Sredzkistraße

a good day

A while back, I ordered a netbook to use primarily for “getting stuff done” while out-and-about, and also for writing blog entries on. What’s ironic is that since getting it, there has been what is most likely the longest period of neglect suffered by ventolin.org. Well, it’s at most a shame, as things have been very hectic lately…

However, I had a remarkable day when I went out to Blanchardstown to pick the new laptop up. On the bus was a pair of African women, who had the amusing and interesting habit of peppering their mile-a-minute speech in their own native language with very Irish interjections. One would start “It’s just, like,” before launching into a rapidly told story and ending with “d’ye know the way?” I eventually got off, found the depot, picked up my laptop and left, only to return a few seconds later when I realised I had no change for the bus. After planting a €5 note down on the counter and asking whether I could get change, the chap behind the counter refused, pulled out some loose change and insisted I simply take it.

Waiting at the bus stop now, I flagged down the first bus that came along and asked if he was driving into town. It turned out he wasn’t, but ordered me on-board anyway, saying he’d give me a free trip down to another bus stop which was serviced by many more buses than the previous one. I happily obliged, and thanks to the man’s kindness, spent maybe only a minute or two at the next bus stop before I was headed back home.

Home, where I opened the door to find a curious package in the hallway. A book, by Alan Watts – and despite there being no note I knew just who had sent it, given we’d both recently discovered the eachother’s interest in his work and ideas. A lovely surprise with a friendly nod-and-a-wink.

I’d started the day with the not-so-minor annoyance of having to trek quite a bit across the city in terrible weather, but with the help of others’ acts of kindness and goodwill, everything changed beyond recognition.

A good day!