Blink Eight Times

tram stations

How to take an interdimensional journey

The divisions between dimensions are like wallpaper, or more precisely: photo wallpaper. If applied correctly, and no one has scraped at its surface before, it will maintain the illusion, and thus the division, flawlessly.
Other divisions—which may have already been pulled at, picked at and knocked on—begin peeling away in places, become elastic and let other dimensions shine through.

Experience has shown me that the photo wallpaper in the Stoppenberg district of Essen is particularly permeable and flimsy. That’s where we’ll get off, because there we can easily walk between the dimensions. The stop is called Ernestinenstraße.

But that will be in a minute.

Until we get there, we’ll practice the movements that allow us to gaze into other dimensions. In a moment—once you reach the end of this paragraph—lift your eyes from the book and look up, blink quickly eight times, close your eyes tightly, slowly move your head to the right, then to the left twice, and finally open your eyes again. Look around for about one minute of travel, trying to catch a glimpse of the traces of light from other dimensions. Then look back at the book. Do it now.

Did anything in view change? “Blurred” is a word that helps me with these transitions.

Are you waiting at the Abzweig Katernberg stop? Then practice blinking some more until the tram comes. Once you’re on board, continue reading on page 72.

Are you already on the tram? Then take a closer look at this book. It will become slightly transparent in your hand. Lift it to the level of your eyes. Now you can see these words and the interior of the tram simultaneously. Your eyes will slowly adjust to this new way of seeing. And this is only the beginning. Continue reading on page 11.