The Subway

I made it out of the subway today, by myself! I've been able to get in through the turnstiles, but I've been having trouble getting back out. Today I was determined to get out by myself. Previously I've had to go to the customer service counter and have them let me out through a 'special' gate (reserved for those too inept to go through the turnstile exit). I left the train and followed the crowd towards the exit gate, card in hand. I swiped. Nothing. The turnstile wouldn`t budge. But wait! I noticed someone at another turnstile insert his card into a slot. I did the same, thinking I'd finally got this thing beat! Again, nothing. I was determined to get out on my own today. I fiddled and fiddled. I turned the card around and upside down, reinstering it again and again. Nothing! Now a crowd was forming behind me. Most people quickly moved to another gate as soon as they realized there was a problem. Finally, a couple of people pointed to the side of the exit gate. There, I saw it. Another card slot! Cautiously, I insterted my card. Instantly, it was sucked in and this time when I pushed the turnstile, it moved! I was free! I made it out!

Silly, I know. But that's what happens when you can't speak the language, can't read the signs, and don't know how things work. I don't know what other people do, but I seem to just sort of bumple along and somehow figure things out, eventually.