Ben Barnes interrupts my train of thought

 

“Ben Barnes” interrupts my train of thought

 

Going to the train station here in Prishtina was quite a struggle considering that I had a very heavy luggage with me. However,even though it took a 30-minute long walk from the dormitory to arrive there,it did not feel like that long.Probably because I was too excited for this new adventure ahead of me. The train station was bustling with people of all ages,but mainly youngsters.One could postulate that they were exploiting the low price of the traveling and going home.Another thing I would like to put attention to is the graffiti drawings I saw at the entrance.They were were simple but somehow added that personal element of people and cities.

                                                Figure 1 The train station in Prishtina

 

Previously,I had heard people spreading rumours around and greatly complaining about the train.Complaints of  how damaged, unsafe,and uncomfortable it is.Well, from my perspective I think that those are not so well-thought statements.The infrastructure of the train is well-maintained and comfortable.Not only it is convenient,but it also has a miniature bathroom which people can use for personal needs.Travelling by train has been proven to be one of the safest means of transportation.Due to some official calculations that have been conducted in Kosovo,it has been stated that the railway station has the lowest mortality rate out of all other types of transport.Before I forget, the train is punctual so you do not have to worry about missing your appointment or being late to the destined location.

                                                                          Figure 2 People entering the train

As soon as I stepped inside of the train this feeling of nostalgy hit me all of a sudden,even thought it was my first time.Somehow it reminded me of the time when I watched films part of which were trains and had this immense desire to travel by one one day.I felt exhilarated and at a point in my life where I fulfilled an old wish.I sat down on a seat close to the window and watched how people were rushing to catch the train.Finally,the train started moving and I enjoyed the motion and the speed of it because it did not make me dizzy at all.I sat contrary to the direction the train was moving on and the feeling was strange but beautiful.Like I was moving against time.

Figure 3 The view from the train window

This might sound obnoxious but,I consider it to be the highlight of my day. When the train conductor came to collect the money I felt perplexed.The resemblance he had with the actor Ben Barnes was uncanny.I would say he was the older Albanian doppelganger of him.Anyways, he gave me the ticket which was 1.50 € from Prishtina to Peja and he was polite and a lovely man.

                                                                           Figure 4 The ticket

 

I arrived to my destination ,which was not the last one because then I had to take the bus from Peja to Istog.I started reminiscing on my train adventure and thinking how refreshing it was.Considering all the pros it has I suggest that more people take the train.Who knows?,you might stumble upon your version of a Ben Barnes too !

 

Elmedina Maxharraj