Today, I was on a train heading to my hometown to visit my parents as usual. When the train arrived at Kyoto Station, a young foreign passenger got on and suddenly screamed. Although I was sitting and reading a book, I lifted my face to see the direction where the voice came. She seemed to separate her boyfriend. Probably, she wanted to ride with him, but the door shut just in front of him. She pushed an emergency bottom which open doors in the winter, but it didn't work at this time of year.

She looked completely panicked, and I felt sorry for her, so I spoke to her in English. "You can get off at the next station. Call your boyfriend, and you can wait there until he's coming." When I said that, she replied probably in Spanish. I had no idea what she said, but she seemed to understand what I said.

When the train stopped at the next station, she asked me something in Spanish. The only thing I could understand was the station name, Shin-Osaka. I asked her if she wanted to the station, she nodded. The train we were on was heading to my hometown, Otsu, which was the opposite direction. I told her that she need to go to the opposite platform. I saw she ran to the direction without saying anything.

On the train ride home again, there were Chinese tourists carrying huge luggage. I really don't like this because it become obstacles for other passengers. When the train stopped, two elderly Japanese women came in. Then, the Chinese tourists stood up and gave their seats to the women. I was very impressed. The Japanese women thanked them in Chinese.

Although I didn't expect the Spanish girl to thank me, looking at the attitude of people appreciating other's kindness made my heart warm. I believe that even when we don't speak the same language, expressing gratitude is one of the most basic and important ways to communicate with one another.

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