Notes on a train: drinking wine and eating sushi
Observations on the new commute
Before we dive into this week’s piece, I wanted to say thank you for hanging in there whilst I change up when I post on Bloom and Grow. I know my normal posting schedule is a bit off-piste at the moment, but I’m working out how writing fits in with my new lifestyle. It’s all part of the new job adventure, as I balance a 9-5 and work out my new routine.
Over the past few weeks, I have joined the commuting crowd as I have journeyed back and forth to London for my new job. I have experienced early morning trains, evening trains and Sunday afternoon trains (I feel like I have written the word TRAIN a lot). Standing on platforms, boarding trains, finding a seat and feeling the vibe for each journey.
The early morning train seems to involve a lot of tired and shut eyes, headphones in, eating of breakfast items, and protecting of space. With people leaning back in their seats or hunching over their laptops and phones. It’s a mainly silent journey bar the odd cough, sigh and seat shuffle. Bags, coats and any loose items seem to adorn empty seats, creating a protective barrier in an attempt to find some peace before a busy day.
Evening trains are packed and seem to involve commuters consuming snacks, dinner, wine, and beer. A great many fast food smells permeate the carriages, as well as wafts of different flavoured crisps. Some travellers are engrossed in their laptops and phones watching streaming shows, whilst others are making tweaks to the final emails of the day. Some weary commuters sink back into their seats, with a look of tiredness and gladness that their day is over.
Sunday afternoon trains carry a sense of anticipation about them, people are heading home, or on their way back to their working life, and often carrying a lot of bags. I’ve seen parents, loved ones and friends say goodbye to their train boarding partner. Sunday afternoon trains seem to have a very back to school vibe.
I’ve also noted someone eating sushi and drinking wine out of a mini bottle, a mother walking her toddler up and down the carriages to keep them amused, and a wonderfully fashionable lady wearing red shoes, a red top, red trousers, and a red trench coat. I’ve witnessed someone sleep through an entire train journey, with their head resting on the fold-down tray in front of them.
It’s been quite fascinating observing people on trains, as you see the full spectrum of society. The beauty of human life, observed in an hour and a half commute.
How do you find a train journey? Have you ever experienced something unusual on a train? Do you observe people or keep yourself amused by another activity whilst on train journey? I would love to know :)