Transport
Public Bus to Qufu
05.04.2008 - 05.04.2008
19 °C
05/04/08
Today Barbara, Rebecca and I caught the Bus to Qufu.
Now buses in China are one of the best means of getting around. Services are extensive, main roads are good and bus journeys are often quicker than train travel. Another plus is that it is easier to secure a bus ticket and they are cheaper than train tickets.
Now the down side. They are cramped and noisy with Chinese films on overhead TV's and 3D sound. And the driver leans on the horn at the slightest detection of a vehicle or person in front.
So this morning the bus was due to depart at 9.30 am or so the schedule says, however the driver crams as many fares as is possible and waits to fill up before departing. The bus finally departs jam-packed at 10.10 am. We were fortunate that we had a seat. Those standing in the aisles had 1.5 hour stand.
We approach a toll gate and the bus stops about 150 m before the gate. All those "illegal Passengers" that are standing have to get off the bus and walk thru the toll gate. Of course we as foreigners are surprsied. On the other side of the toll where the Police. We go thru the toll and about 150 M past the Police car and wait for our "illegal Passengers" to reboard the bus.
Well we were laughing as we thought that this was rather amusing. The "illegal Passengers" just got back on like this was a normal occurence.
As they say "This is China
Posted by Bettinamc 05.04.2008 05:41 Archived in China
This sounds like a movie script for James Bond 707 just remember tobe always be early and get a seat or walk the magic carpet. Its great to see how the other half live who being educated here.
05.04.2008 by betty044