Interesting Seatmates
So I took the train up to New York City yesterday - a quick in and out trip to meet some folks, interview a librarian candidate, and I'll be back home tonight. On the way up, I got a seat in the quiet car - the greatest advance in travel in the past decade. I was able to set up my computer, get half a chapter drafted for MAGIC AND THE MODERN GIRL, read some of my book and (quietly) type out a few BlackBerry emails when necessary.
Around Philadelphia, my seatmate got up to get something from the cafe car. He asked if I wanted anything, and I said no, but then I changed my mind and followed him up to the front of the train. We started whisper-chatting when we got back to our seats (still within quiet car rules :-) ). If I told you to send down to Central Casting for Marine Drill Sargeant, they'd send you this guy - in his mid-50's, tough, wiry, imperfect shave on his chin, perfectly shaved head, Boston accent just hinting at the back of his words. Turns out he's in charge of 95 state troopers in Connecticut, and he's a college lecturer on national security and terrorism issues. He was visiting his son in DC (who works at Langley - these things seem to run in families) and returning home after a long weekend.
Then, for dinner last night, I met up with a former housemate, and we had dinner at B. Smith's. (We always go to her DC restaurant when Former Housemate comes to town, so it seemed necessary for us to check out the New York outpost.) It turned out that Ms. Smith herself was there, enjoying dinner at a two-top. It was fascinating watching the dance around her - the staff and a restaurant regular, and other people peering almost-non-chalantly... Dinner was lovely - it was a great chance to catch up with my friend.
There are stories around us everywhere, if we just keep our eyes and ears open!
Mindy, ready for a breakfast meeting, the interview, and a busy day at the NY office!
Around Philadelphia, my seatmate got up to get something from the cafe car. He asked if I wanted anything, and I said no, but then I changed my mind and followed him up to the front of the train. We started whisper-chatting when we got back to our seats (still within quiet car rules :-) ). If I told you to send down to Central Casting for Marine Drill Sargeant, they'd send you this guy - in his mid-50's, tough, wiry, imperfect shave on his chin, perfectly shaved head, Boston accent just hinting at the back of his words. Turns out he's in charge of 95 state troopers in Connecticut, and he's a college lecturer on national security and terrorism issues. He was visiting his son in DC (who works at Langley - these things seem to run in families) and returning home after a long weekend.
Then, for dinner last night, I met up with a former housemate, and we had dinner at B. Smith's. (We always go to her DC restaurant when Former Housemate comes to town, so it seemed necessary for us to check out the New York outpost.) It turned out that Ms. Smith herself was there, enjoying dinner at a two-top. It was fascinating watching the dance around her - the staff and a restaurant regular, and other people peering almost-non-chalantly... Dinner was lovely - it was a great chance to catch up with my friend.
There are stories around us everywhere, if we just keep our eyes and ears open!
Mindy, ready for a breakfast meeting, the interview, and a busy day at the NY office!
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