the train manager

On the Indian Pacific, there is someone called the train manager. I think he is similar to a cruise director. Basically, he is the one who makes sure we are comfortable and informs us of what's going on.

Jos was our train manager from Sydney to Adelaide. We met him when we first arrived on board the train, since we needed to tell him whether we wanted to be in the early or late meal sitting. During that meeting, I asked about food options, since I have all these weird food issues now that I'm pregnant. And, I also mentioned that I was pregnant.

Jos was very excited about that.

We didn't realize how excited he was, until dinner that night. Fede and I were seated with this older couple (who were taking the train for their 10th time, and also for their 55th wedding anniversary). Jos came over to serve us dinner rolls, and then smiled and said to us "Did you tell them the news?" and said to them "Have you heard the news?"

I didn't really think the other couple really cared whether I was pregnant or not--after all, we just met. But Jos couldn't contain himself.

Right before we arrived in Adelaide, there was an afternoon tea and pastries provided in the lounge. Fede and I decided to go and get some snacks--but then got stuck there when Jos came in to provide some announcements to the group in the lounge. We wanted to escape--but I thought it would be rude to just leave, especially because we would have to cross right in front of Jos to exit the car.

Just to give you and idea of Jos, here's a short video. I'm not sure what he's saying. "It's pickin' time"--"It's Leichenstein"--"It's bickten thong"?

At the end of this talk, he saw me, and then suddenly asked "Does anyone have any announcements?" Of course, no one did. But Jos really needed to tell more people. So, he asked me to stand up and then he told everyone in the lounge that I was pregnant. 

I think he's more excited about this pregnancy than Fede.