Travelling on a train today I once again experienced something which visitors to the land of my birth often marvell at. Silence. It is amazing really, to be surrounded by tens of people and all that you can hear is the noise of the trains. Even friends will suddenly stop talking to each other as they enter the train. Silence rules with most staring into space like dementia sufferers. The rustling of paper caused by the few who like to read barely disturbs the peace.
If you dare to ask someone anything (as I did this morning!) you are looked at almost as if you are a sex offender.
What is it about the British. I understand that in many other countries in the world trains are noisy, chatty places.
I wonder what it is about British people that drives this. I wonder also, why it is that I have such a strong urge to rebel against this tradition. Why is it that I want to talk to as many people as possible on the train just to be different.
It must reflect my non-conformity I guess. A bit like the chess game I played ealier today when I insisted on using my King as an offensive weapon, taking several major pieces with it and ending up on the far end of the board!
Non-conformity, energy, drive and enthusiasm is my hallmark I guess. I stand out like a sore thumb in UK company sometimes! I once did a personality test that was normalised on US citizens though where I came out as quiet, shy and likely to let others take centre stage! So I guess maybe I am less British than some!
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