Global Voices Season 7 Episode 18 Last Train Home

Global Voices is a documentary series that explores the world through the lives of ordinary people. In season 7 episode 18, titled "Last Train Home," viewers are taken on a journey through China as millions of migrant workers make their way home for the Chinese New Year.

The episode begins with a look at the bustling city of Guangzhou, where millions of migrant workers have come to find work. These workers come from all over China, leaving their families behind in search of better opportunities. For many, the only time they get to see their families is during the Chinese New Year, when they travel back home.

As the holiday approaches, the city becomes more and more crowded as workers try to make their way to the train station to catch the last train home. This train is their only chance to be reunited with their families, as it is the only train that runs during the holiday.

Viewers are introduced to several workers and their families, who share their stories and experiences. We meet a young couple who have been separated for months, with the husband working in Guangzhou and the wife back home in their village. They anxiously wait for the last train, hoping they will be able to make it home in time to celebrate the holiday together.

We also meet an older couple, who have been separated for years. The husband has been working in Guangzhou for over a decade, sending money home to support his family. His wife has never been to the city, and they have only been able to communicate through phone calls and letters. They are both hoping that this holiday will be the one they are finally reunited.

As the workers make their way to the train station, we see the chaos and desperation that comes with trying to secure a ticket. The line is incredibly long, and tempers quickly flare as people fight for a spot on the train. Those who are unable to secure a ticket are left stranded, with no way of getting home to their families for the holiday.

Despite the challenges, many of the workers are able to secure a spot on the train and make their way home. We follow them as they journey across the country, through crowded train cars and remote villages. Along the way, we see the beauty of China's landscapes and the diversity of its people.

Once the workers arrive in their respective villages, the focus shifts to the importance of family and tradition during the holiday. We see families preparing food, cleaning their homes, and exchanging gifts. For many, the holiday is a time of reflection and gratitude, as they are reminded of the sacrifices their loved ones have made in order to provide for them.

Overall, "Last Train Home" is a moving and insightful look at the lives of migrant workers and the importance of family in Chinese culture. Through the stories of these workers and their families, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and joys of life in China, and the universal desire to be reunited with loved ones.