There are a lot of big waves around Tiki. I’m talking about the ones on Tiki Drive. If you walk, bike, cart or drive on Tiki Drive you know about the waves. These waves take Tiki Islanders back to the romantic notion of small town America. It makes the community feel like everyone knows everyone else. It’s a warm and comforting.
If you’ve experienced it, you know what I’m talking about. However, not all the waves are the same. There are the waves to people you really do know. These are usually a bit more animated; arm out the window, wide open hand, back and forth hinge at the elbow. These waves are often accompanied by a smile. Then there are the cordial waves; you waved, so I’ll wave back. These are often economy waves; hand gripped firmly to the wheel and the index finger goes up. Sometimes, this type of stoic waver gets more excited and tick-tocks the finger back and forth and may grin, but no smile.
If you wave, almost everyone waves back. I proved this in a scientific analysis. If the other person saw me and had enough time to react, 90% waved back. Of course, there are those that avoid eye contact because they don’t want to wave. I must admit that I’ve been guilty of this. I’m sometimes not feeling social. Also, the time of day matters. During rush hour on Tiki Island, if I’m walking the length of the island, I may pass 20 cars. Wave fatigue sets in.
The small-town feel from waving is not unique to Tiki Islanders. It’s contagious. Visitors, contractors, and deliverers catch the virus and join in. Some are taken-aback at first, but eventually eagerly participate. This creates a reputation for the island that goes far beyond its borders. It’s not Mayberry, but may berry well be.