My stop is actually the second from the start so it's not usually too busy when I get on. Two stops later whole new world.
I get on with only a few other people already sitting. I find my seat near the back middle so I can get off easier once the rush comes on. I can hear the TV way up at the front, sometimes they show Mr. Bean or Tom and Jerry cartoon, usually it's news and propaganda I tune out easily as I can't understand most of it.
Third stop this time isn't too bad either. It's on a main road in a busy spot so usually this is where it fills up. Today it's rainy and just a few minutes before the real rush hour begins. Only a couple people boarded the bus looking happy that they would get a seat for a change.
Then comes the mad rush. Next stop is directly across from Labour Park, it's like an amusement park with free admission but the rides and games you need to buy tickets. It has gardens, pathways, some restaurants and a pond with benches. During the day seniors love it here. They come and play cards and mah jong. It must be getting close to dinner time as many people getting on now have groceries.
Suddenly, I'm standing at the front. Curse my lack of elbow strength. If I just stuck em out more I could have secured my spot by the door. I almost always end up giving up my seat when it is busy like this.
Anybody who has ever taken a bus during Chinese rush hour knows how the drivers like hit the gas then slam the brakes. Kind of like they do everywhere else but more often. So I was trying to get a photo of the growing crowd when suddenly the bus jerks as I click and I am nearly tossed to the floor because I wasn't holding anything for a brief second.
Got this blurry shot of sexy old lady legs. haha I really I swear that's how it happened.
Well that's my typical bus ride. It's not easy to catch a taxi when it's raining. Every taxi that passes is occupied.
TIC = This Is China