My husband tells a story of his dad as a young boy taking public transportation to watch a sports game. In the story, his parents remind the young boy to talk to as many strangers as possible on the train. It is a sweet story and feels a bit like a fairytale, highlighting the contrast between what it was like to grow up in the mid-1900’s versus growing up in the 2000’s.  

Our last couple of days in New York City were filled with talking to strangers, and it was great. 

I received a book recommendation.  Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) written by a minor Sicilian prince about the societal changes in Sicily. I am definitely going to check out the book, apparently it was also made into a film. The gentleman who shared this bit of knowledge was dining at the same restaurant with his young daughter whom he photographed in front of a print of a leopard. He proudly noted that his daughter was part Sicilian.

I learned that the Winter Antique Show was in full swing this week. Apparently, all things antique were being shown. This bit of information came by way of the weary companion of a true antique enthusiast.

Did you know that the New York Public LIbrary is one of the premier research libraries in the country and home to several significant historical artifacts? Now, I do.

On the train returning to DC, we sat across from a former Texan who now lives in Philadelphia and loves it. He was returning from a ski trip in Europe where he shared that many of the ski facilities are owned and operated by the government and the food is delicious even at the top of the mountain. Clearly, his family is into food because he also told us about a pandemic baking endeavor which led to his daughter studying hospitality at university.

It is very easy to only talk to people we know or select to hear from media outlets which match our dispositions, our liking. In fact, entire industries are making significant amounts of money supplying us with our ‘desired’ content.

I don’t want to become someone who is adverse to hearing about other viewpoints, sheltered from strangers and their interests, or surrounded by that which is familiar. I want spontaneous conversations. I continue to shop in the real world as much as possible; going to the grocery store, the pharmacy, etc. I am willing to engage with the person sitting next to me on a train or bus. I am not denying that there are dangerous or horrible things happening everyday in our world, however for me, being safe and continuing to be open to others are not incongruent pursuits.