h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

In the entry about learning Urdu I said choosing to take those classes is one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. Turns out it might be given a run for its money as today another choice I made recently came to fruition as I had my first days training for volunteering on a local steam railway.

http://www.kwvr.co.uk/

Ever since I was a kid I've liked trains and I've always thought steam trains are extremely cool, but the decision to volunteer came more from the fact I like to help people and I enjoy the minutiae and logistics of travelling: it keeps my brain sharp. Working in the booking office (which every volunteer starts out doing) fulfils those cravings. I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed today (as I just have done for nearly half an hour with my aunt) but I'd end up waffling and naming pretty much everything I've done today. I guess the edited highlights would be:

The train ride up there - chugging through a beautiful valley as the winter sun burned through the morning mist. Similarly coming back and seeing the fires of the steam train reflected in its smoke.

How incredibly handsome and cosy the stations are: the stations are maintained and kept at how they looked in the 1930s, with gas lamps and old-fashioned tills and the staff uniforms are as authentic as possible. The roaring fire and comfy armchairs inside the booking office helps the feel too.

Being around enthusiasts and excited people. The staff I met today were all absolutely lovely and really happy with what they're doing - that's such a buzz to be around people who are doing what they love. And then there's the visitors and the excitement that builds when one of the old steam engines pulls up to the station. Being around such happy people makes me happy myself.

I got cake. Enough said.

? Definitely worth it then.

That does sound really good, actually. I've got a lingering fondness for steam railways because my dad is an enthusiast. I always enjoyed it when we went down to the local preservation society (which didn't happen nearly enough).

Glad you're enjoying it too.

Two things I love about Keighley station - the fact it has steam trains AND modern ones, and the fact that the signs on the westbound platform refuse to mention Lancashire and talk tersely of "Skipton and beyond".

Good for you Iago. They are nice peeps and it's a cockle-warming thing.

Oh gosh. The perfect setting for a Noel Coward play. (I've been watching old movies lately.)

It's nice to do something where people are happy by default.