As loud as it gets.

If it weren’t for them, the train would have been deadly silent. The subway is undoubtedly the best way of commuting within Tokyo. It was obvious that the city’s planners had shown a complete lack of recognition of public parking spaces for cars. Also the traffic wasn’t exactly free flowing either. So, on my way to Shibuya from Shinagawa on the JR Yamanote line, I found myself pleasantly distracted by the group of young Japanese girls. Those, with their trademark school uniforms, which seemed a tad under dressed to me considering it was quite cold out, stood together near the train doors. Huddled together they were creating an animated racket with their conversations. Everybody else on the train, me included, was silent. Many peered into their cell phones endlessly while; others busied themselves in their Manga comic books. Have you seen one of those? If that is not soft porn then I am not sure what is… The girls, meanwhile, rambled on. There were distinct giggles, Japanese giggles. The ones that made the girls cover their mouth with one hand! Frowns flowed aplenty as discussions grew more intense; those dark black Japanese eyes glistened with stories as their hands and lips worked together in serious collaboration. Not to mention those countless little bows that signaled acknowledgment of the speaker. School stories are always twisty and complicated at that age. Not knowing their language certainly did not help. Yet, watching them have a good time, while away time between stations was mildly pleasing. I had craved for sounds of life on that train ride and was glad for once the cell phones weren’t sucking it away. Soon, my destination arrived as the station began flashing on the inside LCD display unit. I gave them a one last look before I eased out of the train. Perhaps, with some relief, as their incessant but adorable sign language was making me quite dizzy.