In age of electronics, ‘ old school’ talk is electric

To the Times: Back in the ‘ 80s and ‘ 90s, I traveled a lot for my job as associate publisher of a trade magazine. In one week, I was on seven planes. I would always strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to me in the airport, the plane, and the van. You name the place and I would talk to strangers. ( My mom would agree. After all, I am my mother’s daughter!) I always tease that if I didn’t speak to strangers, I wouldn’t know half of the people I know. I have met the most fascinating people and I am so grateful for the experiences, even if they were in passing. After reading the following, you may want to talk to the stranger sitting next to you.

On a flight from Charlotte, I met the architect of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. I’ve admired that ballpark’s retro design and little did I know then that his firm would be the architect for our beloved Phillies home.

Flight to Chicago? I had a lively conversation with a lead actor from Broadway production of “The Lion King.” He shared photos with me from their recent shows and explained how he acts wearing a huge costume and an over- the- top headpiece.

Returning from a convention with my sister, I sat next to the assistant surgeon general, who was the convention’s keynote speaker. We discussed childhood obesity.

During the last decade, I can count the number of planes I’ve taken on one hand. Recently, I traveled to Dallas and Chicago to work events with a client. Besides the long security lines and restrictions, I noticed a marked difference from the ‘ 80s and ‘ 90s not many folks talk to the stranger next to them. It’s hard to even make eye contact.

As I sat and waited for my plane to embark, everyone ( except me!) had their heads down with their eyes glued to their electronic gadgets. I was noting human behavior, comparing it to the ‘ 80s and ‘ 90s and gathering ideas for this article.

Like the waiting area, the plane cabin was quiet. Too quiet, if you ask me! Again, passengers with their heads down. Texting. Scrolling. Viewing. Busy fingers but closed mouths.

Even as strangers sit just a few inches away from each other on a plane for hours, people still do not chat. With tight quarters and no elbowroom, shoulders, arms and knees may meet but no eye contact. No small talk. No lively chatter. Maybe an occasional “excuse me” but that’s about all. Am I the only one who can’t resist striking up a conversation with the stranger sitting next to me?

On my return flight, as I approached my seat I immediately introduced myself to Pat and he cheerfully responded. We both admitted we’re “old school.” ( I really like that school!) I asked him “Are you traveling to Philly?” “Yes, for a leadership conference.” You see, Pat is the chief of a Chicago fire company.

As our conversation progressed, I found out he was at Ground Zero the day after 9/ 11 with his fellow Chicago firefighters. He ran across America with his peers to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/ 11, and he served as a consultant to the film “Backdraft” and the new TV show “Chicago Fire.” Was I impressed? You bet, but more so touched and filled with admiration.

Look what I would have missed if I didn’t talk to this humble husband and father.

Since I was a tour guide with the Friends of Independence National Historical Park, I had an absolute ball telling him about America’s most historic mile.

I explained how our city’s downtown layout is a perfect grid, why we moved our revered Liberty Bell and what was found at George Washington’s home when he lived in Philadelphia during his presidency.

As Pat napped just a few inches away from me, I smiled and thought how lucky I am to be sitting here and how others would enjoy the experience, too. So I started writing this article on the plane.

So the next time you fly, give it a try, talk to the stranger next to you. You never know, they may become your new friends and you’ll learn something new. I did and here’s not one but two historical notes: Did you know that Fire Prevention Week is always held around Oct. 9 to coincide with the date of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? While this fire is the bestknown one in our country’s history, it wasn’t the biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo fire, which roared through northeast Wisconsin on the same date. DIANE McNITT

Lansdowne