Why, Hello There

As I am commuting via the metro for the third day now, I am still awed by not only how nice the aesthetics are, but also the people.

On my first day of work, I walked the dark alleys of the Pentagon City metro station at about 7:20 am, a time when I assume many would be scurrying off to work in the city. Yet, I was able to RIDE the escalator, not sprint like I did in NY. I thought to myself, "Okay, that is weird, but I better pick up the speed to get a seat on the train." However, when the train arrived and I hopped on, there was not only one seat, but multiple available.

You and I both would think that this would be a welcome change of pace. I can actually have the chance to take in my surroundings instead of just merely waiting for the next train, next stop, next destination. Still, I find myself feeling nostalgic for the out-of-breath sprints and race to grab the two inches of cramped space on the subway bench.

Moreover, I also am fascinated by how nice people are in the stations. People not only allow others to pass in front of them instead of trampling them over like a bull in a China shop, but they also say the simple "hello." this certainly isn't Midwest Kansas, but this definitely isn't New York either.

I can't help but question my expectations from people - from strangers. Despite of the fact that I am using public transportation, why am I dumbfounded by the calmness and sincerity of other people who are literally doing the same thing as me.

The irony is that I am sure that tourists from other areas like the deep South and the Midwest find DC residents cold compared to their hometown neighbors.