sitting on the train
6:28. So here I am sitting on a train. As usual there are people. Lots of people. Train is packed. Have no book, no music, nothing to keep me satisfied except for my mind and my journal. So I stare. I have a problem. I stare. Freaks people out. But I don’t even realize I am doing it till they get up and change spots, how embarrassing. So, for once I will stare on purpose. The guy sitting across from me. Cannot figure out his nationality…masked by old age maybe? Chinese? German? Two different ends of the spectrum I know, so maybe a mix. Hawaiian? If I think about it..and I am..he looks like the creature from Lilo and Stitch…Stitch. This man is a human version of Stitch. Awesome. I guess it is his stop. Up and gone, smile, no bye. Oh, next, another newcomer. A business man, in his forties, partially balding. Insecure. Legs squeezed together, muscles tense. Hugging his brief case against his chest. His soft un-worked hands fidgeting around the sides of the porous leather.
….random thought… ich liebe hell…Everyone knows what ich liebe means:”I love”…and hell? It means light. But you would think that it would mean I love hell. Something so dark. nope…opposite. Light, I love light. How Ironic…
I have chocolate in my purse. A kit-kat to be exact. Janis’ favorite. A childhood hand game. Memories, flooding. ahhh, I wish my friends were here, then I wouldn’t even have to write a pointless journal entry. baaa…I would think it still anyways, guess it’s best just to jot it down…besides, it keeps me from staring.
across the isle there are two young gentlemen. Early twenties. One is quite unfortunate looking, the other a poster boy. perfect really. nice pullover, jeans [not too tight, but nicely fitted, with the right fade, and a miniscule flair starting at the ankle], a khaki blazer, nice casual sport shoes, and a …….sleeping bag?? What? He looks like he is going on a date, not camping! No other bag? confusing……
….pause…..
weird. a man just came up to me and asked if he could talk to me…sure, I said. but I don’t know that much German for a thorough conversation. [in German obviously], no problem he replies, I can speak English too, and I only have ten minutes. He told me how he’s been taking this train for the last thirty years, he used to read, to draw, to listen to music. But now, he talks, he talks for ten minutes (the duration of his ride) to a new person every time. Interesting. He is a classical piano teacher since 1984. We talked about Germany’s cold culture and why people prefer to keep to themselves. They usually turn down his invitation to chat with a grunt and turn their head. so what is the reason? Set way of life? Scared past? Lack of individualism and multiculturalism, two factors that lead to the acceptance of others and an interest for other’s lives?
…NorthFace….is that a Canadian company?
girl on the train. reminds me of myself in grade 8. plump, braces, long shapeless blonde hair, obnoxious. Goodness help her.
…well more people that want to talk…not German…I would guess African…I’ll find out soon I guess. But almost to Bielefeld. 3 hours on a train. great fun….
until later…tschau