Monday, November 1, 2010

Seen on the MAX Light Rail, part of TriMet's public transportation in Portland and the surrounding metropolitan area

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On the day before Halloween, I boarded the MAX Blue Line across from the Lloyd Center Mall for a ride to the station across from PGE Park. There I could wait for the 15 bus to catch--it would get me only a block or so from the apartment. I sat down across from a young man holding a rather large pumpkin in his lap. Naturally I had to glance at the pumpkin. Immediately I noticed there was no lid on it. At another glance I noticed the stem was still on, that the large opening must therefore be on the bottom of the pumpkin, and that the inside had been scraped rather smoothly. So I asked, "Are you going to wear that on your head?" "Yes," he answered, going on to state that he'd been doing so ever since he was 16. I didn't pry and ask how old he was, but he certainly didn't look far out of his teens. Anyway, we talked for a moment about how much work is involved in getting the inside of a pumpkin that smooth, and then I asked if he kept his stocking hat on when he wore the pumpkin. "Sometimes I do. It softens the bump," he explained, pointing towards the inside of the pumpkin opposite the stem. "Ah, yes, there's a bump there." He agreed. In a few minutes two cute young ladies sitting across the aisle from us asked about the pumpkin, and he started with the same line about how long he'd been doing this. "Want to see?" he asked them. Naturally when he place it on his head, I lifted the camera and clicked.

Just goes to show you never know what experience you'll get to have on public transportation; it's best to have the camera out hanging around your neck at the ready, I always say.

Today's Monthly Theme at City Daily Photo is public transportation. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

27 comments:

B SQUARED said...

I'm pretty sure I'd take another bus.

SRQ said...

That's funny. I'd be concerned it wasn't Halloween.

cieldequimper said...

Lol Lynette, this is GREAT!

Jilly said...

Oh brilliant Lynette. Theme Day and Hallowe'en all in one day! Super viewpoint.

Small City Scenes said...

Too funny and a little quirky. MB

Bettey said...

Great shot, Lynette! I also posted about MAX :)

Kate said...

Such a fun photo of someone with a sense of humour, more of which we need I might add.

Halcyon said...

Great story to go along with the picture. I guess he has not been wearing that exact pumpkin since he was 16... I think it would be a little moldy by now. :)

EG CameraGirl said...

OH MY GOODNESS! I have never seen this done before. :)

Nathalie H.D. said...

This is the best post for today's theme I've seen so far. I love the way it combines halloween and transport. JUST GREAT !!!

Randy said...

What a fun guy! Great shot.

Jim Klenke said...

Great theme day post and tie in with Halloween.

lizziviggi said...

Wow-- love the combo halloween/public transportation shot! You're right-- whenever I don't have the camera readily available I inevitably miss something.

Steve Scauzillo said...

And to think, sometimes I think I stand out when I board a train or bus with a camera around my neck.

Caroline said...

Cute - what one does for fun. We just dont seem to get pumkins like that in Cape Town! Thanks for the comments on my blog.

Anna said...

What an interesting story and a unique guy! Lucky snap!!

Michael said...

Brilliant! You have to always be prepared to capture moments like this.

Karl said...

Wonderful picture, nice scene. I've never seen something else.

Amanda said...

Funny!

Valladolid Daily Photo said...

Ja, ja, ja, a very original photo!. It´s very funny. I see you enjoy a lot on Halloween. Here in Spain, it is a party gradually being established each year, but more than anything else is considered an excuse for a party and go out at night to celebrate. There is little trick or treaters.

Jose

Pixel Dude said...

I love photos of unusual sightsl. And Mr. Pumpkin Head on public transportation is definitely unusual!

Jim said...

Ha ha. Fun shot. :)

Dina said...

LOL You were in the right seat at the right time!
And good you starting talking to Pumpkin Head.

I often keep the camera in my hand when riding the bus to Jerusalem, but to be ready for things outside the bus, not inside.
Wishing you many more nice surprises.

Leslie D. said...

Oh fantastic! Made my day. I just love spontaneous vignettes like this. Great storytelling too. Thanks too for your generous comments recently. Cheers - Leslie

Angela said...

hahaha... What a FUNtastic shot!!:)

Lois said...

How cute. I'm glad you were there to get that shot!

Beth said...

that's a great shot!