Guest Post: Subway Talk

My name is Anja Wafzig and I am currently an intern at WF360 in New York City. It is a pleasure for me that my beloved colleagues here are providing me with this opportunity to write my own blog about my experiences in New York.

I am from Rodalben, a small town in Germany. It is a very rural area and I don’t like that because it is too quiet and peaceful. Therefore I was really excited to come to the big city that never sleeps.

I have been here for over a month and slowly but surely am able to see the things that I dislike or that are different compared to my country. Before New York, my experience with the subway was minimal, as I rode the subway only a few times in bigger cities in Germany or in other countries like London and Italy. I always enjoyed riding the subway, tube or metro because it is never boring. You can see a lot of different people getting on and off while you just sit there and observe all the interesting things that can happen.

The subway is a big part of my life as I take it to work daily. Unfortunately, that means it is during rush hour which is obviously not a pleasant time: everyone is pushing while you are packed inside the cars like sardines. As unpleasant as this may sound, it is still an experience for me as I have learned a lot about how New Yorkers communicate.  For example, I find it funny that everyone says excuse me when they don’t actually mean it. They are not really excusing themselves but want to call attention to the fact that you are in their way and you should move before they bump into you.

 
 

But as I mentioned, riding the subway is never dull. Every time I am in the subway there is always an interesting conversation among the passengers. I am a very curious person and like to listen as I don’t have an iPod... this is my entertainment! It is fascinating how in depth and private these conversations are for such a public place. I feel like I know more about these strangers than I do about most of my good friends. For example, one couple last week was discussing their issues on getting married. One of the parents didn't accept the groom-to-be and was therefore causing problems for the couple.  Another conversation was between two friends or colleagues.  One needed help as she made a big mistake and wanted advice on how to resolve that. I couldn’t listen any further because it was my stop! Too bad because it was just starting to get good!

 
 
Additionally, I find very peculiar those that beg for money or food on the subway.  It is strange to see so many of them beg even though it is not allowed.  They all have their sad stories and I really feel for them but I am a poor student, too. This clearly stirs up conversation within the train by the passengers or even at a later time between my friends and me.

 
 

Living in New York and experiencing the subway every day is definitely something to talk about. Whether it is eavesdropping on a conversation or seeing something and sharing that story with my friends, the subway has stirred up a lot of talk.  My advice for those who are curious and want to be entertained during a commute: don't listen to your iPod!!!