AUBREEVISION - Observations from the far side of the dial

There are advantages to taking the train. No invasive baggage inspections, no need to dig out, boot up and swab-test electronics prior to boarding. Checking in a mere half hour before departure. More leg room.

The first time I took a train was on a grade 3 class trip to Halifax. My mother got motion sick going over Bear River bridge. Tara and Marya giggled and made eyes at Chris O'Laney.

Today there's no train to the old Hometown. Service stopped 15 years ago; the train people pulled up their tracks and went home. The airport's still open but there aren't any flights. Buses only come within an hour of the town.

My 8-year-old mind would blow if it could see me here 18 years later, banging out this entry on a laptop en route to Toronto. When I was 8, the world of computers consisted of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? and Commodore 64s. 8-inch floppy, anyone?