Playing With Strangers

One of the surprisingly lovely things that can happen in NYC is sudden camaraderie among strangers.

Usually it's due to being stuck waiting for something (which can dull the pleasure somewhat, since that something generally involves public transportation not behaving as advertised), but occasionally it's something a little more offbeat, and more interesting.

To wit - playing with strangers. I mean "play" here in the strictest sense of simple fun, rather than in the online dating sense of a dumbass euphemism for casual sex.

It doesn't happen terribly often, but once in a while I find myself having a mute conversation with someone I've never met.

Or, as happened with a couple of fellow photographers at the parade, playing a game with them. The guy with the Nikon (which appears to be the double of my own) started it, I swear, but I was right there with him.

The dashing fellow atop the phone booth spied me snapping him at the last moment, but seemed content to play along. I'd love to see some of the photos he got up there; it was a great vantage point.

I'm not sure whether the guy with the great rings knew I was taking his picture, but when Annabelle and I were comparing notes on the train home, it turned out we'd both photographed him.

Anyway, there's always a moment where your eyes meet and the message of the game is telegraphed and understood. It's a kind of magic.