Trader Joe’s and Subway Drama: Another New York Moment

I will travel far and wide to get my weekly groceries at Trader Joe’s.

It’s affordable and there are always new fun items to try. Plus, the laid back beach vibes help mitigate the crippling anxiety that comes with negotiating the line that’s weaving through the store as shoppers furiously fill up their carts whilst inching forward. (The Trader Joe’s in New York get hectic…)

To beat the crowds, I get my shopping done in the 8am-11am time slot. It’s just me and the under 23 over 60 crowd. I’m free to examine each row at my leisure, marveling at the new exotic items that I never end up buying.

Last Wednesday, my shopping trip was all going according to plan. Everything I wanted was in stock, I didn’t have to wait in line, and my bill was a cool $60. Despite knowing how affordable Trader Joe’s is, the rush of having such a low total is always thrilling.

As I entered the subway, I found myself amidst a classic New York moment.

One half of the car was filled with people like me. The other half had been taken over by a scruffy older man with worn jeans and a furry hat. He was mumbling to himself, alternating between stumbling around and laying on the bench. A lit joint was placed between his lips, explaining the strong aroma of marijuana floating through the air.

He quickly told off anyone who dared enter his side of the car. Slurring, “who do you think you are?! I’m the king of this train!”

Usually in these situations I’d change cars. But I had two massive bags and there were a handful of able-bodied people that could come to my rescue if need be.  Besides, I was 3 stops away.

The train was approaching the next stop, and something unexpected happened.

A young man to my left made a mad dash and projectile vomited right as the door was opening before dashing out. The king of the car seemed unperturbed that his castle had been soiled.

The aroma of weed was wafting from my right. The stench of vomit was lingering to my left.

Luckily, I arrived at my stop 2 minutes later.  

Another day in New York.