An Amtrak Narrative

The lovely and somewhat strident woman on the left has 21 people coming from Europe to her wedding. She's very excited. She doesn't want her father to spend too much money. She wants to help the people who need to travel, but she can't help everyone, you know? There are 21 people coming from Europe. They know that having the event at this place will exclude some people, but it's really making them think about who and what's really important, you know? One of her relatives definitely needs help to get there, but he would have trouble traveling anywhere. Her fiancé is interested but not so emotional about this planning, you know? She has a little notebook where she makes comments whenever she mentions that there are 21 people coming from Europe. There are 27 people coming from other parts of the world too. Meanwhile, she's going to New York for the weekend, baby!  Apparently there are 21 people coming from Europe. You're the *best*. She's looking forward to cuddling. Buh-bye.

Note to self: The Quiet Car is the last car, not the first car. (But if I can memorize music here, I can memorize music anywhere.)

Comments

[sfmike]

When somebody on Muni starts having a loud, extensive cell phone conversation that everyone gets to overhear, I often pretend I'm the voice at the other end of the line, and speak quite loudly. "Wow, 21 people coming from Europe? Does this mean that we have to go to all of their weddings in Europe too?" or "And I want to cuddle-wuddle with you too" tends to at least entertain the other passengers and sometimes their derisive laughter can stop the narcissistic yakkers.

[Patrick]

This made me laugh. A lot. In sympathy and solidarity.

[john]

Sondheim should set this post to music.