We all know what barbecue corn on the cob smells like, at least those of us that live in big cities with street vendors do. It’s a rather strong smell and not particularly pleasant, granted I’m not a huge fan of corn (ask Michael Pollan, corn is the evil do-er in diets everywhere!). But I will admit, it is probably good barbecue food.

However, NEVER is it okay to eat burnt-smelling corn on the cob out of a paper or plastic bag on a crowded bus or metro. NEVER. First, because  it is disturbing to other passengers, particularly when  these people eat like barbarians and reak of burnt food stench. And SECOND,  the most logical, relevant and obvious reason, because buses, trains, streetcars, and subways harbor plenty of bacteria. It is so unhygienic it makes me go virtually apoplectic.

A study was done a number of years ago about the types of bacteria, secretions and liquids found under a UV light in the Paris metro and let me tell you, that’s enough to make you stop eating or touching ANYTHING within a 10 mile radius of those disease-havens (ie: blood, semen, saliva, urine, excrement….) I’m sure a study conducted on public transportation in major metropolitan regions of the U.S. would uncover the same horrific evidence, but all the more reason to keep your fingers out of your crevases (or as I like to pronounce it, creVASSes)  and your food where it belongs: ANYWHERE ELSE! It should be mentioned that it is not the average French person or tourist that is foolish enough to eat in public transportation but rather a very particular demographic which will go unnamed. The frequency with which I have witnessed this corn-eating behavior has increased this summer, progressing to about 2 times a week.

I welcome any information pertaining to the study I referenced – it’s one of those word-of-mouth stories that gets passed along and I’m certain the study exists, I just have yet to find it.
Happy commuting!