Dearest Rachel –
Throughout my travels, both this year and previous, I’ve often seen this or that building or other place as the vehicle – be it a train, tram, coach or automobile – passes by along the way, and wondered what goes on there, being fully aware that I’ll never know the answer to that question, as this is the one and only time I’ll ever pass by this place. There isn’t enough time on the tour, or in my life, to stop at every place that momentarily grabs my attention.
Here on the Union Pacific train headed into the city, that’s not as much of a hard-and-fast truth. Obviously, many of the buildings we pass by are private residences – whether single family homes, apartments or condominiums – and as such, just as off-limits to me as anywhere I might glimpse in passing in Japan, Australia or wherever else I might find myself. At the same time, from my seat on the upper deck of the train car, I can see places I’ve been to numerous times. My dentist’s office comes into view almost immediately, as it’s halfway between the first and second stations after I board.
To be sure, most of what I’m seeing – apart from the near-total wall of trees and bushes in many area – are the backsides of industrial park buildings; nondescript boxes of brick and corrugated steel. It’s the sort of sight that I’m sure provokes many a commuter from even thinking about the things that they’re passing by on a near-daily basis. These things are just… there… and that’s all.
To be sure, it’s probably pointless for me to wonder these sorts of things, too, as it’s not like I’m likely to take the opportunity to check them out either. But theoretically, I can take into account the fact that it’s within walking distance of the Jefferson Park station, and someday… who knows?
Meanwhile, I observe as dozens of twenty-somethings disembark at one station or another, all wearing the same T-shirt about doing some kind of what I assume to be a pub crawl.
I don’t know if it’s anything that normal commuters overlook; maybe it’s a Saturday thing that the salarymen wouldn’t ever see. But these are the things that catch my eye over the course of the hour or so it takes to get downtown. I wonder how much of this passed my notice – or I concluded I’d never get the chance to look into, so why bother? – in the many places I’ve found myself in recently (and not so recently).
Anyway, we’ve arrived at the station, and I need to make my way to the Riverwalk, and the boat dock, before we’re scheduled to take off, so I’ve got to go. Keep an eye on me, honey, and wish me luck; I’m going to need it.
Letters to Rachel 