Showing posts with label Subway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Subway. Show all posts
Friday, March 11, 2011
Musings on the Commute
I have to wonder if this is a bit strange, I'm not sure... My subway line travels under...actually I'm not sure if it is under anymore...anyway, under Ground Zero. I can see some of the work through the windows of the subway as I gain glimpses between the plywood sheeting they put up while they are building the memorial. I feel as if I need to have a moment of silence every time I fly past. I am essentially riding through a graveyard and it pierces my heart each time. Maybe it will fade after the hundredth time I travel through. I wasn't even here when it happened...I was 3000 miles away, but the thought of being there...the idea that if time were different, if my life had moved at a different pace it could have been me on that horrible day. I am moved that I am traveling on what seems to be sacred ground and I get slightly emotional. Is that strange?
Trains, Ferries and Subways--Part 4
I'm often surprised at the conversations I hear float around me...not to mention some of the behavior that goes on.
I listened to two people talk about their jobs as funeral directors and how they have "stitched" certain relatives..."oh I stitched my husband, my mother and my cousin...who died." Really? they died? Gosh I hope so considering you stitched them! Mmmk
And then there were the business men who were talking about all the female sales reps in their work place. Not only were all of them incompetent, but for these men it was exactly how they expected it to be and had the male chauvenistic tone of "it is what it is...I mean really what can you do...they are female...who can expect them to do any better". I have to wonder if they are as good at their jobs as they think they are...I doubt not. Now I don't really consider myself a feminist but I bristle when I hear stuff like this. Grrr
Couples really really making out on the ferry seems to be pretty normal.
Lots of singing while listening to ipods, some good, some really bad.
People who think they can beat the closing doors on the subway and get stuck between the two doors...that one actually kinda freaks me out...cuz what happens if the driver doesn't notice? Shudder....
Funniest thing though was the kid wearing the low riders whose pants actually fell down. Haha...snort!
So why is it that public transportation seems to encourage people to behave as if they are walking around in "the cone of silence" from Get Smart? Is it the idea that the more people are surrounding you the more privacy you have because there is such a flood...a sensory overload of people? I'm not sure...but it makes the 3 hours goes by pretty quickly.
I listened to two people talk about their jobs as funeral directors and how they have "stitched" certain relatives..."oh I stitched my husband, my mother and my cousin...who died." Really? they died? Gosh I hope so considering you stitched them! Mmmk
And then there were the business men who were talking about all the female sales reps in their work place. Not only were all of them incompetent, but for these men it was exactly how they expected it to be and had the male chauvenistic tone of "it is what it is...I mean really what can you do...they are female...who can expect them to do any better". I have to wonder if they are as good at their jobs as they think they are...I doubt not. Now I don't really consider myself a feminist but I bristle when I hear stuff like this. Grrr
Couples really really making out on the ferry seems to be pretty normal.
Lots of singing while listening to ipods, some good, some really bad.
People who think they can beat the closing doors on the subway and get stuck between the two doors...that one actually kinda freaks me out...cuz what happens if the driver doesn't notice? Shudder....
Funniest thing though was the kid wearing the low riders whose pants actually fell down. Haha...snort!
So why is it that public transportation seems to encourage people to behave as if they are walking around in "the cone of silence" from Get Smart? Is it the idea that the more people are surrounding you the more privacy you have because there is such a flood...a sensory overload of people? I'm not sure...but it makes the 3 hours goes by pretty quickly.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Trains, Ferries, and Subways--Part 3
2/19/11--This is a short entry but by far the most emotional so far.
As I was sitting at the ferry station, I noticed a man coming towards me. He was so obviously gay, I thought oh my goodness I can't wait to write about him. His walk, his mannerisms...the clothes he was wearing...He was a tall, thin, african american man. He had his long hair wrapped in a turban like twisty thing, and his beautiful skin and large eyes were amazingly accented by the pure silver eyeliner outlining his eyes, his lashes were lush and heavily mascara-ed. He was impeccably dressed and minced as he walked. He took these short steps, walking almost on his tip toes so that he almost glided...if he wasn't so bouncy.
