A Good Laugh

There is a new metro system in the capital city. I had never really used it before because they are still working out the kinks. But today I was with a friend who wanted to use it so we did. And its actually quite nice. It reminds me a bit of the London metro- complete with the warning to "mind the gap" (watch your step) The thing is, this big shiny modern metro is also mixed together with the mass of India. There are 100's of people fighting to squeeze into a narrow door that is only stopped for a few seconds. I saw one guy use his elbow to get through. I saw a mother actually using her baby as a weapon! Sweet little old ladies dressed in saris knocked people around like the rest of em'. Those old people are spunky I tell ya.

My friend stands heads and shoulders above every one else. So, he just happily waded through the crowd like the jolly green giant. Me on the other hand got tossed about like a rag doll. For some reason, I responded by CRACKING UP so that just made it worse. When I got an elbow to my rib, I laughed harder. My purse somehow got caught up in the madness and I had to cling to it for dear life. We finally secured a spot on the bursting metro car. I landed a spot right underneath some one's armpit. There is a saying in Hindi that says "come sit in my armpit". It just means "come sit beside me" This phrase came to life for me as I got pressed awkwardly close to complete a complete stranger's underarm. Sometime I feel like I live inside one of those tetris games. You know that old game where you have to move and fit the pieces just right to make the puzzle fit? If I move my knee 3 cm to the right while standing on one foot while tilting my head ever so slightly, there MIGHT be room for another Indian- but just a small one...

I somehow managed to eventually find a seat. I plopped down feeling battered and bruised. People just started at me - maybe wondering why I was laughing. But you know what? It was good to laugh. And laughter is good for the heart.