Aparcacoche

---

Driving a car in southern Europe is indeed an experience in itself, although not recommended the non-aggressive, nervous, or fainthearted driver. The law of the jungle prevails. Demolition derby is a more suitable description than anything related to civilized traffic. Parking the car follows roughly the same principles. Squeeze your car into any spot where it appears fairly out of the way for the surrounding traffic. A dent or two comes with the territory.

On those terms the profession of “aparcacoches” was born. “Aparcacoches” (roughly translated “car parkers”) have nothing in common with valet parkers. “Aparcachoces” are not exactly unionized employees, bums rather homeless bums in desperate need of money. But their creativity must be admired. A profession created out of the modern traffic problems. Appears to be a territorial work, where every bum has his own zone. In this zone they skillfully scan the traffic for potential parkers. When a car is about to park, they take charge over the process, regardless of the need for this service. If there is no room available, they are masters of creating space. They move trashcans, traffic cones, and even push parked cars and motorcycles around to make room. And then with great precision they are able to direct any car into the newly created spot. However, they also provide their service when spaces are plentiful. In empty parking areas they still wave cars into the empty spot as if this spot was the most exclusive or the last one. Regardless of the need for their service they expect a small compensation for their effort. As a carowner, common sense states that upsetting an “aparcacoche” is bound to result in keymarks in the paint or a broken antenna. So, you slip them a little something. And the world goes on…with your car in its spot.

---