If I am writing about a #CrossBorderRail line in Europe, there is a VERY GOOD CHANCE that I know the fundamentals about it

[jon@gruene.social]

EVERY black pin on this map is a PLACE I HAVE PERSONALLY BEEN to check the state of railways on the ground https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/crossborderrail-all-the-borders_935041#7/51.079371/10.898438

So sure, give me background, give me facts, give me alternatives to my ideas. But please do not assume I have not done my prep

[jon@gruene.social]

And there are hundreds of things I have views about, but in areas I have NO expertise. You will generally not find me tooting about those, because that's better for exeryone. And generally not find me replying to others about those points *either*

[hpod16@eupolicy.social]

@jon glad to see that also men get mansplained sometimes 🫠

At the same time, as someone who follows you, cares about this topic, but IS utterly clueless, I like replies that explain things.
Also, replying to people is MY job, and we always say, with public replies you’re not just doing it for the benefit of the person who posted, but also for everyone else who might read it.

Wait, did I just mansplain comment replies to you? Mea culpa! Whoopsie

[webhat@infosec.exchange]

@jon I'm sorry if any of my replies have made you feel this way. I'm always amazed by your knowledge, when I have a question—especially about French routes—I reach out for your input as I consider you an expert. My apologies if any of my replies have make you uncomfortable

[jon@gruene.social]

And if there is one thing all these borders have in common, it is that the problems are universal (they apply to Tornio - Haparanda just as they apply to Vilar Formoso - Ciudad Rodrigo , yeah I went to those too) and they are political in nature.

Sure, that the train line crosses the town square in Groesbeek is unusual, but the political consequences of that are not that unusual.

[jon@gruene.social]

@hpod16 I have generally taken to calling it trainsplaining But yes, it is always men. And yes, I know social media is full of bullshitters, but on these topics I am not making shit up. Really!

[jon@gruene.social]

@webhat Oh absolutely not from you, never!

[randomcanuck@cosocial.ca]

@jon You, sir, are one busy guy! Do you live aboard and just stay in a hotel between survey trips? 🤯 Honestly, I’m a bit jealous

[jon@gruene.social]

Or another case in point: I went to the first #CrossBorderRail line at the Poland-Slovakia border in 2022, at Musyzna. Didn't understand it.

Then in 2025 went to Zwardoń and Zagórz and now I understand Musyzna.

[jon@gruene.social]

@RandomCanuck I have been doing this since 2022, on large tours! And I am now an hour from home - in a French village, Ravières.

[knowprose@mastodon.social]

@jon you qualify as interesting.

Following. Trainsplain away!

[endorama@hachyderm.io]

@jon this is an impressive map for a single person. As someone that would really like to be able to travel by train instead of airplane all around Europe, thank you for the hard work!

[hpod16@eupolicy.social]

@jon
Mhhhh I like trainsplaning. Do you have that copyrighted or can I use it in a video?