Sunday 23 October 2011

"Have a great life."

And so she bade me farewell - this inspiring, full-of-life lady whom I met through fate's dealing hand (such are the risks when travelling in a party size not directly equal to train seating arrangements).

I don't know why it struck me as odd that she should assume our paths won't cross again. Hers wasn't the typical American, "Have a great day." Almost, but not quite. But was that small yet significant word change simply a realistic reading of how completely improbable the chances of our geographical similitude in future, or was it in fact an instruction?

As each day in Australia draws to a close, I'm always curiously conscious that in the UK that same day's just beginning. Now arguably, there's not a lot one can offer with 10 hours' hindsight, but here I was faced with a rather more feasible reverse observation: this positive, beaming lady had about 40 years on me. I panicked for a second: what had I gleaned in that 90-minute train journey that could possibly help me live up to her command? Why hadn't I used the time better, darn it?

I needn't have panicked. We don't need to actively "use" time; we just need to spend it - not fritter it. I could have buried my head in my phone, or craned my neck the whole time to continue conversing with my companions, but instead I had fortunately identified this smiling stranger as a kindred friendly spirit. And so as we watched the breathtaking scenery speed by, we spent a glorious 90 minutes learning about each others' lives, families and fortitude.

I stepped on to that train a weary woman, hot and dehydrated from a 1-hr trek along the Inca trail that leads to the astounding sight that is Machu Picchu. But I stepped off that train light as a feather, in awe of a 70 year-old lady who'd completed the full 10-day trek; a lady with 3 Iron Mans under her belt that summer alone, a visibly strong and devoted marriage, a peaceful satisfaction in her far-flung but happy brood, and a command which I left Peru determined to obey.

I hope I make her proud.