The article describes a six-hour train journey where the author observes fellow passengers transforming their limited space into makeshift homes using laptops, snacks, and personal belongings. This behavior underscores a human tendency to seek comfort and privacy in public settings. As they travel through different time zones and weather conditions, the author reflects on societal contrasts, including wealth disparity exemplified by Denise Coates of Bet365. Despite constant distractions and the digital allure, the author finds warmth in the shared human experience of creating personal havens in mundane surroundings.
‘Around me, passengers built little homes for themselves out of laptops and crisps, a whole universe on a plastic fold-down table.’
‘I looked around with love at this side of us, we silly animals, building homes out of sticks anywhere we sit for longer than 20 minutes.’
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