He sat behind me and asked me, "young miss, could you tell me what time the ferry arrives?" "I believe they come every half hour, so 9:00" "thank you...oh I'm sure I could have used these old trifocals to look at the ferry schedule over there, I can see anything from a million miles away with these things." He made me smile, it made for a pleasant way to start the day.
He called someone on the phone, calling them honey and 'chile. I thought he was sweet and he started telling his story, "yes he came over for dinner, he presented me with flowers and a ring and said all that about being life partners..." I stopped listening but I felt happy that he had found someone...unfortunantly I missed the explanation for what happened next..."I turned him around and he was all blue in the face, I had to lay him down on the ground and do chest compressions. I was on the phone with 911 and I was able to get him breathing until the medics came, but he died on my floor. They just left him there and I had to maneuver his body onto the bed. I wasn't weirded out...I mean yes I was touching a dead body and that is strange, but it was still him..."
The ferry came and I had to get up and leave. I wanted to tell him I was sorry and how horrible that was! I wanted to ask him why they just left his partner there on the floor? I wanted to ask if he had said yes or no to the proposal? But he was still talking on the phone and I didn't want to interrupt. I was so sad for him. I hope he is ok. What a place I live in, that I get to peek into so many different lives...I move in and out of this persons frame of reference, and at each point of contact I learn about someone, or I get a smile that makes my day better or I smile and make their day better. How lucky am I?
As I was sitting at the ferry station, I noticed a man coming towards me. He was so obviously gay, I thought oh my goodness I can't wait to write about him. His walk, his mannerisms...the clothes he was wearing...He was a tall, thin, african american man. He had his long hair wrapped in a turban like twisty thing, and his beautiful skin and large eyes were amazingly accented by the pure silver eyeliner outlining his eyes, his lashes were lush and heavily mascara-ed. He was impeccably dressed and minced as he walked. He took these short steps, walking almost on his tip toes so that he almost glided...if he wasn't so bouncy.
He sat behind me and asked me, "young miss, could you tell me what time the ferry arrives?" "I believe they come every half hour, so 9:00" "thank you...oh I'm sure I could have used these old trifocals to look at the ferry schedule over there, I can see anything from a million miles away with these things." He made me smile, it made for a pleasant way to start the day.
He called someone on the phone, calling them honey and 'chile. I thought he was sweet and he started telling his story, "yes he came over for dinner, he presented me with flowers and a ring and said all that about being life partners..." I stopped listening but I felt happy that he had found someone...unfortunantly I missed the explanation for what happened next..."I turned him around and he was all blue in the face, I had to lay him down on the ground and do chest compressions. I was on the phone with 911 and I was able to get him breathing until the medics came, but he died on my floor. They just left him there and I had to maneuver his body onto the bed. I wasn't weirded out...I mean yes I was touching a dead body and that is strange, but it was still him..."
The ferry came and I had to get up and leave. I wanted to tell him I was sorry and how horrible that was! I wanted to ask him why they just left his partner there on the floor? I wanted to ask if he had said yes or no to the proposal? But he was still talking on the phone and I didn't want to interrupt. I was so sad for him. I hope he is ok. What a place I live in, that I get to peek into so many different lives...I move in and out of this persons frame of reference, and at each point of contact I learn about someone, or I get a smile that makes my day better or I smile and make their day better. How lucky am I?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Trains, Ferries and Subways--Part 2
2/3/11--There were actually two guys who got on the train carrying a sheet of plywood...thank goodness it wasn't rush hour, I have no idea where they would have put it.
So the U.S. Coast Guard sometimes guards the ferries as they go back and forth between Manhattan and the island, which is a little unnerving only because it doesn't happen everyday. So what happens on those certain days that they are patrolling. Now what I can't figure out whether that is a harpoon on the front of the boat or a really big and pointy gun. If it's a harpoon...why do they need a harpoon? What are they protecting us from...Moby Dick?
Side note for me to put on my Goodread's list. I saw a girl reading House of Leaves, the cover looked really interesting. And yes books are judged by their covers! I should have asked her if it was any good, before she left the subway.
2/5/11
There was a very sweet man with his 1 year old son on the subway. He was just so dang sweet with him, kissing him and hugging him. The woman across the aisle from me keep making ahhh'ing noises over it. I can't blame her, I wanted to do the same thing.
