Coming from the outdoors, you are brought underground to a dark place. It’s dusty, busy, always moving, and loud. Everyone’s doing their own thing. Maybe they’re going to school, work, the park, a marathon, or grocery shopping. Nonetheless, they’re all sitting on a hard seat, standing and holding the poles, or bravely standing and not holding the poles, quietly awaiting their stop. 

At times, the trains shake violently. If you’re not used to it, you may wonder if something is wrong. The trains aren’t exactly modern, nor do they operate as though they’re new. Occasionally, you’ll hear the squeaking of some rusted old carts and see the section between carts rocking. But, they work. They go underwater and over bridges, providing reasonable transportation in the city that never sleeps. 

Now, we have to talk about the rats. The GIANT rats. You’ll see these rats running along the train tracks, scurrying on the overhead poles, or sitting in the corner. You may spot them carrying a slice of pizza, or a sandwich, down the steps to get into the station. The rats are just doing their thing.

Other times, you may see a human sized cat (cosplay) with large anime eyes on the train or someone dressed like a giant rat crawling around. There’s a fearless pigeon sitting next to you, causally waiting for the next stop. Or, they’re walking along the platform like everyone else.

All of this can be a bit jarring for foreigners. The Subway is always moving and after seeing so much, many New Yorkers have become “immune” to a lot.

But in it all, there’s beauty. 

There’s diversity. 

That mural between Dekalb and Canal or even the occasional decorated trains. 

Sometimes, there are live dance shows and music performances. A group twirls and spins over the poles, doing flips, upside down twists, and everything else to fast-paced music. You’ll see performances in the station; maybe a man playing 5 instruments at once or some amazing singers and artists trying to get their work out there. 

You’ll see things you don’t see anywhere else. Things that shock you or inspire you and draw you into this ambitious city. 

NYC Subway Culture. Trust me, there’s beauty in it.