Takin the N to Nowhere..and the W to Wherever

Cruising down the highway at about 75/80 miles per hour, the sunroof open, Foo Fighters blasting, and the airconditioning is just right. What does that describe? Me in California at least twice a day. I loved it. I had a great car, an Acura RSX with leather seats and a great sound system.

I sold that luxury when I moved to NY in Feb.

My life now can be described more like this. Walking, and more walking. Then waiting and more waiting (weekends suck). My surroundings are hot and sticky and I watch rats play in muddy disgusting water as I wait with complete strangers who speak languages I didn't even know existed. Then she arrives. I call it a she because its fast, wont wait, and doesn't care. Stops, you step on and HOLD on for dear life. Much like the 101 or 405 freeways during rush hour, you squeeze in and try to merge to find a spot and hope that you are not stuck next to an old guy or the smelly dude. Its hot, crowded, and smells like pee.

Not exactly what I would call an even exchange!!

The New York City subway system is considered one of the best systems in the world. You can literally live in this massive metropolitan city with no car! Not many places in the world that can provide that for you. It costs $76 per month to ride unlimited throughout the 5 Burroughs and it runs 24 hours. Not bad. Unfortunately that is where the positive aspect of this ends. I take the N and the W most of the time as it takes me into the city for work and play. We joke that the N is Nowhere to be seen and the W will come Wherever it wants...lol

Contrary to our favorite Russian Princess ;) , I don't mind the subways much. It's a constant reminder that I live in NY and there is a bit of ambiance it adds to my new life. The people watching is quite entertaining and sometimes you even meet new people. I try not to socialize too much, but sometimes a little kid will come up and boldly ask to sit in your seat and I smile and move aside. Most people look extremely depressed on the subway and it would seem they just lost their favorite puppy. As a friend once told me, just imagine what you would think if they were all super happy and smiled all the time. I guess he is right, I would think they were insane! lol

Then there is the live entertainment that you rarely want to experience. Sometimes the musicians in the subway stations are very good. I have seen maybe 3 or 4 that I was impressed with. Most of the time you step onto the train and someone comes from the next car and starts singing or playing their banjo. These types remind me to bring my mp3 player with me at all times. lol

And finally there are the beggars. I have never heard sadder stories in my life. "My house just burned down and I lost everything." "My children are hungry and I have cancer." "I am a vet and have no where to go." At first you just want to cry, but then you become hardened to it and stop caring so much. I am probably poorer than some of these beggars. I see people dishing out their change and I can only imagine how much money they make in a day.

Overall, the subway isn't a bad thing, it's part of NY culture and I can't really imagine that I would see NY the same without it.