I was on the phone today with someone who asked about the man on the train so I am posting. I have not encountered many people who can talk nonstop for 6 hours but that day on the train was an exception. I finally decided to "practice empathy". So I thought, here's a guy who has not seen his kids in a long time. He and his ex-wife have a hostile relationship. He is a recovering alcohlic (stated in a very colorful way - saying he ends up hanging from a tree when he drinks - sipping an orange juice) and a nervous wreck (not stated) about walking into the upcoming situation. So...that was more or less the end of it. I did have to laugh when we arrived in Toledo and he stared out the window saying: "I've never seen any place so f..ing flat in my life!" He was a character! Everyone including my unintended buddy, did eventually fall asleep. It was like a giant slumber party! The night ride was magical. I did actually sleep but woke up when the train slowed, coming into cities where it had stops. It was a bit like riding the Polar Express without the snow, just lots of mysterious old fashioned buildings and lights. I'd wake up for a bit, let the magic soak in and return to my fetal position on the two seats I had. I rode the Amtrack bus from Toledo to Ann Arbor with a woman who worked with Caesar Chavez in the 1970's in California. Now SHE was interesting!
Back home, I am returning to the sabbatical routine that I had going before embarking on my trip out east. The weather is gorgeous; it is good to see my family.
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