Going to Milan

Class got cancelled because of pro-Palestine protests planned at the university where my classes are (politecnico di turino). Had the option to leave early for sight seeing but decided to sleep late (4am) get up at noon ... Then decide to leave for Milan by train with my bike.

After packing, hotel tickets etc decided to catch the 530 pm direct train with my bike. Arrived half and hour early at train station. Started to get ready by folding the bike for travel.

That's when I realized the hard way that the bike (which is almost new to me, got it just for this trip) has a design flaw. While folding, the handlebar can get stuck between the pedals .. and being a single speed, I could not move the pedal backwards ... And I was about to freak out.

Asked maybe 50 people .. some on bikes to see if they have a spanner .. figured if I can get the chain off, I can back pedal and unstuck my half-folded bike. No luck. Asked police, some soldier looking people with big guns, maintenance people at the station. No luck. The fact that after my 100 day streak with Duolingo Italian didnt help me AT ALL so far is another story 😜. It not completely the apps fault - I freeze up right before I have to say something in Italian and all that comes out of my mouth is 'hola'!

Finally found a desi looking guy - seemed like a food delivery guy on an electric bike (with a food delivery bag on his back) .. he had a tool. Helped me get it unstuck. Even did part of it himself since he said 'aap bohut time laga rahe ho' 😂. Became friends. Offered him some money 'for beer' (I always get awkward doing this .. never know if it's offensive, how much .. which hand, fold the notes? ... Anyways offered €20 for the record) .. he said 'paisa is not very important to me' or something like that. Amjed Ali, from Gujarat in Pakistan (?) - told him I knew there is a Punjabi but didn't know a gujarat there .. he said Gujarat is in Punjab (in Pakistan, I guess),... I wanted to ask so many questions at that point. But he was helping me with the bike, so I didn't.

Then I met another guy from Bangladesh .. he wanted to make a local phone call - Amjed helped him too. Took a photo all 3 of us and laughed that we are having a fun India-pakistan-bangladesh reunion in Turino Porta Susa station! Amjed told me he'll show me the best coffee place around (I was suggesting beer, but he said he doesn't drink while at work!) . .. but then he got a call to deliver food. So he left.

Talked to Pooja on video for a long time. I had some food.. didn't eat since late night's "pre-toasted" bread and Nutella at 4am. Managed to change the ticket to a 735 train (for free! 15 minutes before the train). Now finally in the train typing this. My bike is in an overhead compartment of the train .. kinda precariously hanging over my head .. hope it doesn't fall on anyone during the train.もっと詳しく