My Morning Commute

It continues to astonish me how long it takes to get around the city when you live so far east. The main downside of my Stuyvesant Town digs (which I adore) is that I often feel like I live halfway to Brooklyn. Mapquest says that my apartment (14th & B) is 3.2 miles away from my work (1700 Broadway on 53rd Street) - but it takes me 40 minutes to get there no matter how good the weather is and how smoothly the trains run. Consider my options:

A. L train from 1st Avenue, transfer to E at 8th Avenue, ride up to 7th Avenue/53rd Street
B. L train from 1st Avenue, transfer at Union Square to NQRW, ride up to 7th Avenue/57th Street
C. Walk to Union Square, take the NQRW to 7th Avenue/57th Street

Those are the best choices. Based on the subway systems, there are at least 4 other combinations that I can think of off the top of my head, but that would take all day. The downside is option A means long waits coming home, the 15 minute walk in option B is out if the weather isn't perfect and I wear uncomfortable shoes, and it's annoying to get on the overly crowded L train in the morning to only ride 2 stops for option C.



Here's a taste of the fun that awaits me every morning and afternoon. The L train, incidentally was given the grade of C by the Gothamist, where it was noted that while there is a lack of graffiti in subway cars, there is not much of a sense of security...anywhere.

I hate the train, so usually I opt to walk. Luckily for me, it is endlessly entertaining. This morning I saw an older man with tattoos covering his entire body, even his face. The resulting image was that of a walking totem pole. Also enjoyed the smell of putrid fish/urine/eggs and a lovely rendering of Jesu of Joy Man's Desiring by a nice keyboardist in the station. Luckily for me, only two hours remain until I get to enjoy the whole process again.

Happy Friday