The Bus

THE BUS... As I begin to write this post, I have to recall the time when my family first went to Disney World. We stayed on the Disney campus, and the best mode of transportation was THE BUS. The stations were confusing. We got off on at the wrong places. We missed a few. We got lost. The experience of the bus was so exhausting, yet memorable that my Mother and I said we would write a story about it. We never got around to it. But, in essence of that experience, I figured I would share this one.

In Hefei, China, and most other places, there are five modes of daily transportation. You can walk of course. There are special lanes for electric bikes, regular bikes, and mopeds. You could drive yourself, or take a taxi. The last, but not least, option is to take the bus. Walking is probably the safest because of the reckless driving habits of the cars and the bikes. However, this takes too long, and is tiresome. You could drive or ride a bike. I won't be, because everyone in China needs to attend a driver's ed class! You are most likely to get hurt, unless you are used to fearlessly maneuvering through the traffic.  Taxis are extremely convenient. The driver is most likely a pro at dodging in and out of traffic. So, you will most likely be safe. However, those taxi cab costs add up, and can be quite expensive. For just 1 rmb, you can hop onto a bus at the nearest bus station and get to your destination in a matter of minutes, depending on the traffic.

The bus is a very popular option. As many people depend on the bus to get them where they need to be. The problem with the bus... Most of the time, they are over-crowded. Most Chinese people have no concern for personal space. So, they will pack on a bus like sardines. I was amazed the first time I saw it. The bus driver had to literally stop people from getting on the bus. For the people getting on the bus, it is nearly a competition to see who can get on the bus first. It is almost a natural reaction. There maybe no one on the bus, but those ready to board it, will rush to be the first on the bus. Only way to move around on the bus is to push. No one will naturally just move aside to let you through; and they don't mind if you push them to move. The bus driver moves as fast as he/she possible can down the road; and will slam on breaks to stop perfectly adjacent with the upcoming station. Imagine the poor passenger's on the bus who are standing. They are doing everything within their might to hold and keep their balance. When you get on the bus, you must hurry and find your spot. It won't be long before there is a huge jerk, and the bus is off to the next station.

My experiences on the bus.... Well, the bus announcement of the upcoming stop is in Chinese of course. So, I have no idea what it says. I have gotten off the bus too early, and had to walk for an hour. I was so lost. It was dark, no one could help me because they could not understand me. I had know idea where I was so I could not call  my boss to get directions. Eventually, I was able to get enough of a WiFi signal to look at my Google maps. Lucky I had marked home and school as points of interest. I mapped where I was, and figured out how to get home. There was a time when I missed my stop. I was riding and looking, riding and looking lol. And then the bus pulls into this shed. The driver says something to me, but I don't know what!!! Then he proceeds to get off the bus. Omg!!! So, I guess he is done. I get off the bus, and I look around. Nothing looks familiar! So, I hailed a taxi. I showed him my address, and he drove me two blocks down the street. He made a quick, unnecessary six bucks. There have been times when I have gotten caught on a crammed bus. It wasn't too packed when I got on, but it seems all of Hefei was waiting at the next stop up the road. They all got on the bus. That was a long ride. It seemed as if my stop would never come. When it finally did, it was a fight to get off the bus. Once, I was waiting at a bus stop for forever!!! Just to realize that the bus I was waiting for did not stop at this station. I was too tired. All this time I was waiting for the 15 or the 155, and the 4 bus that I should have been on had passed me three times already. On the bus, the people are so fascinated with my appearance, that they just sit and stare. Some will try to hide it, and others won't. Most don't mean any harm, but, after a long day, it is hard to put on a good face and be nice to the locals. One lady actually poked me...lol. I guess to make sure that I was real. I assume it was her daughter who called her attention to her behavior. I actually just laughed. The old lady was ashamed, so I shook her, and the young ladies hand. She spent the rest of the time talking and smiling at me. From that point on, Music became my very best friend...lol

If nothing at all, the bus has taught me not to sweat the small stuff. Even if it appears to be as big as a bus. I take my headphones with me everywhere. My music keeps me calm for the most part, and distracts me just enough from the foolishness that maybe going on around me. Sometimes, I still get lost; or I am not exactly sure of where I am. There are still occasions when I get off the bus too earlier. Now, I just appreciate the walk. In the month that I have been here, I have learned to memorize my surroundings. I am becoming familiar with street signs. I am constantly looking to see what buses stop at what stations. I am learning the times when the bus system is the busiest to avoid packed buses. I refuse to get on a bus that is over crowded or over capacity. The bus is dangerous enough as it is. I try my best to sit in the back. This way, I am not expected to get up for an older person. If I am sitting in the front, I will move. I know some foreigners who won't. Their reasoning is that if young Chinese people will not get up for their own elder's, why should they? I understand their point. However, I am doing my best to keep to my humanity and manners. Which are very easy to lose here. And, I can just picture being slapped upside my head for letting an old lady walk by me, and not giving her my seat. So, I do. No matter how tired. I give the old person my seat. And, if by chance I do not have a seat to give them, but there is a young person sitting down; I have no problem being the crazy foreigner and nudging them to move. They can't understand what I am saying, but they get my point. MOVE AND LET THE LADY SIT DOWN WITH YOUR NO MANNERS SELF!!! That is usually my statement. lol.

Through all my crazy misadventures, I have had some peaceful times on the bus. Quite times where I just ride. With my music going on a non crowded bus, I can actually begin unwinding from my day. Or, I can get my mindset together as I prepare to start another day. Also, I have come closer to some of my coworkers (Chinese and Foreign) on the bus. I have met some adorable children who were excited to practice their English. Plus, there is this hilarious cartoon that plays on the t.v. on the bus with a herd of sheep, and their watch dog. None of the animals speak.but they do make noises. Their little adventures on that show are hilarious. I don't know what the show is called, but I be dying on the bus laughing at that cartoon. LOL. Then the locals really think I am the crazy foreigner. Hey, what can I say? I love cartoons!

Anyway this my note about the Bus. I am not sure if it will really do THE BUS experience any justice. It maybe something you have to see for yourself. I will put some pics up soon about the bus system. Thanks again for reading. Your comments mean the world to me! Feel free to share my blog with others. Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and your prayers! Love you all!!!

This weeks song is dedicated to all of those who get exactly what they pray for....Even if it isn't what they expected <3!

p.s. I hope you got a kick out of this one Tri Tri! lol. LOVE you!!!