Airports and train stations. I have always had a fascination with these places; right from when I was little. At first, I thought it may have had something to do with the array of shops lined proudly inside of them, which coyly invited me to buy overpriced sweets or another book I really did not need.Then, I thought it could be due to the fact that I loved to travel and a trip to one of these buildings meant another journey was about to be added to my list. Although both of these things are true, especially the part about shops (I was always a gluttonous, book worm type of child), I soon realised my love for all travel related places eminently stemmed from one factor: I loved watching other people.Now, before you jump to the alarming conclusion that the writer of the article you are currently reading is actually a crazed stalker; let me explain. You see, it's to do with the fact that there are hundreds of travellers sojourning to different destinations, joined under one roof. It is quite fascinating when you think that Mr A, a pompous businessman on his way to a meeting in New York , could be standing in the queue next to Mrs B, who has grudgingly agreed to spend two weeks babysitting her nephews whilst her sister and brother-in-law enjoy the sun in the South of France . You can probably tell by that last sentence that I have quite the active imagination, so conjuring up different travel stories for the passengers I see boarding planes/ about to get on trains can easily turn into an episodic drama. You may laugh, but this game has got me through many boring waits in ques.Where am I going with all of this' I hear you ask. Well, after working in London for a month this summer, I can unashamedly say that my unique if not rather bizarre interest has now extended: to the London underground. It is the centre for all things hustle and bustle, a place where everyone seems to be running; whether they are late or not and probably the only time in England where it is ok to push past someone without saying excuse me. To put it in simple words, catching the tube in a London underground station is no mean feat. After getting past this initial shock, I actually began to enjoy my daily 'assault' to work and whilst conducting my usual observation of travellers, my eyes became open to a whole new theory. Dear readers, I have come to the realisation that on any form of public transport, it is possible to see the following four categories of travellers: Traveller No 1: The 'I'm so Important' Business PersonThese types of commuters are never more than two seconds away from their blackberry. If they are not squinting their eyes at the screen whilst checking their abundance of 'urgent' emails, they will be heckling instructions down the receiver to their assistants in a louder than necessary volume. They usually like to let everyone know that they are late for that all important meeting by constantly checking their Rolex watch or letting a tut out and shaking their heads in such a manner that even the cluckiest of chickens would be left in admiration. It is obvious when one of these specimens had just come back from a long, hard day at work, as they will submerge themselves in the economic pages of a broadsheet newspaper to see if all the stocks they bought that day were worth it. Either that or call their assistants again to make plans for tomorrow's meeting, in an equally obnoxious fashion. Traveller No 2: The Tech Savvy SojournerI pod, I phone, I pad. You name it; they have it. It is not enough for them to simply possess these pieces of technology, instead, they insist on whipping them out in an elaborate fashion, making your simple book or crossword as a chosen form of entertainment look whimsical in comparison. These types of travellers are the most restless, as months of playing with the latest gadgets means they can not sit still for longer than a few minutes without touching something electronic. If you happen to have the pleasure of sitting next to one of them, be prepared to share their taste in music as they have not quite mastered the art of using headphones silently yet. Traveller No 3: The TalkerNow there is nothing wrong with a little pleasant chit chat. In fact, one could argue it makes the journey go that little bit quicker. However, this type of passenger takes conversation to a whole new level. From their dog's dinner last night to the first baby tooth they ever lost, 'the talker' will tell you about everything and anything, probably never stopping for breath whilst doing it neither. Traveller No 4: The ParentPossibly the worst out of our four categories as this traveller has a child: and they are not afraid to use it. They play the guilt card by making you give up your seat in order for them to house their three-seated pushchair, which by the way, will be left unoccupied throughout the whole journey because their toddlers will be parading up and down the aisles for most of it. Their catchphrase is along the lines of 'stop touching the floor' or 'leave that old man's coat alone'. The great mystery of the whole affair is the fact that they prefer shouting than actually getting up from their seats to do something, much to the joy of their little 'cherub' and the misfortune of everyone else's eardrums. So, there you have it, four types of passengers for you to look out for. Still not convinced' Well, next time you are on a plane/train, try the observation game for yourself. I bet you will be surprised how many of these categories you spot, if not more!
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