journal features

riding a steam train

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Tokyo, 2010.09.04

Today we took a fine trip on a steam train.

Kenny seemed quite happy with the adventure, and when there was something train-related to see he was generally well-behaved. The train otaku set is a serious bunch: I can honestly say that I've never seen as many photographers as I did during this trip. There were more of them off the train than on, too! And it wasn't just pros and serious amateurs, it was non-camera-people. Lining every overpass and prominent point, they also came out of homes and businesses and fields to shoot the passing train with mobile phones or just to look. It's pleasing to see that steam trains command such wide interest.

Needless to say I've got some photos .

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering