Thoughts on the London Subway Bombings
by Adam BonislawskiIf anyone understands the aftermath of a major terrorist attack it’s New Yorkers. Almost everybody has a story to tell about 9/11, and as the days go by, Londoners will start telling their own tales of heroism and tragedy. But will this change the way bartenders think of public transit?
Willie
Where he presides: Rink Bar, Rockefeller Center
Favorite drink: Margarita
It doesn’t bother me in the least. Whatever’s going to happen will happen. Look, I used to work at Windows on the World, and I escaped that. But I might not have. When it’s your time it’s your time. You’ve got to live your life. There’re plenty of other things to worry about besides getting killed on the subway.
Paula and George
Where they preside: Channel 4, Midtown
Favorite drink: French martini and Bud Light, respectively
Paula: When I first heard the news it really bothered me. I took a cab home that first night. I live in Queens and I won’t lie to you — I was pretty concerned. But the next night, I thought I can’t just keep on taking cabs home every night — I’ve got to put it out of my mind. I haven’t given it much thought since. George: I’m way too cheap to even THINK about taking a cab. Besides, I didn’t think something would happen that same day. So, no way. No concern for me. I swipe without fear.
Maria
Where she presides: Grassroots Tavern, East Village
Favorite drink: Finlandia and Tonic
For me, no. I’m afraid of a fire in my apartment more than I am of riding the subway. There’s always a possibility, I guess, but I don’t spend my days worrying about what will happen. That’s no way to live.
Michael
Where he presides: McCann’s, Midtown
Favorite drink: Amstel Light
Ha! I’ve got no problems with the subway. I took it the same day as the attacks. You’ve got to live your life. That’s it.
Julie
Where she presides: Tracy J’s, Gramercy
Favorite drink: Stoli O and Tonic
I’m fine, no problem, because I’m from London. I used to take the subway there all the time. Nah, when your time is up, it’s up, isn’t it?
Gordon
Where he presides: Lemon, Gramercy
Favorite drink: Peach Cosmo
I felt like that was just practicing for here. But I’m not gonna live my life in fear — that’s never gonna happen. You know what I’m talking about? Once you start doing that, why even get up in the morning?
Marc
Where he presides: Tribe, East Village
Favorite drink: Shot of Jameson’s
I rode the subway that morning. We’re New Yorkers, you know? We can’t be afraid.
