I've blogged about the amazing mass transit system in Zurich before... the most amazing part is that it is (A) extremely comprehensive, and covers all of the city, and (B) runs almost completely on the honor system. There are ticket booths everywhere, and you're expected to be in posession of a valid ticket at all times during your journey, but there are no turnstyles or "man traps" to go through to get on a tram.
Equally amazing are the warnings they give you about proper conduct on a tram. For instance, let's take a look at this sign:
Now many of my friends do speak German as their native language, but for those of you who don't, there are helpfull pictures to guide you through proper tram-riding etiquette. Let's take a closer look, shall we?
OK that's easy, no smoking. Except, really what this picture is saying is, "If you must smoke, don't blow it directly at the head of the person in front of you."
OK here's where it gets a little harder. Is this the international symbol for "No poor people"? Sure, you say "no fareless cheapskates should ride", but all I see is a poor guy trying to get by on pocket lint, and he's being denied boarding.
Umm, OK, so, uh, like, no pickin'-and-grinnin' allowed on the trams. capiche? Mariache band members will be summarily removed.
Here's my favorite:
By all means, do NOT under any circumstances, saw on the trams. Saw-ers have a special place in Zurich prisons. Your sawing days are numbered, kimosabe. Take you and your saw somewhere else.
Well, anyway, these signs sure seemed a lot funnier after I drank this and took a tram back to my hotel.
