Big Trains, Big Crowds, and Big Macs (assignment 2)

Sitting against the wall in the middle of the chaos at the Florence train station, a person can see almost anything. People of all nationalities and attire push their way through the crowd, trying to reach their desired platform or the never-ending line to purchase tickets. To my left is a small woman begging those who pass her for money, but mainly receiving scowls or looks of disgust instead. Looking to the right I am hit with a strong odor of frying food, which to no surprise is accompanied with a glowing golden “M.” As I continue watching the crowd, I hear a young child begging for ice cream from a glowing machine. The agitated mother ignores this request and continues pulling the unhappy child towards a waiting train. Everywhere I turn, my eyes fixate on a glowing sign, a large, noisy train, or another person trying to get on with whatever business brings them to this hub of activity. The train station, with its bustling crowd and stores selling everything from a carton of fries to a cheap plastic toy, is easily one of the most diverse places I have ever been.