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Through My Eyes

Through My Eyes

Author: Kasia Yoko
Date: 2015-05-15
There are a few old world charms that appeal to me and last week's Blue Train ride to nowhere was an amazing treat. The six-hour silver service dinner that I was invited to, took us in the direction of Port Shepstone and back. However but it was enough time to sadly concede that that era of magic and sophistication will probably never return to its former glory.

There was something about the genuine politeness of the people on board and the lush Agatha Christie interiors, all of which made me terribly nostalgic.

It is obvious to the naked eye that the romance of old world has died for many and it has been replaced with something inauthentic, something that is trying to be what it is not.

There are old world charms like chivalry, courtesy, gallantry, gentility, loyalty and decorum that have somehow vanished from our culture. Our family ties have weakened and we have become somewhat tainted with our sad pursuit of worldly possessions.

Chasing those unrealistic dreams, idealistic targets and senseless benchmarks, has made us into egotistic and narcissistic beings, occupied with gathering possessions rather than precious memories.

Speaking to a client about the importance of the family bond and the love and pride I feel for my parents, who to this day play such an important role in my personal transformation; and who keep the old world charms relevant, she quoted an Arabic Proverb, "Heaven is at the feet of Mothers."

How our world has turned upside down!

I mean how many of us can read that and actually relate to the meaning of it. Today when we use inspirational quotes, we use some arbitrary quotes by actors from Star Trek or cartoon character like Bart Simpson. We no longer look at old world charm and marvel, we appear to look at it with disdain and contempt.

Our world has changed so much and it continues to change, in fact changes can be felt every second with every breath. The Blue Train was a bittersweet aide-mémoire to how far we have moved to fast paced living.

Blue Train was a saccharine reminder that the time of reflection and contemplation has passed and now we are all on the same treadmill running for our lives.

I hope you find a Blue Train moment in your busy schedule and reflect on slowing down the pace and just enjoying the moment.