Relaxation Station 1.24.2007 | 0 Comment(s)

One of the things I'm looking forward to doing when I visit New York City in March (fingers crossed) is riding the subway. I know that may sound silly, but I think taking mass transportation is a great way to experience the community around you. I first came to this realization when I started taking the metrolink. Instead of being locked up in my car with a "me against the world" mentality, I had to interact with people around me, all of whom were different than me, and not so different.

One afternoon, there was a frumpy woman on the train concentrating on her sudoku puzzle. I've been addicted to sudoku puzzles since my trip to Florida last year! I normally wouldn't have talked to this woman, but since I was stuck on the train for a little bit I struck up a conversation with her. We exchanged strategies and tips and even had a laugh or two. I enjoyed the few minutes we talked and it was a much nicer experience than calming the road rage I'd be having if I had driven that day. It's those everyday interactions that make public transportation appealing to me. Sure, you're going to run into some crazies, but there's a chance even some of them might lift your spirits.

Another benefit of metrolink is the relaxing afternoon ride. The train ride is smooth for the most part, but there's just enough jostling of the train on the tracks to rock you back and forth. And let me tell you, that feels quite nice after a long day at work.

Sure, most of the time it's quiet on the train and a lot of people have their headphones firmly shoved into their ears, but, still, you never know who you're going to meet on the train.