On a mid-evening train ride last friday, I couldn’t help noticing the look of tiredness on the faces of fellow passengers. Maybe I looked that way, too, but I don’t really think that was the case since I’d just come from having a delicious seafood dinner at Avra Estiatorio at 141 East 48th Street with a few very special people. www.avrany.com
However, as tired as my fellow passengers seemed, I also noticed how quickly they sprung to attention when help was needed. Whether they were reading, or in conversation, when someone struggled with getting belongings on or off the overhead rack, or removing a winter coat, or older couples wanted seating together, there was someone offering to help. There doesn’t seem to be a feeling of stress on trains. It can almost feel like you’re with friends on a train. And sometimes someone you’re sitting with turns to you and the two of you have a discussion that you remember long after departing. Trains promote a kind of support that’s not likely to occur on planes or buses. Why is that? Is that true for you, too?