Journals from the week ending May 23, 1997
The Train Ride
Derek Thomas, 5/21/97, aboard ship...As I heard the boarding announcements in the Spanish train terminal, I became even more excited to get on. When I was small, I rode trains throughout the US and Europe and have been fond of them ever since. I am not sure what it is about trains that make them so special. Perhaps it is the clicking sound that you hear as the train goes over every rail, maybe it is that the world seems to fly past you at a blinding speed, or perhaps it is not one particular thing, but the whole exciting atmosphere of the train. I was one of the first to board and get a good seat near the front. I sat down next to the window, facing backwards. Within ten minutes, the train began to pull out of the station. The engine geared up and we slowly rolled out, gliding at first and then building up to a roaring speed. After a few minutes, I pulled out a book and began to read. The train was going fast enough to gently rock back and forth as it blazed over the unleveled rails. While reading, I could see the country- side of Spain flying past and people looking up to see us pass. Initially, I had hoped this would be an express train, but this train was a commuter one, which I later decided was not so bad. We had frequent stops where quite a few people got on or off, depending on where they wanted to go. Unfortunately, two hours later, I had to get off at one of those stops, and the ride was over.
On a Bridge in Ronda, Spain
Angela Bartlett, 5/22/97, aboard ship...The sun was shining brightly on that Tuesday afternoon, warming our bare arms and legs, while we sat on a beautiful stone bridge. I gazed in one direction at the Spanish countryside, wishing I could be out there running through the green meadows and climbing the inviting mountains. Behind us, I could hear the busy city life: the cars zooming by, people spending money, people rushing to where they had to go. Everywhere, tourists stopped to glance over the ledge of the bridge and others didn't even notice. However, to look out, away from the city, you could forget the rush and could be at peace with nature. While enjoying the scenery, I had a meaningful talk with Jarret. The company of each other made everything so much more memorable. Nothing important was said, just the thoughts that ran through our heads.