I live about 10 kilometers south of the central train station in Oslo, Norway. Usually the local train commute takes ten minutes.

But not every day. During the past few years there have been endless problems with the train signals at one of the terminal stations.

Today was such a day. When I came onto the underground station I was amazed at how many people fit in there. I think about half of Oslo’s population was waiting for a train. And waiting. And waiting.

And my iPod came to the rescue again. I am currently reading a rather boring debut crime novel by Mark Cohen, The Fractal Murders. It’s not that the plot isn’t good, it’s just not a very exciting book. His hero Pepper Keane is a rather uninspiring ex-marine with a knack for philosophy.

But here I am writing a review when I’m supposed to tell you about my afternoon in the hands of the National Railways. It took 40 minutes for the first train going in my direction arrived.

When things like this happen it’s a true pleasure to pull out my iPod and…read! I get occasional stares from people who wonder what I do. I guess it’s not too common to see people staring at their mp3 players yet.

When the train finally came I was lucky enough to get a seat. And ereading saved the day again – I completely forget the tired effort of having to wait for a train for 40 minutes when all I want to do is lie on my sofa. Not that I ever get much time for that these days. The sofa is mostly occupied by Jenny and Emily watching Disney Channel.