Ode to the Beijing City Bus

The Beijing city bus is a highly efficient form of public transportation. As a Laowai (foreigner), I enjoy the public transportation challenge in any city. Daniel and I prided ourselves for using the “T” (Boston Subway system) to get to our hotel on our honeymoon and used it as often as we could when we lived in Tashkent (Uzbekistan). In Beijing, the subway isn’t convenient for us to use for school, so we have learned to love the city bus. Oh, city bus, how I love thee—let me count the ways.

First of all, you are there when I need you. The streets were flooded, the rain pummeled down, but there you were—on time and packed with other adoring fans.  The smiling bus flag ladies create order and the bus drivers have no fear of getting too close to cars, bikes or people on the road. They drive with a purpose.

Second, you are always full of interesting people that notice others around them.  When you take the subway, it is a rather impersonal experience. Not true on the city bus. You become a regular. You start to make eye contact; younger people give their seats to the elderly; and on that rare occasion, you start to make real connections. On my recent bus adventure, I had a conversation in sign language with a woman. Through eye contact, body and hand gestures, I learned she was tired and her body hurt. She was 46 years old and couldn’t believe I was 46 too.  She communicated that she looked older because she has pain all over her body. Dan observed and was surprised we didn’t exchange emails before we parted. 

Finally, you humble me. Daniel and I were taking the bus home from school and an older man gave his seat to me because I was a foreigner. He instructed his wife to give up her seat for Daniel. This sense of diplomacy makes me realize how important this is for me to do when I am living in Minnesota. Be welcoming. Be kind. It is universal.