When we got on the train tonight, we rode in the very uncrowded front car. Riding in the front car leads to one of those strange, inexplicable pleasures: standing at the very front door, watching the tunnel go whizzing past you.
It’s not typical that I get to watch the long tunnel linking Manhattan and Queens from the front car – speeds can hit up to 60 mph, which isn’t fast in a car but is rather terrifying in a subway. With the car shaking violently and the loud sound of the tracks, being able to see out the front as you race towards the daylight is a unique experience. (I’ve been known to quietly sing the boat song from Willy Wonka – there’s no earthly way of know-ing, in which direction we are row-ing – when the train shoots through the tunnels too fast.)
I decided that rather than trying to take more pictures (like the above), I would just shoot video of the view. You can check it out here, or by clicking the picture above. It’s a strange little video – the blurring at the end is caused by the scratchitti and dust in the front window, and the weather was horribly overcast and grey. It is, however, strangely compelling – at least I’ve found it to be. Hope someone enjoys it.
