Thursday, October 30, 2008

I loathe public transport

Living only a mere five minute car ride from my company is a luxury. I realize that now. Not that this information has revealed itself just now it is just that you get too comfortable and you take it for granted.

When I lived in Dublin I preferred a 55min walk to the office over public transport because it was expensive, unreliable and I hated being squished into whatever form of transport I chose. Then I moved and the walk reduced itself to 35 minutes which wasn’t too bad. That went on for about three years until I fell in love with the wonderful guy that would later become my husband. When we moved in together we still lived in Dublin and the commute took a mere two hours every morning – using public transport only. Can you say insane?

Anyway here in England I was suddenly reminded what it is like to wait at the busstop in the morning. Waiting in an orderly but seemingly endless line of people in a foul mood. A line that dissolves into a pushing and pulling mob trying to scramble on board the bus the moment it approaches the stop. People turn into monsters, it is scary but they don’t care as long as they get on the bus and they would sell their mom to get a seat and not be left standing during the ride. And the drivers, what is wrong with them?

The bus is packed and people are left standing in the aisle as we’re creeping through rush hour but the the few yards we can move the driver speeds up only to hit the breaks with full force, sending people and bags flying all over the place. This morning I was so lucky to get a window seat. I wish I didn’t as I bumped my head on said window. Bloody driver.

Also the bodily hygiene of some people leaves a lot to desire. Are there no toothbrushes in all of Britain or just not in your household? Don’t you have a bathroom or were you just in a hurry though judging by the look of your clothes I would say you’re a lazy bastard! If you could heave yourself out of bed just half an hour earlier you may even have time for the most basic things like showering and brushing your teeth. Geeeez it really isn’t that hard. I am not too keen on the daily olfactory abuse.

I really didn’t miss any of this. “Schnuck” (an abbreviation for ‘schnuckelig’ which means cute in German)- momma is coming home soon. Did I ever actually post a picture of my lovely "new" car?

10 comments:

Melisa Wells said...

So what do you REALLY think about public transportation? Ha ha

Sorry it's been so unpleasant...but hey, at least you're in London, which is more than Melissa and I can say! :) (Can I get a what-what, Melissa?)

Safe travels! xoxo

Stephanie said...

It is so interesting to see people and how they dress and their hygiene (or lack there of)...it really makes you wonder. And then you feel the need to go hop in the shower yourself. At least that happens for me.

Anonymous said...

Yeah welcome to a typical day in NYC...oh the joy! Yesterday I actually smacked a guy int he back with my purse and pushed him out of my way! Here they like to stand by the doors and not move when people get off. That's my favorite part of the commute! Irritation until you get off the train. UGH! Thank God its the weekend!

kat said...

Melisa I guess you're right. I actually have no right to complain when I get to travel but lack of personal hygiene in public places...PET PEEVE

Steph Yes exactly first the dry heaving then I want to shower. Ugh

kat said...

Patty OMG I would have loved to see you smack him. Seriously some people deserve it. I imagine summers in the subway in NYC must be what hell feels like. I really don't envy you then.

GoteeMan said...

We use public transport in NYC when we go every 3 months... other that that, I drive my own car everywhere...

I'm with ya on the whole hygiene issue... or lack of it... holy crap... like that bum character that used to be on "In Living Color", but for real... scent included for free... the kind of stench you have to go home and wash off, and maybe use Ajax...

but I digress...
Long lines for public transport would drive me nuts... so used to just "get in and go"... but - traffic can suck just as much... bus, car or whatever...

J/ (goteeman.blogspot.com)

Lindz said...

You mean to say you don't love sitting next to people that smell of piss? That's my favorite. It is better if you mix the piss smell with stale beer smell.

I also love when young punks don't give up their seat for the elderly.

Brian o vretanos said...

You're right - something definitely happens to people when they get on public transport in London. It's the only place where politeness goes out of the window. One time on the tube I offered my seat to a woman who was standing. Now I just don't make the mistake of sitting down in the first place...

Unknown said...

I completely agree on the hygiene issue but I am willing to breathe through my mouth the avoid traffic jams and pay crazy amounts for parking. I love public transportation.
Hope all is well!!

AutoSysGene said...

After my experience with public transport in Cancun I can say I totally understand where you are coming from.

I nearly went through the windshield when the driver slammed on the brakes...fun times, fun times...NOT!