Sometimes there is some really good busking at the ferry and sometimes not so much. Today was a good day. Nicola sounded great! I wish I had a few bucks to put in her guitar case.
I spent the day wondering...what's in those subway tunnels, it would be cool to explore if I can forget about all the bugs and rats in there. I also noticed that The Lady has her back to Jersey, for some reason I always thought that she had her back to NYC...I'm not sure why. There is also a really interesting church in between two sky scrapers across from the ferry. It looks so tiny but beautiful. Additionally I think Batman or Bruce Wayne lives on top of one of the skyscrapers right near Battery Park. It's a fantastically cool looking building, I'd love to see what it looks like inside. Who lives there? Is it just an office building? And last thought of the day was yup Newark really is the bastard step child, it is trying so hard to be a "real" city, but when you look across the river to Manhattan....there just isn't any comparison. Poor Newark.
2/9/11
On the subway I noticed the man sitting across from me. I really want to know what his story is. He was an older white man. He reminded me of a music producer or movie producer who used to do indie labels, but wasn't quite at the top of his game anymore. He just doesn't want to admit it, so he continues to play the part. He had white hair and it looked longish from the front...it was all in dreds. I wanted to ask him what was up with the hair. When he got up and walked off the subway I wanted to run after him and beg him to let me take a picture, because when looking at him from the front was hair that was trying too hard, but when seen from behind was amazing. His dreds were done up in a fancy ponytail in the back, the amazing part...his hair hit the back of his knees and he wasn't a short man. I really want to know his story!!
Two film students on the train talking about script stories and lamenting the...and-he-was-never-seen-again-until-he-was-dug-up-3000-years-later scenario. It cracked me up, plus they were super serious about being too serious about movies and how it was ruining the drive to actually want to go to school, since all they were learning was how to be serious about movies.
Three 20 something young men with expensive suits on the ferry. They were discussing playing black ops. They actually reminded me of a really stuck up pally in WoW. I hated co-tanking dungeons with him, because he was a gear snob and not a very great tank...but he sure thought he was. If I closed my eyes I swear they all sounded like this guy when he would talk in vent...eugh!
2/10/11
The very loud gang members who sat behind me on the ferry...they sure were happy and very very loud...almost drunk loud.
The girl putting on mascara without a mirror on the moving subway. I was waiting for her to poke her eye out. Besides I don't think she looked any different when she got done...I don't think it was worth the risk of injury.
I wish I looked like the girl sitting across from me. Thin and beautiful, with hardly any make up on. Quirky but stylish clothes, I loved it from her lace up army boots to the leg warmers and funky tights and chunky sweater. She even had pink in her wavy brunette hair.
The little 2 year old girl across from me that pitched a fit when her mom tried to get a scarf around her neck. The girl did NOT want that thing on...and the reason. "MOM! I can't talk with this on!" I thought of Mira, that is totally a Mira excuse.
2/12/11
There was a lady outside the ferry who was screaming about Jesus. She was Asian and had a super deep voice and seemed very upset that we didn't all know Jesus. I'm never sure what to think of those people. It is not how I would choose to express my faith, but who's to say her way isn't valid? I'm just not sure that it gets across what Jesus is all about, I think it just makes most people embarrassed for her instead of getting them to think about Jesus. But maybe she touches that one rare person who actually needs to be screamed at to be saved? I don't know.
The man screaming directions for the subway into his phone on the ferry. His phone kept cutting off, so he had to repeat the directions like 7 times. I'm not sure if the person on the other end was deaf or he just happened to talk super loud.
There was a pirate on the ferry...complete with large nose ring! He looked like Barbarossa, but not quite as cool. I'm not sure why he was dressed up...I'm pretty sure we are no where near Halloween. Although I should have looked all over for Jack Sparrow...now THAT would have been awesome!
Barbershop quartet on the subway busking for money on the subway cars. I really wish I had money to give them...they were way more deserving than the "homeless" guy who was "down on his luck and had not eaten all day" yet was wearing jeans more expensive than I can afford.
The friendly little girl who waved to every person who got on the subway car. She was very sweet. A little bundle of happiness in a world that often doesn't look past their own private bubbles.
