Wednesday, August 22, 2007

First Stop- Brooklyn

Brooklyn, my second home. Arriving at 6 am in La Guardia sounds brutal, but New Yorkers have a relentless energy that is contagious. Going against Wassya's advice, I chose public transportation over a cab, hoping to save a few bucks and get a tour of Brooklyn and Queens. Toting a 70lbs. bag with a laptop on the bus and through the metro lines, while trying to navigate and push my way onto the train was no small feat. If you find yourself in this position the protocol is as follows:

Obtain metro card 2. Slide bag with foot under turnstile with all of weight first, then swipe metro card ten times until it reads- only New Yorkers can do it on the first time with ease. 3. Charge a crowded train, shoulder first, paving the way for baggage space 4. Cram bag against you, pulling as the closing door tries to crush it.




The city scapes- and endless interplay of concrete, steel, brick , and graffiti were well worth the effort. So too was a massive breakfast at a small restaurant I found after dropping my luggage off at Wassya's place. Respect to here roommates- very nice people.











2 comments:

Unknown said...

hey jordan lol. we new yorkers have our own pace and it is fast.
there is a protocol to public transporation. you figured it out. but the baggage shouts tourist and all nyers think tourists are hillbillies. sorry but true.

Mariah said...

Jordan I think we both know that the proper technique for getting on the train is to pick up an old MetroCard off of the ground (making sure it is clean)...then, just as the train approaches start swiping the card, as the train gets closer to stopping swipe the card frantically and repeatedly. Since the card is most assuredly empty, you then must gaze deploringly at the station attendant whom will buzz you in through the handicap gate because the train is about to leave.