Tales from the D

So in place of a my normal update I've opted to instead tell a little story, I'll do my best to make it at least somewhat interesting.

It is common place here in Japan to see business men and women rushing on their way to work in the mornings. In fact, it doesn't even have to be the morning, simply in general everyone in this city is in a hurry. When a train pulls into a platform, half the people exiting the train will quite literally run across the platform to the train sitting on the otherside (which isn't leaving for another 30 seconds, but that doesn't stop them). I'm a pretty slow moving guy and stand as an obstacle to run around (sometimes --through).

On my morning walk to the station, I go across one railroad crossing and from this point, you can see my station (it is elevated maybe 30 ft) and the trains approaching it. Generally, if a train is approaching the crossing, people will rush to get under the gates before they close so they can (presumably) catch the station's train sooner (I really just don't bother and wait for the trains to pass). Likewise, if they hear the sound of a train braking into the station (be they 10ft, or 100ft away) they will run into the station, dash up the stairs, and dive into the doors of a departing train (I'm not kidding about the diving).

On this particular morning (Friday), I was pretty wiped and tired as I steped outside and began my walk to school. As is normally the case, when I approached the crossing the gates began to close to let one of the countless rush hour trains through. But this is where today differs from my previous experiences. As the first gate lowered, a businessman dashed by me in his suit and ducked the first gate. He sped across the tracks, and as he reached the gate on the otherside I couldn't help but wonder how he would crouch under it without dirtying his clothing. Instead of ducking, this man went full-on Olympian and hurdled (yes he threw up both of his legs) the second gate, arms flailing, landed, and continued to run towards the station.

I was pretty much in awe. Essentially, I had just witnessed a live advertisment for Red Bull. And I don't know about you, but when I'm dressed up, I have enough trouble keeping my shoes from getting scuffed. I can't imagine the thought that goes into avoiding a ripped seam when you hurdle train crossings.

When I reached the station, he was standing on the opposite side of the platform (having missed his train anyway) and was just casually awaiting the next train. I don't know if there is a moral to this story, I just really wanted to share it, and leave it up on here to remind myself about it later (it really does make me smile). I just wish I could get whatever it is he has for breakfast (Wheaties - the breakfast of champions?!).