as it is changing, so that some become accustomed to it. To them, the spectacle has become the everyday life that appeared to be inexistent. But for those who have not lived in the big city long enough to become accustomed to the special eventitis, or indeed those who think they might not live there forever, the fact that there is this one unique opportunity to do or see this one unique thing, can be haunting. «Never in my life will I get the opportunity to see this again», someone like Robinson might say. So Robinson would go and see the Mardi Gras. But what about all the other things? «QM2 will leave the Harbour tonight – see it now or never», Robinson could say to himself. «No you can’t travel over NYE, you’ll miss the fireworks.» Special eventitis can become an obsession.

 

 

Thus, the travelling stranger becomes a hunter for, or rather a slave of, special events others try to sell up as unique and non-reoccurring. No time for sleep. No time for relaxation. No time for things you might enjoy, but that are easily procrastinated. «TV? Yes, but not now, you can watch TV any time. Read a book? Why not, haven’t done it for a long time, but not now that something special’s on. Blogging? Sure, but after this special event. You need something to write about first. Having a coffee or eating out? Yes, but not at this restaurant, you’ve been there before, try the other one out.» Robinson decides: Being a hedonist, it should not be uniqueness that needs to be maximised in life, but enjoyment and happiness. He doesn’t give a hoot about which pollie happens to be visiting. «Vice President of the only remaining superpower? Doesn’t taste, smell, sound or feel good; also doesn’t make you high.» Anti-Cheney demonstrations might offer some excitement for Robinson, but then, there’s also this book he wanted to read for so long. He sits down on the sofa and opens the book…