DC METRO

had the opportunity of using the city transit system aloooot more than i every have in my life, particularly on a personal, individual level, and then with a friend or two as my trip went on. I've always had a semi notion of the kind of person that uses MARTA/METRO. the people who don't have cars, are short on money, and a number of other reasons. as i was on the train, i was then exposed to the plethora of people who, without shame use the transit system on a day to day basis. it can even become their choice, if not for life, definitely for a large part of their commute to their destinations. and the wide range of demographic differences was clearly distinguished and displayed as i traveled from station to station on the 4 to 5 routes available throughout metro DC and maryland. young people, old people, black and white, but also european, indian, asian, hispanic; each stemming from a different economic status, yet this one entity has brought them all together, no matter where they come from..

nearing the end of my last trip on the METRO i took a photograph of seemingly affluent/successful african american matured gentleman. he was dressed in what to be an expensive suit, with an equally expensive or high quality watch and ring on his finger. he came across as an individual who, in my slightly sheltered life would not have been on a city transit system. BUT HE WAS! and so was about ___ other DMV citizens as they made their way to and from their various destinations. work, class, shows, museums, friends, and a number of other locations of interest and events in their lives. 

it also boggled my mind the stories behind the wide range of lifestyles and ways of life that can be viewed as you take a short ride between 3 or 4 stops on the Metro... each person has their own story, the more observe, the more is revealed.. the young caucasian girl with jean shorts, flip flops, her purse and her iPod in her ears could be going a NUMBER of places in the morning, class, girlfriends, etc. the brotha with the locs asking which stop is which, kinda bewildered, but polite enough to thank you to the only (black) woman who offered to give him the information on the train. the asian gentleman in the suit pants shirt and tie with the emotionless expression, who chose to take the empty seat after the train emptied out... i wonder where he works, what he does, has he family to go home to, or a car to drive home in, and there were countless others my mind fails to remember in detail at this point, that caught my interest in the flurry of other humans as they passed through the DC metro system.

i think the most interesting thing about the METRO system besides the people was the architecture of transit network.. the tunnel stops, ground level stops and above ground stops where designed and crafted in an amazing way. not very detailed, but still very awesome, particularly the underground stations as you descend or ascend the stairs to your destination you see the amazing circular design wrapping around the train and station with 2-3 feet inlets in the walls that makes a wonderful pattern as it flows throughout the station.

all in all, my experience traveling on the DC METRO to get from place to place on my trip was amazing, so much so, that i want to use it as much as i can on my next trip. for the people, the sights and last but thankfully least, the small cost of riding!! :-)