There were actually workmen working on the Bleeker St. station, it was pretty cool!
Until next week! I love this city and I'm so blessed to be here. I can't believe I get to travel past the Lady every time I go into the city. I can't believe I can visit the New York Public Library and walk these streets! I love seeing all these different people.
So the U.S. Coast Guard sometimes guards the ferries as they go back and forth between Manhattan and the island, which is a little unnerving only because it doesn't happen everyday. So what happens on those certain days that they are patrolling. Now what I can't figure out whether that is a harpoon on the front of the boat or a really big and pointy gun. If it's a harpoon...why do they need a harpoon? What are they protecting us from...Moby Dick?
Side note for me to put on my Goodread's list. I saw a girl reading House of Leaves, the cover looked really interesting. And yes books are judged by their covers! I should have asked her if it was any good, before she left the subway.
2/5/11
There was a very sweet man with his 1 year old son on the subway. He was just so dang sweet with him, kissing him and hugging him. The woman across the aisle from me keep making ahhh'ing noises over it. I can't blame her, I wanted to do the same thing.
Sometimes there is some really good busking at the ferry and sometimes not so much. Today was a good day. Nicola sounded great! I wish I had a few bucks to put in her guitar case.
I spent the day wondering...what's in those subway tunnels, it would be cool to explore if I can forget about all the bugs and rats in there. I also noticed that The Lady has her back to Jersey, for some reason I always thought that she had her back to NYC...I'm not sure why. There is also a really interesting church in between two sky scrapers across from the ferry. It looks so tiny but beautiful. Additionally I think Batman or Bruce Wayne lives on top of one of the skyscrapers right near Battery Park. It's a fantastically cool looking building, I'd love to see what it looks like inside. Who lives there? Is it just an office building? And last thought of the day was yup Newark really is the bastard step child, it is trying so hard to be a "real" city, but when you look across the river to Manhattan....there just isn't any comparison. Poor Newark.
2/9/11
On the subway I noticed the man sitting across from me. I really want to know what his story is. He was an older white man. He reminded me of a music producer or movie producer who used to do indie labels, but wasn't quite at the top of his game anymore. He just doesn't want to admit it, so he continues to play the part. He had white hair and it looked longish from the front...it was all in dreds. I wanted to ask him what was up with the hair. When he got up and walked off the subway I wanted to run after him and beg him to let me take a picture, because when looking at him from the front was hair that was trying too hard, but when seen from behind was amazing. His dreds were done up in a fancy ponytail in the back, the amazing part...his hair hit the back of his knees and he wasn't a short man. I really want to know his story!!
Two film students on the train talking about script stories and lamenting the...and-he-was-never-seen-again-until-he-was-dug-up-3000-years-later scenario. It cracked me up, plus they were super serious about being too serious about movies and how it was ruining the drive to actually want to go to school, since all they were learning was how to be serious about movies.
Three 20 something young men with expensive suits on the ferry. They were discussing playing black ops. They actually reminded me of a really stuck up pally in WoW. I hated co-tanking dungeons with him, because he was a gear snob and not a very great tank...but he sure thought he was. If I closed my eyes I swear they all sounded like this guy when he would talk in vent...eugh!
2/10/11
The very loud gang members who sat behind me on the ferry...they sure were happy and very very loud...almost drunk loud.
The girl putting on mascara without a mirror on the moving subway. I was waiting for her to poke her eye out. Besides I don't think she looked any different when she got done...I don't think it was worth the risk of injury.
I wish I looked like the girl sitting across from me. Thin and beautiful, with hardly any make up on. Quirky but stylish clothes, I loved it from her lace up army boots to the leg warmers and funky tights and chunky sweater. She even had pink in her wavy brunette hair.
The little 2 year old girl across from me that pitched a fit when her mom tried to get a scarf around her neck. The girl did NOT want that thing on...and the reason. "MOM! I can't talk with this on!" I thought of Mira, that is totally a Mira excuse.
2/12/11
There was a lady outside the ferry who was screaming about Jesus. She was Asian and had a super deep voice and seemed very upset that we didn't all know Jesus. I'm never sure what to think of those people. It is not how I would choose to express my faith, but who's to say her way isn't valid? I'm just not sure that it gets across what Jesus is all about, I think it just makes most people embarrassed for her instead of getting them to think about Jesus. But maybe she touches that one rare person who actually needs to be screamed at to be saved? I don't know.
