One of my favourite things about city life is how many interesting people I get to encounter everyday. I meet a lot of people who are also from Ontario around here, and they’re especially keen on striking up conversation. Typical small talk: “Whereabouts in Ontario?” “How long you been here?” and “Get to Banff while you’re here!” I’ve met a few especially interesting ones.
Blockbuster Guy. We chatted for a while about where we’re from (I was with a couple of people who are also from Ontario). The conversation ended with, “Do you guys smoke weed?” He was blown away when we answered “no.” Shocking, I know.
Then there was Perry, the construction worker I met on the train the other day. Talked to me for about 15 minutes about construction and the solidity of Mormon churches (which he won’t attend because the Book of Mormon says Jesus is from the United States, which can’t be true), while sipping beer out of a travel mug.
I met Tristan at the post office the other day. Looked and sounded like a cartoon character - very definable features, kind of comical. Made some remark like, “So that’s what the new ones look like,” in a scripted sort of way when I handed him my license to be ID-ed. (Clever segway, Tristan.) When I left he said something to me about there not being enough like-minded people that get together around here…I still don’t get it.
