Lesson #3 - Don't leave a bulky bag on your shoulder

Watching people running to catch a train that has already been announced is like being at the opera during the final seconds of the finale. 

First, the running down the stairs. The entire focus here is not to fall down, which results in a perfect pattern of rhythm made by the soles of shoes. Left, right, left, right left right leftrightleftright. Sneakers, boots, heels; everyone is in perfect unison. 

As they make their way to the open doors, the running resumes at a different beat. Its not the short, separated step staccato. Its the final bang before the end of the show; where all the sounds and movements come together in a breathtaking crescendo of a full orchestra. Crowded around the open doors of the train, piling in two, three at time. At the opera, this is when the singers would be loudly holding their highest notes, mouths wide open, arms out to the crowd, heads tilted back, orchestra at a 100 percent participation, conductors arms shooting through space. 

Standing there, watching these people, I was in my seat at the opera. Soon the conductor would make his final wave, the doors would close, bringing the show to an end. But not before the final bang. There it was - the athlete - bulky gym bag slung over his shoulder, pushing to get through the doors. He pushes past two people, almost knocking one out with his bag. People notice. He turns to take a seat, grazing the face of another. Expressions harden. There are no seats available. He begins the 360, taking out two more fellow passengers. Its war time. I want to yell, "PUT THE BAG DOWN!" The anticipation is unbearable. I want to know what happens. Just before I am done hoping that he socks someone else and a confrontation takes place, he has found a seat, the doors have closed and the show is over. Oh well, maybe next time. God, I love the opera. 

So there you have lesson # 3. Simply put, if you have a big bag on your shoulder, take it off and carry it by your side or you might hurt and upset someone. 

Lesson #2- Always have your ticket ready

Don't you just love that moment when the train arrives, you forget that you are just a human being waiting for the train. Instead, you are a cheetah, ready to pounce and fight to the death for the last piece of meat. That is what it feels like when the train comes to a stop and everyone awaits the opening of the doors. At that moment in time, it's every man for himself. All focus is sharply narrowed in on the doors in front. They open... 

After being pushed and shoved, I am finally safe inside the train. Now I can switch back to human form and take a deep breath. The fight is over. I survived. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a young woman, trapped behind bars like a gazelle. She panics. She needs to swipe her ticket and break free before its too late.  Everyone watches. I've now counted to ten. On any given day, the train would have been long gone. What's the delay? Part of me wants to see the gazelle break free and make it, but the other is just longing for those doors to close. 

Crouched over, she rummages through her bags. Which one is the ticket in? Her breathing quickens, she is sweating. She uses one hand to wipe the sweat off her forehead and the other to tear apart her bag. The train has now been immobile for twenty counts. One hand goes shooting up into the air. She has retrieved the ticket. People start cheering her on. Gathering all her belongings off the floor, she swipes the ticket and she is free. The bars open, but alas, our doors close and she is left on the platform wiping off her sweat. 

So there you have your lesson #2. Simply put, have your ticket ready before you get to the swiping station. 

Lesson #1-Never share your opinions on political/religious issues

It was getting rather cozy on the Green Line, especially that with each stop more and more people get on and less and less people get off. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the cozy. I would actually encourage it if it consisted of hunky Georgio Armani models having just escaped from their underwear line show. I know, I know, a girl can only dream. Anyway, my cozy train ride did not consist of anything even closely resembling Armani models - just the Junior class of Boston University students. 

At first, it was kind of interesting - cute really - hearing about who has a fake ID, who hooked up with who, who wants to hook up with who and so forth. And its not that I wanted to listen, but the battery on my IPod died, there was no reception on my phone and they were standing a mere couple of inches away. In fact with each train stop, the distance between us got uncomfortably shorter. So right around the time that we were practically holding hands, an interesting discussion arose between two girls and for 7 stops, I was stuck listening to why they were both upset at having voted for the current president. Then for the remaining 5, it was why religion is simply not a good idea. I mean seriously, what the hell were they thinking?

First of all, NEVER do that on a train full of people. I found it rather exhilarating that two people who got into college could lack awareness. There were other people on that train that were not quite so exhilarated. One lady in particular looked like she was really thinking about saying something, but chose to give them the stink eye on her way off the train instead. I guess you just simply never know who you might upset.

Second of all, if you really are so compelled to have that particular discussion right then and there, I can't stop you. You are, after all, entitled to free speech. However, I would strongly advise you to try to keep your voice down. Trust me, no one really cares about what you have to say. Even if you were lead to believe otherwise. 

Thirdly, always behave like someone whose upbringing included the understanding of what is right and what is wrong. Have the decency to understand that people have had rough days and they are tired. Shrieking, laughing and loudly expressing your opinion in a packed train does not make it any easier for those that are tired and have had the rough days. In fact, all they want to do is throw you off the train. Believe me. I was right there. 

So there you have your lesson #1. Simply put, keep your opinions to yourself until you are in a less public place, especially when it comes to politics and religion.