I like to use the subway to get around when I can, but it's not a very well thought out system. Each of the four lines starts at the city center and goes out to the suburbs. After the first couple of stops the lines do not connect with each other so you cannot use the subway to get from one part of the city to another without going back through the center. Because I live in the center I can often use the subway at the start of my trip out for the day, but with only four lines I usually also have to walk some anyway. Also, the subway closes at 11:00 pm. The last train doesn't leave at 11:00--the trains are done and people are cleared out of the stations by 11:00. That just doesn't make sense in a city where people often don't even go out before 11:00 on the weekends. One night this week I left an Institute class too late to take the subway home. Really, I was learning about the New Testament so late into the night that the subway was already closed?
There are three types of people on the subway asking for money: the vendors, the performers, and the straight-up beggars. The vendors walk through the train and place an item, such as a bus guide or bobby pins, on you lap so you can take a look at the item then they come back through and collect either the item or money for it. Performers usually sing a song or play an instrument. Beggars give a little speech about their destitute situation describing the ailment that keeps them from working then ask for money to help feed their children. This morning I got to witness all three of these scenerios one right after the other. The performers were two little girls--one played the accordion and the other juggled. The song was awful and the juggler kept dropping the balls. It was fantastic. I would have taken a picture of the girls but then I would have felt obligated to give them money and I just cannot condone street performing.
Each of the lines uses a distinct set of trains. Most are modern looking but one line uses rickety old wooden trains. Argentines claim this is the oldest subway line in South America.
I like to use the subway to get around when I can, but it's not a very well thought out system. Each of the four lines starts at the city center and goes out to the suburbs. After the first couple of stops the lines do not connect with each other so you cannot use the subway to get from one part of the city to another without going back through the center. Because I live in the center I can often use the subway at the start of my trip out for the day, but with only four lines I usually also have to walk some anyway. Also, the subway closes at 11:00 pm. The last train doesn't leave at 11:00--the trains are done and people are cleared out of the stations by 11:00. That just doesn't make sense in a city where people often don't even go out before 11:00 on the weekends. One night this week I left an Institute class too late to take the subway home. Really, I was learning about the New Testament so late into the night that the subway was already closed?
There are three types of people on the subway asking for money: the vendors, the performers, and the straight-up beggars. The vendors walk through the train and place an item, such as a bus guide or bobby pins, on you lap so you can take a look at the item then they come back through and collect either the item or money for it. Performers usually sing a song or play an instrument. Beggars give a little speech about their destitute situation describing the ailment that keeps them from working then ask for money to help feed their children. This morning I got to witness all three of these scenerios one right after the other. The performers were two little girls--one played the accordion and the other juggled. The song was awful and the juggler kept dropping the balls. It was fantastic. I would have taken a picture of the girls but then I would have felt obligated to give them money and I just cannot condone street performing.
Each of the lines uses a distinct set of trains. Most are modern looking but one line uses rickety old wooden trains. Argentines claim this is the oldest subway line in South America.
3 comments:
I love the idea of public transportation, and I commend the people who make it work for themselves, but in practice it is so often unbearable. But entertaining.
Kirstin! So delightful to blog-stalk into you! :) Is it still stalking if I tell you about it, though? You can stalk me back if you want; just give me an email address where I can send a blog invite.
I love how strongly principled you are about your refusal to condone street performing. :) I think the only time I've ever bought anything from people selling stuff door-to-door was at SpyGlas, when a kid showed up on a unicycle, dressed as a Spaniard, and speaking in an accent. It was way too good to not buy the cookies.
I love the old train--reminds me of Harry Potter...
Post a Comment