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Murph's latest column...
We're getting things back on track
BOB MURPHY | The Age |April 22, 2010
''Railway termini are our gates to the glorious and the unknown. Through them we pass out into adventure and sunshine, to them, alas! we return.''
- E. M. FORSTER
IN RECENT times I've been reacquainting myself with the world of train travel, and it's brought the memories flooding back.
As a kid I remember catching the train down to the city with my Ma, and I was absolutely convinced we would hit a train going the other way. To my surprise we made it, and I've never felt that fear again.
As a teen I got on the V-Line from Warragul to the city with one of my first girlfriends. We had grand plans for the day - catch a glimpse of the big city, and see the teen movie American Pie. The girl and I, well, we didn't last long. Nor did many of the stars of that film, but the train ride was a beauty.
Train rides through high school became a lot more frequent after that. I had a mate who lived about 20 minutes down the line, which at the time felt like quite a journey. I realise now life takes us on far longer journeys every day.
When I left school, football took hold and I've pretty much avoided any train trips since. I even had a four-wheel drive at one point. I guess everybody disappears up their own backside at some stage.
The point is, after a long sabbatical, I'm back on the rails and feeling like Dorothy as she put on her red slipper. A perfect fit.
Up until this past week it has been smooth sailing, too. Actually it's been a blast, although if anyone from Melbourne's new rail operator is out there, it wouldn't hurt to put a few human beings on duty at suburban stations, and maybe an extra few trains on the Sydenham line. And I imagine West Footscray station was a bit more inviting back in the good old days when the Doggies were still playing at ''The Kennel''.
Click HERE to read the remainder of the article....
We're getting things back on track
BOB MURPHY | The Age |April 22, 2010
''Railway termini are our gates to the glorious and the unknown. Through them we pass out into adventure and sunshine, to them, alas! we return.''
- E. M. FORSTER
IN RECENT times I've been reacquainting myself with the world of train travel, and it's brought the memories flooding back.
As a kid I remember catching the train down to the city with my Ma, and I was absolutely convinced we would hit a train going the other way. To my surprise we made it, and I've never felt that fear again.
As a teen I got on the V-Line from Warragul to the city with one of my first girlfriends. We had grand plans for the day - catch a glimpse of the big city, and see the teen movie American Pie. The girl and I, well, we didn't last long. Nor did many of the stars of that film, but the train ride was a beauty.
Train rides through high school became a lot more frequent after that. I had a mate who lived about 20 minutes down the line, which at the time felt like quite a journey. I realise now life takes us on far longer journeys every day.
When I left school, football took hold and I've pretty much avoided any train trips since. I even had a four-wheel drive at one point. I guess everybody disappears up their own backside at some stage.
The point is, after a long sabbatical, I'm back on the rails and feeling like Dorothy as she put on her red slipper. A perfect fit.
Up until this past week it has been smooth sailing, too. Actually it's been a blast, although if anyone from Melbourne's new rail operator is out there, it wouldn't hurt to put a few human beings on duty at suburban stations, and maybe an extra few trains on the Sydenham line. And I imagine West Footscray station was a bit more inviting back in the good old days when the Doggies were still playing at ''The Kennel''.
Click HERE to read the remainder of the article....
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