The theme for today’s pic of the day – ‘society, travel, people‘
Here goes the pic..
Picture © Ubiquitense
Today, I have been browsing through the pages of my photo album on Webshots, and found this casual photo. I clicked this photo while traveling by Prague’s beautiful and serenely calm metro rail system. I don’t know why I framed this pic from such a strange angle, but I was quick enough to press the shutter button without switching ON the flash – when people were getting ready to alight from the train.
Looking at the picture, ‘m still thinking as to why the train was not fully loaded. The EXIF information of the picture says that it was taken at 6:10 PM, and that ’twas a Friday!
Gosh! Imagine the scene in a metro rail in India at 6:10 PM, and that too on a Friday!! The train would’ve been jam packed; people talking on their cell phones (inspite of the ambient noise); hawkers selling hot fried peanuts; 40+ aged people, traveling alone, dig out a hard bound book from their leather bags to kill time; college students – the guys flirting with the girls and the girls giving a pseudo-blush and all-smiles; sales representatives, with tight targets/appointments, constantly glancing at their watches (some even make sure that their watches haven’t stopped working by gently tapping at the face of the dial!); a surprise check for tickets and people getting excited over watching someone arguing with the ticket checker for not holding a valid ticket or monthly pass; some loud giggles here and there, and an occasional silence..and the list is endless. This goes on everyday, and you never get bored while traveling on this metro!
Well, ‘m not discussing about which kinda’ metro ambience is good or bad, but the stark difference brought about by the society, or rather imposed on the individuals and their characters.Crowded trains are always noisier, but where was the crowd in Prague’s metro rail – that day? May be I took the track ‘less traveled‘ !! What say you?
More to come..keep watching this section!
Disclaimer: All photos posted in this section are rightfully attributed to the source, unless otherwise stated.
Wow! You description was so vivid, I found myself sitting there in India with you
You definitely have some talent in writing, but I am not the first one to point out, am I.
Czechs tend to be very silent in mass transport, we often almost whisper. I wonder whether it is a reminder of Communist times, but I definitely haven't thought about it like this…
Thanks! hope I didn't offend any one
In one way though I like the silent, organized way of traveling, but on the flip side, sometimes I feel that a lit' giggle here and there, and an occasional guffaw will add a lot of audible color to already colorful ambience!!