“This train is delayed by 108 minutes. We encourage passengers to use the bar service.”  Informative. Unapologetic. Concise. Favorite train announcement ever.  I almost couldn’t believe I heard it. I almost couldn’t believe I was there. I received a fellowship through my university last Spring that included a trip to France, Germany, and Czech Republic…

My Dad loves spy movies. Maybe it’s his past life in army intelligence, but I grew up with boxed sets of James Bond and Jason Bourne movies in the basement. When we paused to make popcorn, he would take the wooden dowel we used to prop open the kitchen window and fight air enemies, and…

As part of my job at a living history site, I give maritime history boat tours on Lake Champlain’s southern basin. Before those tours, in addition to completing engine checks and stocking the boat bar, I fight in my boss’ turf war against the local seagulls.  My battle? The poop they leave on the tour…

I just finished a State Department virtual critical language program. It involved two hours of online Russian immersion Monday through Friday from ten to noon all summer, and while I work nine to five Wednesday through Sunday, my boss generously let me take long lunches for eight weeks to complete the course; graduates get non-compete…