I have to admit – I am a bit claustrophobic. My skin crawls and I break out in sweats when strangers invade my space, so you can imagine.how traveling takes its toll on me. I’ve traveled on crowded trains in New York and Tokyo, but subway trains in Beijing during rush hour take the meaning of the word “crowded” to a whole new level. When the door of the first train opened and I saw the jammed-packed people, I shook my head and told my colleague “I can’t do this. Go ahead without me.” He wouldn’t be deterred, however, and came up with a new plan. “Let’s go to the end of the platform, where it is less crowded.” What could I do?  I have to admit that the end cars were less crowded, but to put that in perspective, it was still sardine-packed crowded. I took one for the team, though, and bravely boarded.

The ride was short, but with my stop rapidly approaching, I broke out in a sweat realizing I was trapped, and wouldn’t be able to get to the door when it opened. A kind lady in a business suit realized my dilemma, and pushed the people out of my way. I barely had time to thank her as the crowd pushed me towards the exit. So to that kind person, I’d like to say again, “Xiè xiè”.

Bonus: Happy Chinese New Year. It’s the Year of the Tiger, so if you were born in 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 or 1998, you will have good fortune during a Tiger year. You can check out your Chinese sign and see if you are compatible with your significant other at http://www.chineseart.com/chinese-zodiac.htm Gung Hay Fat Choy!


Mosaics on Subway Wall