Monday, February 28th, 2011 - A Smelly Homeless Guy on the Subway

I just got back from vacation and was already dreading the morning rush to work. So it is no surprise that my commute today included a nasty New York moment.

When the subway train rolled into Times Square today I thought to myself "what luck! empty subway seats!" - after all it can be tough getting a seat during the morning commute. I stepped in, ready to sit down and continue my reading, when I was halted in my steps by the most horrible odor. I looked to the left and located the source - a homeless guy sitting (maybe sleeping?) hunched over on the left end of the train. I thought maybe if I went to the complete other end it would be ok. It wasn't. As everyone evacuated the train through the back door, I had to make a run for it at the next stop. It was unbearable.

Now don't get me wrong, I feel bad for the guy. But I've encountered a LOT of homeless people, both in New York and in other cities I've lived in - and NONE of them smelled this bad. I can't describe it, all I know is it was not the way to start my Monday.

Verdict: Hate New York Today (no surprise there!)