The Paris Subway (6/28投稿記事「パリの地下鉄」の英訳）

On the one hand, the subway in Paris is very convenient because it is extensive and you can avoid getting stuck in traffic. However, on the other hand, the frequency of pickpocketing presents a risk. When I was young, I encountered the following incident on a business trip to Paris from the United States, where I was dispatched for a long time. Once, while on the subway, at a certain station, a group of girls came running into the train right as the doors shut. An older couple came running after them, shrieking and banging on the train doors until they opened them again. The older couple grabbed one of the girls, and that girl flung all of the change out of a wallet onto the floor of the train. While reclaiming the wallet, the old couple said something like, “You good for nothing brats!” as the girls fled.

A few days later, just by chance, I ran into that old couple again at the de Gaulle airport waiting area. I sparked a conversation by saying, “I saw you take your wallet back from those pickpockets on the subway. That was quite something, wasn`t it?”. Startled, the couple replied: “Oh, you were there!? Those girls were minors, so even if they make trouble, the punishment is just a slap on the wrist for them, isn`t it? We own several shoe stores in L.A., so we were not too worried about the money; we were more concerned about the green card in the wallet; without that, we would be in trouble!” Indeed, in this world, there are really people who aren`t hurting for money, I thought to myself while feeling impressed. The wife was draped in a mink coat, with several precious gemstones adorning many rings on her fingers.

Days later, I opined to a friend that if you have no problems with money, isn`t calling a cab better than riding the train? He replied, “Amongst rich people, there are those that still have the customs and lifestyle engrained in them from their humble beginnings. Therefore, they still might see taking a cab as a luxury and ride the train out of a lingering frugality”. I myself have no experience wearing luxury goods and having to worry about attracting the attention of pickpockets. However, just to be safe, I want to remain vigilant when riding the subway overseas. Everyone out there as well, please take care.