In a suburban or urban setting similar to where I live, public transportation is often the most convenient way to travel. Public transportation decreases the amount of cars on the road, saves precious time one spends looking for a parking spot, and is healthier for the environment. However, public transportation has its drawbacks. Namely, the strange characters one finds on the bus or subway.
Everyone has a story about a peculiar occurrence or person encountered on the train or bus– whether getting stuck in the underground for an hour or sitting next to a toothless woman sucking on popcorn (both of which I’ve experienced). However, the ultimate horrible public transportation occurred yesterday while I was en route to see a production of Hamlet.
I was on board the bus yesterday when a man, who seemed about twenty two years old, got on the bus. It was the stop before the subway connection, so the bus was packed. This man was holding a large duffel bag and holding some sort of chicken burrito. Though the bag alone was a nuisance, my main concern was the burrito. For the record, I have no problem with foods which are easily contained, like granola bars or perhaps an apple. However, the burrito is the antithesis of a neat food. The burrito crosses the line from snack to meal, which caused me much unpleasantness for the duration of the ride.
The stench of chicken filled the already stuffy bus as the man unwrapped his precious burrito from its foil. He then proceeded to eat it, rendering my pants as the tablecloth for his feast. For the next six minutes, I sat in silence as bits of chicken landed on my pants and the juice from the burrito dripped onto my knees. For fear of being as rude as the gentleman before me, I refrained from making an acid-laced comment. But I will tell you, yesterday was the fastest I’ve ever bolted off a bus.
In a twist of irony that would make any English teacher proud, after viewing Hamlet, I went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. But no burritos for me.
Moral of the story: for the comfort of your fellow passengers, please refrain from making a mess on the bus or train. Eat your meals at home, in a restaurant– anywhere but the train.
Firsts This Week:
- Saw a modern-day interpretation of Hamlet, with a female Hamlet.
- Sat in silence as burrito juice dripped onto my pants.
- Ate at a new Mexican restaurant in town.
- Performed the Nutcracker for the last time at my dance studio.
Zivling 