In an effort to be healthy and to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, I have been riding my bike to work instead of taking the subway. I have only done it a few times so far, but overall I love it. How many people can say that they see the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge on their way to work? You can see the views for yourself...
Brooklyn ---------------------------------- Lower Manhattan
Since I moved to New York I have had a love/hate relationship with the subway. On the one hand, it can be very fast and efficient, you can go out for the night and not have to worry about a designated driver, and you can see and interact with every type of person you can imagine. Once I got on the subway and noticed on the bench across from me a nun, a woman in a burka, a wall street looking guy, a woman who looked like she was on drugs, and a Rastafarian dad with his two dreadlocked kids - I just had to smile to see all of them sitting there shoulder to shoulder. That wouldn't happen in any other setting I can think of.
Tiny Statue of Liberty cheering me on
On the other hand, as the name implies, the subway goes underground. It is sad and a little disorienting to get on the subway on a beautiful evening, only to get off after the sun has set and it is dark outside. Also, as I mentioned above, you can interact with every person imaginable, sometimes against your will. There are days when I have to get on a packed train after work, stand pressed against my fellow New Yorkers for my entire commute and I just want to cry.
I consider it a major bonus to be able to stay above ground for my entire commute. And, not having to spoon with a stranger is gravy.
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