8.
Rome had the Forum (论坛). London has Speaker’s Corner. Now always-on-the-go New Yorkers have Liz and Bill.
Liz and Bill, two college graduates in their early 20s, have spent a whole year talking to thousands of people in subway stations and on busy street comers. And just talk.
They don’t collect money. They don’t push religion (宗教). So what’s the point?
“ To see what happens,” said Liz. “ We simply enjoy life with open talk.”
Shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks(袭击), they decided to walk from New York City to Washington, a 270-mile trip. They found they loved talking to people along the way and wanted to continue talking with strangers after their return.
“ It started as a crazy idea.” Liz said. “ We were so curious(好奇的)about all the strangers walking by with their life stories. People will talk to us about anything: their job, their clothes, their childhood experiences, anything.”
To celebrate a year of talking, the two held a get-together(聚会)in a city park for all the people they had met over the past year. A few hundred people appeared, as well as some television cameramen and reporters.
They may plan more parties or try to attract more people to join their informal talks. Some publishers have expressed interest in a book, something the two say they’ll consider(考虑)before making a decision.