One Thing I Shall Never Do Again (I Hope)

The Beijing Railway Station was daunting. I had to get off at a different station on the subway trying to get there (as the regular one was closed), and I was fairly lost. Normally I would decline a ride on the back of a motorized bicycle for 10 yuan, but I really needed someone who knew the way. We scooted through traffic, and a back route, and emerged at the side of what seemed like the most busy place I had ever seen. It was as I imagine Times Square to be on New Years, except - all the time. Busy, neon, and enormous. Making my way through wasn't too bad, though I seem to have almost uncanny luck when it comes to just 'picking the right direction'. I ended up at the train in plenty of time, though the station was as big as an airport; it was complete with baggage scanners, escalators, and multiple departure and arrival levels.

There are some times when you just know you've made a mistake. This was one of those times. I walked into the crowded seating car (number 4) on the train, and realized that I had gotten a window seat. Now, normally this is a good thing on a daytime ride. You get to catch some scenery, and you even have a wall to lean against if you feel like sleeping on the night run. Unfortunately, the seat was not designed to be comfortable by western standards. The table had a lower mini-level that interfered with my legs just enough to keep the seat from being comfortable. My knees are also just a bit too long, so as to get in everyone else's way. The curtain smelled slightly of urine (where I had to put my head), and no one was quiet the entire night. Not to mention the completely new idea of being in close bodily contact with someone you don't know and can't sufficiently talk to for 13 hours. This is compounded by the fact that the seat is too close to the table to lean in and sleep on it. When you add it all up: it really sucks. I'm taking a bed car next time.

Thus, we arrived in Shanghai, after what seemed an age of passage through the countryside. I was extremely grateful for the newfound personal space.