Who?
Nick
Where?
Berlin, Germany - Copenhagen, Denmark
What?
"You are an amazingly talented photographer! The things you see and the way you arrange them... Wow. What an eye."
How did he react?
"Thank you! That's really nice of you to say!"
How did I feel?
Seven hours on the road can last a hundred years, we've all been there. I have written about it before. Jams, hunger, "I have to pee.". Sweat, fights, bad radio music... I was ready for all of that when I booked my ticket for the bus going from Berlin to Copenhagen. Arriving at the station I was sure my anticipation was correct with a massive crowd waiting to hop on and a bus driver shouting at me for not finding my ticket within three seconds. I got on, ready to fall asleep right away.
My fear's opposite happened: The only vacant seat was next to a bearded man. His name was Nick, he was Australian and replied "You want to sit next to me? That would be my pleasure.". We started talking and didn't stop for hours. Nick has been studying in Aarhus, Denmark for a year. He took anthropology classes there which primarily focused on the Viking culture. He told me about Valhalla, Thor and the takeover of Christianity (which was supported by women even though Christianity was a lot more paternalistic than most pagan belief systems. Together we brainstormed a bit about why that might have been. How come ladies would want Paganism over Christianity?) Nick's Viking stories inspired me. I just did a little research and found out some more interesting facts: Did you know our weekdays names are rooted in Norse paganism? Here's what Wikipedia says:
Nick
Where?
Berlin, Germany - Copenhagen, Denmark
What?
"You are an amazingly talented photographer! The things you see and the way you arrange them... Wow. What an eye."
How did he react?
"Thank you! That's really nice of you to say!"
How did I feel?
Seven hours on the road can last a hundred years, we've all been there. I have written about it before. Jams, hunger, "I have to pee.". Sweat, fights, bad radio music... I was ready for all of that when I booked my ticket for the bus going from Berlin to Copenhagen. Arriving at the station I was sure my anticipation was correct with a massive crowd waiting to hop on and a bus driver shouting at me for not finding my ticket within three seconds. I got on, ready to fall asleep right away.
My fear's opposite happened: The only vacant seat was next to a bearded man. His name was Nick, he was Australian and replied "You want to sit next to me? That would be my pleasure.". We started talking and didn't stop for hours. Nick has been studying in Aarhus, Denmark for a year. He took anthropology classes there which primarily focused on the Viking culture. He told me about Valhalla, Thor and the takeover of Christianity (which was supported by women even though Christianity was a lot more paternalistic than most pagan belief systems. Together we brainstormed a bit about why that might have been. How come ladies would want Paganism over Christianity?) Nick's Viking stories inspired me. I just did a little research and found out some more interesting facts: Did you know our weekdays names are rooted in Norse paganism? Here's what Wikipedia says:
Nick's voice was pleasant and his word plays came quickly. Instead of hours on a bus we shared stories, jokes and moments. Time flew. He will be a primary school teacher for he feels like he's got something to give. He loves the Scandivanian art scene because it's more integrative than the Australian one. It makes him feel like anything's possible. 60 minutes past departure he looked at me and said: "Ooh! And we'll be on the ferry! I dig the ferry." Once we'd arrived at the sea we hung out on the deck together. The waves were endless, the air smelled of salt. I practiced Yoga in the sun, Nick read his new favorite author Nick Hornby. According to him Hornby writes like he (the Australian Nick) thinks. Then he pulled out his camera. I know Nick will be a great teacher because of what happened next: He taught me how to work the analogue camera. Countless people have tried that before, I never managed to follow. With Nick it took five minutes and I was ready to go. I danced over the ferry, looking for objects, enjoying the race that analogue photography is- if you don't set it all quick enough, the moment will be gone. I spotted a little sailing boat, out alone, next to the sun. I hope I caught it. Can't wait to check out the picture...
Back in the bus Nick showed me his pictures. That's when the compliment happened. It just fell out of my mouth, with no preparation or second thoughts. I was stunned. Here's why:
Back in the bus Nick showed me his pictures. That's when the compliment happened. It just fell out of my mouth, with no preparation or second thoughts. I was stunned. Here's why:
When Nick and I parted it felt like we'd gone on a trip together- the planned kind, not the incidental one. We looked each other in the eye and said "Thanks. You're a great person.". Then Nick went off and I was left feeling like I'd just made a new friend who I'd known for years at the same time.
Thank you, Nick.
Thank you, Nick.