My first blog on this website had been a rant. I deleted it now, simply because it seemed like an invitation for a talk.
Which I didn't mind, if anything I found most people's insight quite interesting.
Now, I'm starting another one because I'm bored. Or maybe I'm distracting myself because the season is getting colder, meaning my exams are peeking from over the horizon. I'm writing on the train though, so it doesn't really count as procrastination. What else could I possibly do ? Read my penal code ? (Which weights a ton, I'm positive my shoulder will bruise by the time I get home.)
What I usually do when I have nothing "interesting" to read on the train is try to observe my surroundings, try to assess it. It's a fun thing, though I know a few who would argue it's a childish game.
Right now, the seats feel hard and uncomfortable. Especially when I've been seating on firm wooden surfaces all day.
There's a stench of alcohol. I can't determine where it's from. I'm usually good at spotting drunks and avoiding them. But I can't seem to figure out where it's coming from and it's putting me on edge.
There's a light buzzing sound. Perhaps from the neon lighting. They're strangely arranged. One white, one yellow. You'd think there's a pattern, but a bit further ahead, there are double yellows and triple whites... Odd.
The announcement voice is grating to the ears. It feels like someone was speaking with their mouth stuck to the mic.
Someone is tapping their foot. It's sharp, so probably a heel.
I hear paper turning. And sure enough, if I peek between the seats, I can see an elderly man reading a newspaper. I usually see those in the morning. He seems quite focused, I wonder what's so interesting. I don't like newspapers, the ink stains my fingers and the paper is so thin, I'm afraid I'd rip it. I'm clumsy with my hands. Paper cuts are just my thing.
There aren't that many people, despite it not being the last train of the night. No one from my university takes this train this late though. "Maybe I'll get a dorm room next year", is what I think every time I leave the lecture hall at night and feel the biting cold. I think it will snow heavily this year.
I liked my dorm room during my exchange. It was small. And depressing. But I was 5 mins away from campus and nothing could beat that.
Many skip the night lectures. I wish my conscience would allow me to, but I crave academic validation, so I just wear sneakers, grab my anti-attack alarm and hope my parents accumulated enough favours with their God for my protection. It's silly. I know my code is enough of a weapon. So heavy...
They announced my station.
I'll stop my rambling here. Thanks for the company.
I still wonder where the smell of alcohol is from...
-LB
