I've ridden the light rail metro from Mesa to downtown Phoenix for about two and a half months now and if there is anything worth writing about, it's the experiences and people I meet on the way.
One time a middle-aged, oversized Mexican man spilled a mysterious liquid from what looked like a secure container. Apparently it was not. As it rolled down the isles of the train a repulsive smell started to fill the air. It was beer. Did I mention it was one o'clock in the afternoon? Just a little too early to be getting tipsy, no?
Another time an elderly woman sat next to me and started to ask all these really intense questions like "where do you think all of these students will be in the next 20 years?" or "do you think we're looking at one of our future presidents on this train?" Trying to fight back laughter, I considered the fact and decided that Obama isn't that bad anymore if this is what we have to look forward to.
One afternoon I sat next to an elderly, unfortunate looking and smelling man. He had holes in his shoes, hair that looked as though it had never seen a brush OR shampoo, tattered shorts and t-shirt and the smell of going without a shower for at least a week. Let me clarify that I am not judging anyone and I respect other's less fortunate circumstances. The funny part was that he was wearing a well-kept Burberry sport coat. I could have spotted that coat from a mile away. Not only do I wonder where one in his situation might come across a jacket of that expense, but I almost called Stacey and Clinton for fashion patrol!
Some of the funniest experiences I have involve people sleeping and missing their stops or waking up next to someone who wasn't there when they first dozed off. Those are always laugh-worthy reactions.
Other funny situations come from people thinking they are strong or agile enough to stand without holding a bar for support. I've witnessed innumeral children, bikes and just plain unexpectant passengers take a tumble.
One of my favorite memories involved a young man sitting next to me on the way home. He was very outgoing as I could see from the way he carried on conversations with several of the other passengers. He asked me how my day was and we carried on some meaningless conversation. Then he revealed toe that he was homeless, carless, jobless and still in high school. I started to feel bad for him until he told me his parents would let him stay if he didn't smoke or use drugs. He then proceeded to ask If I would like to "hang out" with him sometime. So many comebacks came to mind including laughing out loud, but luckily I took a deep breath and said "I'm sorry, I have a boyfriend." Now THAT'S why you have boyfriends! Haha just kidding Blake.
Another story that stood out was a "tough guy" security guard came in to do a routine check for valid tickets/passes. A blind young man was sitting quietly on the bus waiting for him to come by. Apparently the boy pulled out the wrong card as the guard exclaimed to everyone "this isn't your transit pass, it's your I.D.!" He was then escorted off the train to the ticket booth just outside. I wish I could be as cool as that fake cop and pick on people with handicaps! Not!
After seeing the drunks, the druggees, the homeless and the handicapped, I pray each day and thank my Father in Heaven for everything that I have. And in conclusion, if I ever end up like one of these people on the light rail, I'd appreciate it if you would not post stories about me haha :) happy commuting!
