I find that since I work in DC that I have a love hate relationship with the DC tourist.
What do I mean?
I LOVE the fact that they come to DC and spend money in the capitol city's tourism industry.
However I HATE... no I ABHOR their lack of respect for the DC native:
Issue #1 METRO
Escalators:
Not only are there signs on the Metro that say stand right, walk left AND the Metro guy comes over the PA system the DC tourist just CAN'T SEEM TO MOVE OUT THE WAY.
I couldn't begin to count the number of times that I have MISSED MY TRAIN because they couldn't take a second to look around at what others are doing and GET OUT OF MY WAY!
Farecard Machines: Is it really that complicated? As Americans, do not the majority of us posess basic literacy skills? Please explain to me why you can't look at the price of your fare, look and follow the instructions on the machine and carry on with your day. In the mean time you lack the basic capacity to do this then ASK the station manager. Move and let people who are on their way to their jobs (so that they can earn enough money to be an annoying tourist in your native city) do what they need to do. Why can't you just step aside?
RUSH HOUR COMMUTE:
There is a certain unspoken rule that in the morning on your way to work you sit down, you read the Washington Post Express (or a book or email on your Blackberry) and MOST IMPORTANTLY you DONT TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBOR! In general, if I walk into a place and its quiet I seem to take notice... hmmm its awfully quiet in here... maybe I will whisper. OOO but NOT YOUR AVERAGE DC tourist!
It all starts with a seemingly innocent "Good Morning" which generally illicits a quick glance around from me signifying "Are you talking to me" followed by a polite but hopefully unfriendly smile that screams "Don't speak to me again, Thanks." I then stare intently at whatever book or newspaper I am reading hoping that they will get the hint.
However, the morning friendly chatters don't bother me nearly as much as the parents who are oblivious to their child's inappropriate activities:
- screaming toddlers (babies I know you can't really control them but TODDLERS)- Look I AM TIRED either from a LONG DAY at work or the anticipation thereof, I just want a little quiet time before I go drive home in rush hour traffic... why is that so much to ask
- running around the car of the train- Do you not realize that Metro jerks to a sudden stop at times and that your precious annoying little munchkin could easily get hurt? Not only that they make me nervous.
- TEACH YOUR KIDS NOT TO TALK TO STRANGERS- there are some weird people on the Metro, trust me they scare me... why would you let your kid talk to them?
- screaming adults on cell phones- You are in a tunnel. Unless you have Verizon you have NO SERVICE. Just wait until you are above ground. STOP SCREAMING... im trying to sleep.
SEATS: As Mr. Talented and I have discussed DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SIT NEXT TO THE BLACK GUY IN THE SUIT... "It's ok its 2008 you can sit next to black males [in suits] and not be worried about your purse."
Another note on Seats... DO not sit down and put a big kid (6+) on your lap who will constantly bump into me for the 30 minute commute I am forced to endure with you.
Really I think tourists should just use a sedan service instead of the Metro and NO DRIVING IS NOT AN OPTION FOR THEM!
(Please see posts to come for an explanation if you really need one)
Until Next Time!
~Ms. Kryptonite~
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