My Big Day Out
Tuesday, July 11th, 2006
Once I ventured to a Best Buy to purchase batteries for my Walkman (actually an Aiwa personal stereo). Regardless of what the powers-that-be want you to believe, a considerable number of wheelchair-accessible beveled curbs in the city of Chicago are, it’s been my admittedly limited experience, good for two things: shit and nothing. This prohibits the use of most public transportation. There are three private transportation companies contracted by the city; each commands a fleet of vans equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. I always schedule rides with the company that operates twenty-four hours. They are relatively punctual, and when I travel with them I usually get to ride in the front like a human being, not in the back strapped down like cargo. Because I’m more often than not the only passenger, I don’t have to deal with unsophisticated disheveled young men who nonchalantly, and at regular intervals, break the foulest wind imaginable. more »
