Another adventure on the CTA

I had a really relaxing morning...until we left for class. Jessica, Katie, and I left at 8:20 to walk to the blue line to go to Hyde Park for seminar. We actually saw the (dreadful) Fullerton bus, but decided to take the train because we were sure we knew how to get to class that way. We caught an earlier train than we expected and were commenting on how early we were going to be for class. Well, we should not have been so sure of ourselves...once again, the CTA wins. The train stopped on the tracks, but we weren't worried- I mean, the trains stop all the time. This time, though, we heard a new message come over the loud speaker..."we are having equipment trouble." Oh no, I thought, this is not good. The conductor came on the speaker and told us what was happening- a blue line train was stuck in the subway at Clark and Lake with equipment problems. He assured us that there was a supervisor there and crews were trying to work on a single- track re-route. I began feeling a bit claustrophobic at this point. The train was packed and we could not get out. I did some deep breathing and calmed myself down. The conductor came back on the speaker and told us that the train would stop at Grand and there would be a shuttle bus between Grand and LaSalle- right past the stop we needed. Well, we would just take the shuttle bus, of course. No big deal. The train never made it to Grand...we were evacuated at Damen (good thing we weren't in the subway!). Great- now what? We managed to push through the crowd of stranded passengers on the platform and make our way to the street. People were everywhere! We decided to walk a few blocks on Damen to get back to Fullerton to get to the brown/red line station. We managed to get on the Fullerton bus (Amanda and Dana were already on it) and successfully arrived at the train. After we boarded the red line, everything was fine. We somehow managed to get to class only 10 minutes late!

The picture of the Damen stop was exactly where I was this morning. Read the full story here.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6081958

This morning's adventure really made me realize how much I know about the city and public transportation. I am able to problem solve and stay calm.

After seminar, we took the bus back downtown and ate lunch. I wanted to eat at Jimmy John's, but I have so much trouble actually finding one. I ate at a Potbelly Sandwich Works with Jessica instead. Actually, we got our food and ate at the park near the Art Institute. It was so beautiful out today!

Jessica did something really amazing today. A man came by to ask if we had any money so he could get something to eat. We both said no. The man kept walking. As we were leaving, Jessica looked at me and said, "I'm going to get that man something to eat." Before I even realized what she said, she had dashed off to catch the man. She took him to a Subway across the street and bought him lunch. I really admire what she did today. It was really thoughtful and really helped someone. I am inspired by her actions. I know that I can't help everyone, but even if I can help one person, it will do some good in this world.

Precept was downtown today. We met at the Federal Plaza and Jackson and Dearborn. There were people protesting how our tax dollars our being spent- mainly on the war. My teacher works for the American Friends Service Committee, and it was her organization who was a part of this protest. We chatted a bit with the protesters and then walked back to her office. We had a very informal discussion today, but it was interesting. We talked a lot about the school violence that has been so prevalent in Chicago (23 CPS students have been killed just this year). I really enjoyed our conversation today.

Heidi, Amanda, and I went to a movie tonight...for only $3!! We saw "Juno." I really enjoyed it. We had a really nice evening out tonight. I'm going to hopefully get some work done tonight because I have to work late tomorrow.

Overall, it was a beautiful day in the city!