Seeking Certainty

In the West we crave certainty. That's why chain restaurants and brands thrive.  We want to know what we are getting and what the price is. To some extent we are willing to pay a premium for that knowledge. We hate to haggle. I have seen it in my recent behaviour.

You have heard it before, I want to take bike with me on the train. "What! That may not be possible. You must ask the conductor." But the ticket needs to be bought soon, not when the train is about to leave." Perhaps there in lies a clue. It is not a no, it signifies that something more is involved. I buy the ticket. "And for the bike?"

"I speak with the manager. Come back later"

I come back later."You may have to pay." Ah, progress.

"How much? I will have to change some more money and do not want to leave with too much local currency."

"Maybe some dollars or euros". I obtain small denomination euro notes.

Board indicates departure platform, I rush with bike.

"Ah hallo Sir, the man with the bike. I have arranged a private sleeping compartment for you and bike". He helps me get on board. "It will cost 10 euros."

So it wasn't just the price. Things had to be arranged. It involved a lot of uncertainty.

 Private Train Accomodation for Bike and I, to Istanbul