It is undoubtedly a long ride to my destination. Nestled between tall buildings, Regis College beckons to those thirsty for new learning experiences. However, it isn’t just book knowledge that I gain from my weekly trip downtown. The means of transportation provides me with interesting facets of life, not provided by any Theology course I am likely to take.
There’s the crowded bus ride to the subway station, when one bounces around, hanging on to dangling straps, in the hope that some kind soul will offer a seat. Invariably the young appear to be oblivious to those around who would welcome a sit-down. They are glued to their electronic devices either texting or listening to music, that sometimes is a trifle loud for other passengers. Or there’s the elderly gentleman who receives a phone call and carries on a conversation audible enough for all to hear. How about the young girl excitedly telling her friend on her cell that she is going to get a tattoo tomorrow. The excitement reaches fever pitch with a rising crescendo of information about the design to be inked on very soon.
One day, a young lady, a total stranger moved over and allowed me to sit down. I was so grateful, that I instinctively prayed in thanksgiving. Then I was prompted to let her know how I felt. So I turned to her and said, “I thanked God for you.” She turned and looked at me stunned. “Nobody has even done that.” Now it was my turn to be surprised. A kind gesture had a ripple effect.
Down the escalator and into the train waiting to exit the station in seconds. Finding a seat is priority number one in the quickly filling train. The repeated instruction, “Please stand clear of the doors” constantly interrupts thought patterns, while the announcement of every nearing station is annoying, yet a good reminder in case one dozes off, which often happens. Out come the laptops propped on knees. The passengers are either studying or trying to transact some form of business. Sporadic conversation fills the air now full of food aromas from hungry travelers. A toddler’s cry rises above the other sounds as a mother hastens to quieten her tired child, slightly embarrassed by the din he has created.
Then comes a long pause, as a voice on the intercom expresses regret that the train has been unexpectedly delayed due to some problem. Finally it lurches forward in staccato fashion inching along to the next station. A choice is now offered, either we wait till the problem is fixed, or we can take buses that are waiting for us. A mad dash for the bus results in swear words, angry shoves and people pushing in panic to climb into the parked vehicle.
I’ll be late for my lecture I sadly think, resigning myself to the chaotic situation surrounding me. However, by some stroke of luck, the over loaded bus screams down the road and drops me off inches from the front door of Regis College. I exit in haste to join the other students streaming in for those book lessons not learned on a TTC* ride.
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* TTC – Toronto Transit Commission