The man screaming directions for the subway into his phone on the ferry. His phone kept cutting off, so he had to repeat the directions like 7 times. I'm not sure if the person on the other end was deaf or he just happened to talk super loud.
There was a pirate on the ferry...complete with large nose ring! He looked like Barbarossa, but not quite as cool. I'm not sure why he was dressed up...I'm pretty sure we are no where near Halloween. Although I should have looked all over for Jack Sparrow...now THAT would have been awesome!
Barbershop quartet on the subway busking for money on the subway cars. I really wish I had money to give them...they were way more deserving than the "homeless" guy who was "down on his luck and had not eaten all day" yet was wearing jeans more expensive than I can afford.
The friendly little girl who waved to every person who got on the subway car. She was very sweet. A little bundle of happiness in a world that often doesn't look past their own private bubbles.
There were actually workmen working on the Bleeker St. station, it was pretty cool!
Until next week! I love this city and I'm so blessed to be here. I can't believe I get to travel past the Lady every time I go into the city. I can't believe I can visit the New York Public Library and walk these streets! I love seeing all these different people.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Trains, Ferries and Subways...Part 1
So my commute to school looks like this...walk a mile to Train station--->Train to St. George Terminal in Staten Island--->Ferry to Manhattan--->(if they are working on the subway station under the new WTC then a bus first to the Chambers St entrance) Red 1 Subway to 14th St--->walk to Pratt Manhattan. Reverse for return trip and it's a 3 hour round trip excursion. Lots of people watching to be had...so I thought I'd record some it. I know it interests me, I can't be the only person who finds other people interesting.
1/13/11
On the Ferry: A mom with a really neat double stroller, I've never seen one like it...but it has a baby seat in the bottom where the basket for stuff would normally go...very cool if I was planning on having a baby or twins or something. She sits next to these Russian girls who immediately start cooing when she picks up the baby. It is such an automatic response, I know...I wanted to coo too but I refrained. The mom's little girl waved at Lady Liberty as we went past her. (side note: she is beautiful and I will never tire of seeing her on each trip, the same goes for the city skyline and the view out my living room window of the Verrazano bridge...its all just beautiful!)
A man who was excitedly waving to no one. Maybe he just didn't want to be alone that day.
Kids were making quacking noise for the whole ferry trip...that was awesome...not.
At the ferry station in Manhattan there are bird chirps that come over the loud speakers...I guess it's supposed to be soothing and actually it is, I like it.
On the subway: A guy asked me for directions...I had to tell him I had absolutely no idea, I was new to the city. It was in fact the first time for me...on the subway by myself.
A baseball player spent the entire subway ride stretching in the aisle.
The baby next to me decided that he wanted to be part of the conversation and just started yelling, the parents couldn't get him to be quiet...it was very cute.
1/14/11
Not really on a mode of transportation, but worthy of mention since I'm a single girl. Met a (good looking...unless he's bald under the ski hat) guy named Kyle at orientation in Brooklyn. Talked for about an hour and walked out of orientation where he promptly hopped on his bike and yelled...see you around campus. Too bad for him I'm never on that campus.
The 3 old guys who meet everyday on the ferry home. They were comparing beer cans. LOL mmmk
Saw my first rat on the subway...omg they are huge. I better never have one in the apartment or I'll never stop screaming.
1/20/11
The WTH couple on the ferry--she was a cute asian girl with multi colored hair and funky clothes and lots of piercing--he was a bum. I'm serious a bum...long long scraggley ugly hair, baseball hat, horrid clothes. But she was estatic to see him...or maybe it was the really big can of beer he brought her. I dunno but gosh they were mismatched.
Goofy old guy reading the newspaper...he had reading glasses and a magnifying glass to read the paper and he read with his mouth open. His tongue working in his mouth and sometimes sticking out sorta licking his lips. His hands had long nails and were working man formed. Was he married? I don't know if I could deal with it.
