Archive for July, 2002
A few years ago, I accidentally dropped my monthly metrocard in the postal mail box. I had about 3 weeks left on the card. And went to the post office to inquire if they found it, they said there was no card in the mail box. Conspiracy, I say. Someone must have took it. Well anyway, let’s get back to the story. This past Sunday, I had to run to the store my mum. She told me this particularly shop would open at 10 am. So I headed over there, and it turns out the store was not opening until about 11 am. I know, just get to the point. Anyway, I saw this metrocard on the floor, and thought it was kind of out of place. So I picked it up. I didn’t there would be any money on the card. When I got to the train station, I swipe the card to check balance. And it turned out it is an unlimited monthly metrocard, with about 3 weeks left on it. I guess things do come back full circle when you need it to. Fate does work in strange ways.
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July 31, 2002 at 5:21 pm ·
Straphanger Chronicles·
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Yes, it’s that time again. You knew it was just a matter of time before I had another subway story. It’s kind of hard to avoid during rush hour. Anyway, this morning when I got a train, there was guy talking on his cell phone. I’m pretty much use these kinds of people on the train. But he was quite loud and obnoxious. It wouldn’t have surprised me if he was inebriated. And he was. II was leaning against, the door, anticipating that his signal would be cut off when we entered the tunnel. Hence, the end of his obnoxious mundane conversation. The funny thing was, when he lost signal, he had a look of confusion. For god sakes, any cell phone user knows that their signals in the tunnel. Though, it was still funny watching him try to make a call in the tunnel. In the end, he just leaned against the wall with a look defeat.
Okay, that was a pretty bland story. But you just had to be there.
July 26, 2002 at 5:24 pm ·
Straphanger Chronicles·
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Being unemployed, there is one thing I don’t miss. It’s none other then the infamous NYC rush hour.
Let’s breakdown today’s scenario. I had an interview in Morningside Heights ( located on Upper West Side, 125th Street). Since I was travelling from Brooklyn, I thought I anticipate a commute of 2 hour, just in case. Thank god.
Right after, we crossed the bridge ( this where usual train congestion occurs ) we pull into Canal Street, which is the first station in Manhattan on the Q train. The train I was on, halted to a complete stop in the tunnel before the 14 Street - Union Square stop.
Train Conductor: Sorry for the inconvience, a local train is crossing in front of us. Please be patient, we will be moving shortly.
(5 minutes later)
Train Conductor: There’s been a fire at Lexington Avenue. All Q, W, N and R trains are experiencing major delays. Please be patient.
(another 5 minutes later)
Train Conductor: Some local train will be crossing in front of us. Please be patient
(another 5 minutes later)
Me:Tapping foot. Looks out window, sees about 5 local N and R trains cross in front of us. Looks frustrated. Argh! Man, I’m going to be late for my interview. Why does this always happen right after we get off the bridge. I have no damn cell phone reception).
(Finally, 10 minutes later the train pulls into the 14 street - Union Square station)
Train Conductor:
You might want to take the local train across platform. They’re probably going to be moving before us.
So, I got off the Q train to hop onto the N local. As it pulls into 23rd street, the train conductor makes another annoucement about delays on the local train. At this moment, I give up. I hop off the train at 34th street, to take the D train to the Upper West Side.
Initial Route
Take Q train to 42nd street
At 42nd street, I had 2 options:
Option 1: Take the 3 express train to 96th street, to transfer to a 1 train to 125th street
Option 2: Take the 1 train local to 125th street
Duration time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Alternative Route
Take Q train to 34th street
At 34th street, take D train to 59th Street - Columbus Circle
At 59th Street - Columbus Circle, transfer to the 1 train to 125th street
Duration time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Well, I got to my interview on time. But my commute was hellish.
No wonder, I’ve been feeling calmer these days. It’s because I haven’t had to deal with the hassle of the commute from hell. Of course, people would get agitated during rush hour. We’re all packed in the trains like sardines, especially during the summer. Thank god, they put air conditioning on the train, or I might have to hand someone a Degree deodrant stick.
July 9, 2002 at 5:52 pm ·
Straphanger Chronicles·
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