I have finally taken my first step...onto the public transportation in China. Today I stepped into, paid my 2 yuan (roughly US $0.30) for, and jostled for a position on the bus. I think the 2 yuan to get across town totally beats the 40 yuan it is for a cab going the same distance...even if it does take double the time.
Now before you are too impressed, I did have friends with me who had been on the bus before, and could lead the way. Zach and I have taken the bus around Sacramento and San Francisco before, so I am not completely new to public transportation. But there certainly is something intimidating about trying it out in a foreign country. I was so thankful to have my friendly guides (or guiding friends?) with me.
Unfortunately, there were no seats available when we stepped onto the bus, and we did stand the entire 40 minute ride to our destination. This wasn't so bad for myself, with the exception that my arm was just exhausted after 20 minutes of gripping the hand holds above my head. It was a different experience for one of my bus companions, however. An elderly woman standing next to my friend found a comfortable head rest upon the arm of poor Steph. This went on for almost the entire trip, until Steph's utility as a human head rest was relieved by a man sitting next to said elderly woman who switched to leaning against the sitting man...and was practically sitting on his lap.
Yes, it was crowded, and yes, it was in some ways more of an effort than taking a cab, but all in all, it was not a bad experience. I will be taking the bus again--that I am confident of. Now I just need to convince a certain someone else to get on that bus someday!
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