A San Francisco vignette

As I stepped distractedly into Mission Street, I felt a light tug on my elbow. I looked up just in time to jump back to the curb, escaping the onrushing Muni bus that was barreling through a red light.

I looked at the elderly Chinese woman who had alerted me to danger -- and thanked her. She smiled the smile of someone who understands, even if your language is not hers.

When the bus cleared the intersection, she pointed. "Green, go." I thanked her again.

In this international tourist destination, we all learn we must assist tourists, newcomers or simply unconscious residents who need help to understand our ways.