Trains had been a part of my working life some years ago and I preferred it over riding a car or a bus. Why? It trains are fast, more convenient, spacious, and more comfortable too.
Although most of my train rides were work-related, I had fun too. At times I would drag my husband along just so I would have company, because you know, one can feel lost too, in the midst of many people.
Or feel alone when the platforms are pretty empty, just like this one. But I was just probably there early. Train platforms and stations are usually busy so this platform being empty is rather odd. But maybe not really, sometimes, there are times when there aren't many people traveling.
Although I like it better when train platforms are less crowded. It's easier to navigate and the views around can be unimpeded. But at times it doesn't feel like a train station at all when there aren't many people around.
Now, this looked a lot better! Some people on their suitcases or backpacks moving in unison. Some can be noisy and others, just like me, prefer to stay quiet and observe pretty much anything and anyone :)
Over the years, train systems, infrastructures and amenities had undergone major changes and improvements. At times, I even felt I was at the airport.
This is great of course, because trains have become one of the most preferred modes of transportation by people who don't really want to waste their time getting stuck on traffic or who want to arrive at their destinations in a shorter amount of time.
Even the architectural designs of the structures have become impressive. This is one of Guangzhou's main train stations.
This, on the other hand, was a glimpse of Humen Train Station, somewhere in Shenzhen, China.
And even the signage and the maps included English unlike before where one can only see Chinese lettering on them.
Trains are used by some people on a daily basis as their means of transportation to and from their worksite. While others, just occasionally when the need to travel to another place arises.
But no matter the purpose, train rides are quite memorable and fun.
And speaking of memories, I had a pretty nice one to tell. It happened on one of my train rides en route to Hong Kong and while reading an adventure book called "Sophie's World," I made an Italian friend.
Some of the train seats were empty at that time, including the one beside me. And someone who might have been observing for a while, approached me and said, "Hi! I noticed you are reading an English book, I hope you don't mind me but I am curious to ask, you are not a Chinese, are you?"
I was often mistaken as a local and sometimes, I was tempted to say yes because I didn't want any more questions, lol!
Anyway, he was a nice old man, the age of my father, so I closed the book and got chatty. Well, not really, he was asking questions and I was just answering them. We had a long chat and before we alighted from the train, we became good friends already and even exchanged our numbers.
Well, we met again in Guangzhou after a week for coffee and a job offer, but I loved my work then and didn't want another so he hired one of my local friends instead and the rest became history, lol!
This was some memories of travels, train rides, stations and some friendships too.
Thank you for being awesome and until next time :)
