I mentioned a few days ago that when I don’t have the vehicle, I travel with my mother to her workplace. I take the bus to the subway, the subway east then another bus north. I don’t know how my mother manages to do it, but like clockwork she arrives in the parking garage at around 7:05. I’m really quite amazed at the consistency. It allows me to take the same bus each day I travel with her. It’s the same driver. When I get to the subway station, the westbound train is always already there and just about ready to leave. Minutes later, the eastbound train arrives. When I get to the subway station I want to get to, I have to wait for several buses of the same number to go by before my bus arrives–usually 4. Those four turn when the reach the city border. Only a few go north of the city. In the end, I arrive at around 8:15.
This is what I call routine.
I recognize regulars on the buses. When I don’t see one of them, it makes me wonder whether something happened or not.
No matter how many times I take the subway, the novelty does not wear off. The stations that I see are some of the most artistic in Toronto. In particular, Bayview station is pretty damn cool. All over the station are these skewed black drawings. Viewed from the correct angle the drawings make sense and look like familiar objects. From other angles they just look totally abstract. A few days ago I found myself staring at one of the blots for the longest time. I honestly could not for the life of me figure out what it was. The next day, as I’m walking down the stairs to the platform I stop midstep. “Holy shit, it’s a cup of coffee! That’s awesome!” One day I’d like to just go and explore the station with a camera, just for kicks.
The smell of the subway is etched into my brain. It’s unmistakable. No, it’s not a urine smell.
–Off on a tangent, what’s with that play called “Urine Town”?
THe subway stations have this sweet musty smell that’s mildly enjoyable. It brings me memories. No, it’s not something worth bottling, and no, I wouldn’t wear it if they did. It’s just…pleasant…in a different sort of way. About a minute before the eastbound train arrives in the station, a strong breeze travels through the tunnel. It’s nice, cool, and carries that scent. It’s strong enough to get my shirt flapping in the wind.
I don’t mind dealing with the variables of transit. It would be great if Toronto had the money to expand the subway system. Right now it’s pretty inadequate. The northern half of the city is underserviced. If that were to ever happen, I would easily be able to imagine just taking a day to ride around on the trains visiting all the new places.
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