22 August 2009

Strangers on the Train

Yesterday my sister-in-law and I took Trax and Frontrunner up to WSU. On Frontrunner we met a rather obnoxious character. It was around 10am and he was clearly somewhat intoxicated. He started talking to us, asking us our opinion of the president. Brookie and I neither one are very interested in politics and this person clearly had his mind set on his own agenda so we knew we couldn't hold a debate against him. Brookie mainly kept quiet and let me talk. I told the guy that I would prefer not to discuss politics. He kept pressing the subject and I stood firm with my resolve to not discuss it. I wanted him to go away. He made me very uncomfortable and I didn't like his insistance and lack of respect. And I really didn't like his topic of preference. Finally, after nearly 15 minutes of trying to get me to engage in a "civil discussion" of politics and my utter refusal, he gave up and went downstairs. I wish Bobpi had been with us, he knows a lot more about politics (and he's actually interested in politics...and it would have been fun to hear him debate).

The rest of the ride to WSU was pleasant enough.

After visiting the campus bookstore we boarded the bus to take us back to the Frontrunner. A few stops from the station a woman, probably in her 60's or 70's, got on the bus and sat near Brookie. She was tallish and wore rather colorful clothing. Her hair was white and her hat was purple and bright. She was on her cell phone and I caught a bit of the conversation. She was telling the person on the other end of the line that she was planning to go on a cruise from Antarctica to Peru. Interesting. Curious.
When we got to the Frontrunner station the woman told Brookie that she is nearly blind and asked if she would help her buy a ticket. So I went to the cafe to buy sodas while Brookie helped the woman buy her ticket.

I wonder if these sorts of meetings will be a common occurance during the coming semester...

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