The subway began operation in 1904 and the longest distance you can travel without changing trains is 31 miles on the "A" train.
We've ridden the train every day except one. Waiting at the platform is HOT, but the trains themselves are very air conditioned. We've seen people holding their dogs, holding groceries, balancing their bike. Mostly people ignore everyone around the them, and stay in their own world. We've seen lots of "characters". One guy had a long, loud two way conversation (with himself). We've been serenaded by black men singing harmony and a Hispanic father and son playing mariachi music. There was a guy (mentally unstable, but very lovable) who kept asking for directions but yelled at the guy helping him, saying "slow down"...we're guessing he rode the system for HOURS that day, because he apparently was getting on and off at the wrong stations. Gary offered his seat to a woman, who about fainted at his display of manners. We've had people hear Gary and me talking about which stop to get off at, and offer to help us without us even asking. We've worn out 2 subway maps.
So far, we've only ridden a taxi 1 time, and with only 2 days before we leave, I am guessing that will be our only taxi ride. We've gotten pretty good at figuring out the difference between "local & express" and which platform to get on. The hardest thing to figure out is when you get up to the street, you aren't sure which corner you're on, and you don't know whether to go left or right, forward or backward. That, we've never figured out!
I have been feeling a little like I've been riding on a boat -- a swaying motion on and off all day. Gary thinks its from riding the subway. Growing up, I was "the dramamine queen", so I know I am more sensitive to the effects of motion than most people.
