Do you say I am in the train or on the train?

The Enigma of Train Travel: On, In, or Amidst?

As the rhythmic clatter of the tracks echoes through the carriages, the debate over our spatial orientation arises: are we “on” or “in” the train? While convention dictates the former, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced understanding.

“On the train” evokes the familiar sensation of being perched atop the vehicle, like a solitary voyager gazing out the window at the unfolding landscape. It implies a position within the designated passenger area, encircled by the comforting embrace of seats and windows. The train is our platform, a vessel carrying us towards distant destinations.

However, “in the train” suggests a more intimate connection. It conjures images of delving deeper into the labyrinthine structure of the locomotive, exploring its hidden compartments and intricate workings. It implies a temporary residence within the train’s belly, surrounded by its humming machinery and the faint scent of metal and grease.

While both expressions have their merits, neither fully captures the multifaceted nature of train travel. There are moments when we feel perched atop the tracks, scanning the horizon like eagles in flight. But there are also times when we feel nestled within the train’s embrace, sheltered from the outside world by its sturdy walls.

Perhaps there is another dimension to our journey, beyond the dichotomy of “on” and “in.” Perhaps we are “amidst the train,” suspended within a realm of motion and connection. The train becomes an intermediary, a bridge between our former and future selves, between the familiar and the unknown.

As we glide through the countryside or soar over bridges, we are neither simply passengers nor intruders. We are travelers amidst the train, enveloped in its rhythm and carried by its momentum. We are part of a collective experience, sharing a glimpse of the world through the train’s unique perspective.

Whether we choose to say “on,” “in,” or “amidst,” let us embrace the full spectrum of our train journey. Let us savor the sensation of being both apart from and part of this mechanical leviathan that transports us through time and space.