moscow metro by stephanie

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To get to RACU and sightseeing we take the Metro (subway). We have taken it lots since we have been here. It’s a great way to get around this very large city. Very fast and reliable. Yesterday we rode the Metro for the first time at rush hour. That was quite the experience. Pat told us it would be crowded. We had already experienced it during busy times and knew that you just have to literally push your way through to get to where you need to go getting on and off. They aren’t being rude. It’s just
the way things work here, but nothing really could
prepare me for what I experienced in this city of 15
million.

I have been on crowded buses with standing room only. This was something entirely different. It
was crowded when we got on, but we made it in.
Standing room only. I was in the center area with no
seats. I couldn’t get a spot by a wall. I’m just
standing in the middle surrounded by people. Trying
not to stumble as the Metro quickly accelerates.
Every stop more people cram in. People literally
push with all their force against the people in a very
crowded car to fit more people in. Bodies surround me
from all sides pushing against me. Thankfully, I am face
to face with Scot. I’m hot. I’m sweating. It’s hard to
breath with all these people around me. How many more
people are they going to push in here?

The Metro stops a few people exit. I’m jostled. I
think I can take a deeper breath. No. No. The pushing
starts again.

I would never have said I was claustrophobic before,
but I was trying as hard as I could to not panic. I
was taking deep breaths and trying to think happy
thoughts. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to take it
any longer. I just wanted to tell Pat sorry I just
can’t do this and get off, but getting off wasn’t an
option. I couldn’t see the door let alone push through
that crowd to get out of there. So I just continued to
take deep breaths and think happy thoughts like what
if this train breaks down?

No don’t think about that. Think happy thoughts. Take
deep breaths. Has anyone ever suffocated on here?
No don’t think about that. Take deep breaths. Think
happy thoughts. Ok. Deep breath.

I am lying an a beach. I can hear the surf and feel the sun warming my skin. Why are people pushing me on the beach? Deep breaths. Repeat.

Finally people began to exit. The crowd thinned. Pat
found me a coveted spot standing against a rail. I
wanted to cry. I really wanted to cry, but I didn’t. I
held it together and thought about relaxing for a few
hours before we had to go home. Home on the metro at
rush hour. Take deep breaths. Think happy thoughts.
It was quite the adventure. I’m glad I had the
experience. I know what Pat and other Moscovites
experience on a daily basis, but I would like to try
very, very hard not to repeat it.
—- Stephanie

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This post has 2 comments

  1. WOW Steph…it is one of those things you are glad you experienced but never ever want to do again. Enjoy the moments!! We all miss you and can\’t wait to hear more stories!!

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