mariakoropecky by Maria Koropecky, Storytelling Coach & Author
When I was in my 20’s, I lived in Brussels, Belgium and had a chance to do some spring skiing in the Alps. So, I went by train to Munich and then proceeded to Saltzburg.
The ski trip was great but I was concerned about my train ride back home because it involved a tight transfer from one train to another in Stuttgart with about a 5 minute window.
I was worried that I’d miss my connection and be stuck in Stuttgart but my new German friends reassured me that my trip would be easy because “This is Germany and we’re very punctual with time – always on time to the minute – the trains are never late.” It’s part of their archetype.
So I made my way to Stuttgart on the 1st train and with ticket in hand, I stepped onto the platform and there were rows and rows of train tracks running parallel to each other at the station with trains coming and going every minute.
To my surprise, my connecting train was just a few steps across the platform from where I landed and I climbed on board with about 4 minutes and 30 seconds to spare. What a relief!
My friends were right!
And that brings me to the song message of the day: “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars.
When I first heard this song on the radio, I wasn’t sure what to do with it – it was a little complex with many changes for a pop song plus I had no idea what “Apateu” meant – like visiting a foreign country and not understanding how they do things or the language they speak.
But I just learned that “Apateu” means “apartment” in Korean and it’s also the name of a drinking game called “The Apartment” where hands are stacked one on top of the other and the top one drinks. (Not that I’m advocating drinking games but in the days of this ski trip, I played my share).
I especially love the lyrics “Meet me at the…” and “Hold on, hold on, I’m on my way!”
In other words, just meet me on the platform and we’ll be on our way on the next train! Trust the timing! It will be fun!
