Friday, April 14, 2006

Subway in Beijing

I go to work or client site via Beijing Subway every day. That is the best way to beat the horrible traffic jam in Beijing city. There are way too many cars on the road although almost all the major streets are at least 5 lanes one way.

When there is not enough resource, you can see how people thrive to make some space on his/her own. I have not learnt that skill yet, thus, I usually let go 2 or 3 trains every morning. When the train is not crowded, people are generally nice if they have not had some garlic or raw onion for breakfast. The experienced passengers would make their way to the door before his/her destination comes along. However, the passengers about to board would be so eager to proceed when the door opens. I sometimes have to fight my way out very aggressively with the laptop bag as my shield. People moan, show their complaint with grumpy face... The typical big city life.

Unlike the subway system in New York or London, the annoucement in the train is very very loud. It tells you what is the next station and when to interchange if you would like to take the other line. The volume is so high that your ear drums actually hurt.

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