I commented to the conductor that I was surprised the front car was almost empty. This same conductor had encouraged us to ride in the front car since we had time and the front car arrives in Victoria Station first. He said Paul's wife was riding in the front car with him. His boss was riding in the car with us making passengers comfortable.
The conductor was chatty. I feel like I had more conversations with strangers that week than I have had in the United States in the past six months. Many were curious about the political scene in the United States (is it as bad as they see in the news?), but in this man's case he showed us pictures from his recent trip to Istanbul when he rode an old trolley through the city center. I love that he enjoys transportation so much he geeks out about it in other countries.
Once at Victoria Station there was a crew of train employees circling around his door applauding him on his retirement. I so wanted to wish his wife luck as he starts this new stage of his life, but I held back. Don later commented he was surprised I didn't say anything to her. For once I stood back and let them enjoy their moment.
I did take a few pictures. Maybe he'll stumble upon this post. Or maybe I heard his name completely wrong and it will fall into a black hole.
I shared the story with a friend who works for MTA in New York City. He was touched by the send off.
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