Welcome to New York: The Subway Story

Coming from a city with only two trains, North-South & East-West. Let’s just say trying to adjust to the NY subway system was a bit…different. Back in my visiting days, I attempted to hop on a train from the World Trade Center to Penn Station and ended up in Hoboken, NJ. Yea…that was an adventure lol. Learning the hard way that I couldn’t use a regular MTA card purchased from New York, I realized that I had A LOT to learn about getting around. And just hopping on any old train going anywhere wasn’t going to do.
​
I sometimes, live my life that way. Just “making a decision” and going with it. I don’t like to waste time pondering about what route to take and any alternate ways. I just wanna get there. But that can be a dangerous game. Ending up in places unknown, then finding out that the resources you have just won’t do. Although it can be avoidable, I always adjust to the decisions made and their results.

Now back to the trains.

Riding the train as a resident, was a little easier. Well, kinda. Catching an Uber to Flatbush station, b/c I wasn’t too comfortable with the bus routes just yet, I thought it was all good until….the 2 train was down for the weekend due to construction. Another one of those “Welcome to New York” moments. Looking around like an anti-damsel in much distress, one of the MTA workers approached me to help. You know, one thing I’ve learned about New Yorkers is that they have their own way of “caring” or you but it sounds like they’re fussing at you. I’ll call it a special tough love.

“WHAT TRAIN YOU NEED?!”

“Oh I need to get on the 2 train.”

“It’s back…” <--- At least that’s what I though he said. So I turned to walk the other way. Cause he did say it was back…as in back the other way.

“AYE! WHY YOU WALKING THAT WAY?!?!”

“I thought you said the 2 train was back that way.”

“No I SAID IT’S IN MANHATTAN. You need to get on the 5 over there!”

“Oh. Thanks.”

Found the 5 train and took a seat. And here he comes. Didn’t know he was on my trail.

“AYE! WHERE YOU GOT TO GO?!?”

 I scrambled to look at my google maps app to give him an answer in a fast time frame, you know, to prevent more yelling.

“Bowling Green.”

“Oh yea you good.” His voice softened up a bit. Then he flashed a smile and left the train before the doors closed.
Sooooo do I say thank you for that hard knock lesson or just keep it pushing. Although I was grateful for his direction, the delivery had me in my feelings for a while.

And once that crisis was done. Here comes another.

As I settled in my seat I noticed the people around me. Just everyday people. No crazies, nobody tap dancing for loose change, or a weirdo looking to strike up a convo which would end in him asking for my number. But honey as that train moved, a young gentleman sitting across from me arose out of his seat and began.
The dude was actually cute. Didn’t peg him as the type to be a “train speaker”. So here goes.

“Ladies and gentleman I hope ya’ll are having a nice day. My purpose is to tell you about Christ and how he saved me.”

Hmmm kay. Not too shabby. I mean I love me some Jesus.

“Well it started with me being addicted to porn…”

Wait WHAT!?!?

“I grew up in a household where I masturbated, watched porn and had a collection of magazines…..Then I found Christ. I’m here to tell you that masturbation is a sin. But you can be delivered just like me.”

Damn this was a fine time to leave the headphones at home. Now I love the Lord but do I really want to feel bad about PornHub.com putting me to sleep most nights while I’m on the train to this agency appointment. NO! So as the train moves along, I’m trying not to make eye contact with this dude. But I do a few times. No choice but to listen to his tales of masturbation, porn, masturbation, masturbation, masturbation. I’m sure you had other sins sir.

Yes, I believe Jesus is the way but sheesh! I wasn’t ready for the “Tales of the Former Masturbator”.

Thank GOD his stop was coming close. As soon as the doors opened, he bid his farewell and off he went. Leaving us with the remnants of his porn and masturbation fables.

So this is what I’m to expect? Stories that make me uncomfortable. This gist of him coming to Christ was all well and fine but I didn’t need to know everything.

After being semi fussed at and that story. I was ready to get off.

Welcome to New York.

The Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey.