So, this video of the rat in the subway car is making it’s way around the internet. Lucky for me, I’ve only ever encountered rats on the platform where I can walk away.The video reminded me of my own nightmarish subway stories. Awoken by a rat, huh? I once woke up to the guy next to me fondling my right boob. I jabbed him, but stayed right there waiting for him to try again so I could really smack him. He didn’t. Instead he followed me off the train and up Dekalb Avenue. He stopped me and had the audacity to offer me money to lift my shirt. That’s when I let him have it. And I’m glad I waited because it was sooooo worth it!

Actually, the only stories I have are pervert ones. There’s the guy who whipped it out and started jerking off in my face at 3am on the F train. We were the only ones on the car, so that was scary. I did something I learned the first time I was flashed (it happened quite often back then). I screamed my head off and acted totally nuts. He walked away. Just like the others. Now I take cabs home if I’m out too late.

I have a friend who saw someone shoot himself on the subway. That’s a sad story.

How about you?

The post Subway Stories appeared first on reclaimedhome.com.

During the holiday season, the MTA runs vintage subway and buses along certain routes at scheduled times. The cost is the same as any other ride. It just might not get you all the way to your destination. Click on the link to see schedule.The wicker seat trains stopped running in 1969. I am so old that I actually remember riding these a couple of time. I would have been 4 years old. They didn’t come often, but it was a treat when I got one. The lack of air conditioning was always fun. People sweating into the grooves of the seats. Ah, but they had overhead fans! And it was 35 cents for a token. Remember those little coin thingies they had before Metro Cards? Surely, you’re not THAT much younger than me!

If you’ve never been, the NY Transit Museum is one of the coolest places in Brooklyn. You can view these vintage trains and buses any time of the year.

The post Ride Vintage NYC Trains & Buses appeared first on reclaimedhome.com.

The Atlantic Avenue tunnel tour has been going on for a few years now and I never even noticed people climbing down a manhole in the middle of the Atlantic/Court intersection. Well, I finally figured it out and had a look for myself yesterday.

The Brooklyn Historic Railway Association runs the tours. Just go to their website and call to reserve. It’s well worth the 15 bucks and the next tour is August 8th. Bob Diamond, who rediscovered the hidden tunnel in the early 80’s, is the guy giving the tour. He’s a hoot! As if the history isn’t interesting enough, he’s quite the character himself.

You’ll have to wait on line for a bit as it takes awhile for each individual to get down the ladder. Wear comfortable shoes because Bob likes to talk and you’ll be standing for a couple of hours on uneven ground. There’s more standing and listening than walking.

So, about this tunnel.

It was built in 1844, making it older than the London Tube. The “oldest subway” thing is a bit of a stretch since this was not part of the NY subway system, but rather the Long Island Railroad. It’s still an underground rail system even if it’s only 1/2 mile long.

Diamond shares the folklore surrounding the tunnel. There are tales of heads buried in the wall, bootleggers, greedy politicians, pirates and even a John Wilkes Booth connection. His own story is as interesting as any of these. He first learned of the existence of the hidden tunnel when he was a Pratt student. For years, experts were denying it was there, claiming it would be too dangerous to explore anyway because of gases, water and 5 foot man eating rats.

There’s a deal in the works with National Geographic. Supposedly there’s still a steam engine buried behind a wall! They’re looking to unearth it later this year.

I could share more, but you know what? You should go yourself. Trust me. Just do it.

Flickr photos

The post Yo, Brooklyn Has The Oldest Subway! appeared first on reclaimedhome.com.