Another thing not on public transportation but it is a warning on wearing low riding jeans in public...I introduce "Crack Man" from Professor Irene's class. Ugh why did he have to sit in front of me?? I mean if it was a cute ass maybe...but this was not so much...
1/22/11
The only person of note was not a person but a pigeon who flew into the ferry and landed at my feet. Sorry birdie I'm not the bird lady from Mary Poppins...shoo....shooo rat with wings!!
I did meet a family from North Carolina. I commented on their point and shoot camera, which had a screen in the front so you can take self portraits. It was cool. They asked me about where to buy purses, I didn't know...I only know Canal St and they wanted the actual thing...that and Uggs... Anyway, they asked why I had just moved there so I told them I was going to school and mentioned Pratt. Well, apparently they are trying to get their son to apply to Pratt so they asked a ton of questions about it. It was fun to talk up the school.
I'm sure I'll have more later....Class for tonight was cancelled due to snow, so no stories from today, but maybe on Saturday :)
1/13/11
On the Ferry: A mom with a really neat double stroller, I've never seen one like it...but it has a baby seat in the bottom where the basket for stuff would normally go...very cool if I was planning on having a baby or twins or something. She sits next to these Russian girls who immediately start cooing when she picks up the baby. It is such an automatic response, I know...I wanted to coo too but I refrained. The mom's little girl waved at Lady Liberty as we went past her. (side note: she is beautiful and I will never tire of seeing her on each trip, the same goes for the city skyline and the view out my living room window of the Verrazano bridge...its all just beautiful!)
A man who was excitedly waving to no one. Maybe he just didn't want to be alone that day.
Kids were making quacking noise for the whole ferry trip...that was awesome...not.
At the ferry station in Manhattan there are bird chirps that come over the loud speakers...I guess it's supposed to be soothing and actually it is, I like it.
On the subway: A guy asked me for directions...I had to tell him I had absolutely no idea, I was new to the city. It was in fact the first time for me...on the subway by myself.
A baseball player spent the entire subway ride stretching in the aisle.
The baby next to me decided that he wanted to be part of the conversation and just started yelling, the parents couldn't get him to be quiet...it was very cute.
1/14/11
Not really on a mode of transportation, but worthy of mention since I'm a single girl. Met a (good looking...unless he's bald under the ski hat) guy named Kyle at orientation in Brooklyn. Talked for about an hour and walked out of orientation where he promptly hopped on his bike and yelled...see you around campus. Too bad for him I'm never on that campus.
The 3 old guys who meet everyday on the ferry home. They were comparing beer cans. LOL mmmk
Saw my first rat on the subway...omg they are huge. I better never have one in the apartment or I'll never stop screaming.
1/20/11
The WTH couple on the ferry--she was a cute asian girl with multi colored hair and funky clothes and lots of piercing--he was a bum. I'm serious a bum...long long scraggley ugly hair, baseball hat, horrid clothes. But she was estatic to see him...or maybe it was the really big can of beer he brought her. I dunno but gosh they were mismatched.
Goofy old guy reading the newspaper...he had reading glasses and a magnifying glass to read the paper and he read with his mouth open. His tongue working in his mouth and sometimes sticking out sorta licking his lips. His hands had long nails and were working man formed. Was he married? I don't know if I could deal with it.
Another thing not on public transportation but it is a warning on wearing low riding jeans in public...I introduce "Crack Man" from Professor Irene's class. Ugh why did he have to sit in front of me?? I mean if it was a cute ass maybe...but this was not so much...
1/22/11
The only person of note was not a person but a pigeon who flew into the ferry and landed at my feet. Sorry birdie I'm not the bird lady from Mary Poppins...shoo....shooo rat with wings!!
I did meet a family from North Carolina. I commented on their point and shoot camera, which had a screen in the front so you can take self portraits. It was cool. They asked me about where to buy purses, I didn't know...I only know Canal St and they wanted the actual thing...that and Uggs... Anyway, they asked why I had just moved there so I told them I was going to school and mentioned Pratt. Well, apparently they are trying to get their son to apply to Pratt so they asked a ton of questions about it. It was fun to talk up the school.
I'm sure I'll have more later....Class for tonight was cancelled due to snow, so no stories from today, but maybe on Saturday :)
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