"Coming outta Queensbridge"

So the blog has been MIA for the past few weeks due to a number of things conflicting our sacred Mondays, but we are now back on track. So here is where we left off a few weeks ago..

Well we WEREN'T really coming outta Queens..more like going into Queens.
Today we'd be going out to Queens to complete 7 stops: Grant Avenue to Ozone Park/Lefferts Boulevard. We'd be on the A Express Line, which we soon discovered consisted of 3 branches: 1 branch to JFK/ Far Rockaways, another to Rockaway Beach and a third to Ozone Park/Lefferts Blvd. Yes, I was confused, but this was all useful information. Today we'd cover the stops on the Lefferts Blvd./Ozone Park branch.
Of all my four and a half years in NYC, I have never been to Queens, so this was my chance to finally get there.
Grant Avenue was first and we would still be in Brooklyn. Nothing too out of the ordinary here. Very desolate. We walked out of the station, which was the highlight. Very unique, old New York design. We didn't waste time. Got what we needed and then headed to Queens. Bascially, I can sum up the next 6 stops were all in Queens and all quite similar in structure. All outdoor stops. All overlooking the street below. We ventured to 80th Street - Hudson stop, then 88th Street - Boyd. Both too similar. We decided to walk out of the station at 88th street to the coffee shop on the corner. Amidst out 5 minute walk, we definitely saw some wheelers and dealers. "Oh Dorthy, we aren't in Manhattan anymore!" is the the first thing that came to my head. I didn't feel threatened though like I did in east Brooklyn and plus the outdoor stations made me feel like I had room to move in case I had to run anyway from anyone.
Next stop was Rockaway. Again pretty much the same as the last, except I noticed there was no attendant at this station. makes it much easier for those who want to get a free ride and jump the turnstiles.
104th and 111th street nothing notable here. We did however stop at a local pizza joint off 104th for an authentic slice. And let me tell you, there is no fluff out here. It's bascially, "Wouldya want, done!"
No, Hi, how r u? What can I get for you? Thanks for your business." But the pizza was that good, that they didn't need to sugarcoat anything. I just observe "the way" out here. Everyone I came in contact with, had that way about them. That authentic, "don't fuck with me attitude" that you only find out in these parts. Again, i wasn't threatened, i more or less appreciated it and tried to emulate it.
We finally made our way to Ozone Park/Leffert Blvd. Last stop! DONE. Trains both stationed on either platform, 1 ending, 1 ready to head out for the trekk. We were having fun and what we saw of Queens wasn't half bad. I felt free outside of the usual Manhattan stomping grounds. not sure if I'd ever want to live here, but I'd definitely be back. That you can count on! :)