Train, highspeed, Paris Gare du Nord- Rotterdam Centraal.
I've taken this journey a number of times since its opening over 10 years ago. I'm always curious why after each stop the conductor warns passengers through the loudspeaker to be ware of pickpockets and to be ever so vigilante of personal belongings.
Today I understand the reason.
One moment it was there.
The next we realised, it was no longer there.
Pretty valuable it was, in the literal sense of the word. But in the end it is only material.
Mum and I were both surprised that it happened so fast, but there was no blame, no real remorse, sadness or anger. But what can one do? Count the loses and let it go. We promised it would our secret. Maybe one day, long and far away from this day, I can tell someone and laugh about it.
Whoever took it may be laughing now already... Whoever took it may enjoy it, or sell it, but the bad karma is certain to return full price, if not multiplied.
Lesson learnt, albeit an expensive one. The Thalys from Paris to Amsterdam via Brussels and Antwerp is not safe. Keep your eyes and hands on your belongings at all times...
No comments:
Post a Comment