Tuesday, April 24, 2012
In order to get home, I have to take the E train towards Jamaica Center in Queens. Many commuters take this train in this direction to get to JFK, therefore it is common to see passengers with luggage. I once was on my way home and I encountered a family of four who was speaking a language that was foreign to me. It was safe to assume that they were tourists on their way to the airport, since they were carrying luggage and taking pictures of trains riding parallel as the one we were on. Intrigued, I made sure to stand relatively close to them to try to figure out what language they were speaking and where they were going. I noticed tied to their luggage was a paper that said Iberia Airways. I was going to google the airline once I left the train, but to my luck I didn't have to since the mother noticed my curiosity and engaged in conversation. To my surprise she spoke English like a true American, with no accent whatsoever. She told me that they were speaking French, and they were taking a flight that day back to France. I left the train feeling enlightened, feeling that there was more to life than New York City even though it may not feel that way sometimes. I also feel that when they arrive back home, they will always remember the young New Yorker they encountered on the train.
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I've honestly wondered how life could be outside of America. One of my friend's went to study in Italy, and I wonder how magnificent that could be. I've studied here, seen many sights but I want to expand my view. Haven't you ever wanted to see the 7 Wonders of the World?
ReplyDeleteI love helping tourists. Sometimes just stopping in the middle of the street to help the lost foreign souls make my day. Since I work on 5th avenue, I often find myself giving directions, advice, and more. I do enjoy it, and I hope to make their day or perhaps they tell someone a story and mention the nice New Yorker they met on their trip. I need to make sure to give us New Yorkers a good name!
ReplyDeleteTo Marwa- I want to visit the 7 wonders! What a trip that would be!
I think it is great that you are so interested and curious. It is very often the case that people, especially while on a train just keep to themselves. It's cool that you actually got to connect to the tourist that come visit because one day you could be the tourist in their country.
ReplyDeleteTourists can be quite annoying and interesting. I find that if i am going somewhere and I'm in a rush, I would hate to encounter tourists. But if i'm just strolling i don't mind giving them a hand.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true, one gets so amazed one how different a person is and it is fascinating to imagine how their home is like and how life works. I was blessed enough to travel to Europe and learn the mindset, culture and just how things work over there. For example, one main thing in Europe is that the huge majority know more than 3 languages. The main four languages that is learned and spoken is English, Spanish, French and German. I found it amazing how English oan get one by if they are worried about going to a country there and not get lost.
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