I want you close your eyes and imagine that you are in Gothenburg and it’s just started snowing. First the camera sweeps over Vasaplatsen and the snowflakes color the 7-Eleven signs white. If you look closely you can see how I’m standing there with my fingers freezing and blowing hot air into my hands. Stomping with my feet out of both discomfort and stress. When the bus comes I show my ticket and ask the bus driver if the bus goes to Järntorget.
He answers:
- What the hell do you think?
I go silent. I sit down on a vacant seat and look out the window. It takes a few seconds before I get the heat back in my hands, and before the thought occurs to me; I've just been insulted. I go over to the bus driver again and tell him off more than I’ve done in years. The yelling lasts several stops and when the bus stops at Järntorget and the doors open I walk by and wave goodbye to him with one finger and one thumb.
- IDIOT.
If you look closely you can see that my fingers are starting to freeze again. Stomping with my feet out of both cold and anger. Waiting for the next bus. When it arrives I show my ticket without looking at the driver and I wonder if the bus goes to Nils Ericsson terminal.
Answer:
- Yes mate. But you have to wish it there.
I look up and the screen fills with red and white colors. Someone laughs and blurred in the background is a dozen smiles. The bus driver has dressed up as Santa Claus, smiling with his face towards me. Everyone is waiting for me to say the words. I look around me. My fingers stop shaking.
- I wish that this bus goes to Nils Ericsson terminal.
Text: Navid Modiri
Required time:
1 hour or less
Cons:
People may not appreciate it. But then you have made yourself happy.
Pros:
You can make someone's day.
