People watching is a very interesting activity. To see individuals candidly behaving is quite enthralling. I think of the enclosures at zoos when you can see the animals eating or laying about and it is no different. Except now I watch the most interesting organism in creation. Not to mention the rails at the East St. Cafe really drive the zoo enclosure feeling to reality.

I think though that people watching years ago might have been different. Mainly because the only interactions I see happening now around me are within family groups and friends but not with the outside world. Most individuals (young or old) have little earbuds firmly planted in their skulls. They are zoned out and just talking on phones, watching video screens, listening to music that is turned up too loud, or just walking about with a scowl on their face. The only one who was truly exciting was a six year old girl who was going on her first train ride (train mind you not metro). She also had never been to Union Station before. The sheer glee and happiness was contagious. She told everyone around her what was happening today. It was awesome. That joi de vie is what I want to have always.

Meanwhile the better majority of the humans just milled about not taking in the beauty of the architecture or even the creepy hive like mind we must all share in our ability to keep from colliding with each other in this crowded terminal.

The wonder of what is created here by man and all the things that must have come together to bring it to fruition is breathtaking. The marble, pillars, curving stairs, symmetrical ceiling, and even the delicate lighting which is totally concealed all make for a wondrous building.

All of that is lost to the souls rocking out to Pandora on their iPhones or stuck in the glow of their Blackberry. I took the metro today and the Red line was backed up so it was crammed with people. I found it amazing that some around me were taken aback that I tried to talk to them. I thought considering how close we physically were I should at least know my co-rider’s name and situation. One gentleman had a genuine smile and happiness on his face as we joked about the back up as he holstered his Berry.

My concern is for the digital native generation. They will spend HOURS and HOURS on innocuous drivel on Facebook; answering quizzes or farming virtual animals but they might never talk to the person next to them. While the technology is a blessing and I will never be able to put down my phone or netbook I also wonder how that digital connection will/has affected our genuine real connection. I know the statistics of the number of people who meet and marry online. Regardless our fellow man is standing right next to us and need someone to talk to.

I guess every once in awhile just unplug and look up. Stop looking down at the little LCD display. Stop searching for the next playlist. Fold the paper, power down the Kindle. The most interesting conversation might be right next to you but you would never know.

I know I am guilty of it.