I love Beijing's...
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Beijing,
China
Thursday, August 21, 2008
...subways.
Growing up in Houston, my only exposure to mass transit was when the whole family would pile into Daddy's Caddy. So, you can imagine that I might be more than a little bit intimidated by a Chinese subway.
At first, I was only about walking it or cabbing it. But, after a few rides on the subway, it is definitely my preferred mode of getting around town. It's clean, it's fast, it's cool and comfortable, and easy to navigate. There's even a soothing female British voice that "holds your hand" to make sure you can get around:
"We are arriving at Huixinxijie Nankou station. Please get ready for your arrival." She speaks perfect Chinglish!
(And yes, that is a real station....and yes, I did pick the hardest one!)
The best part of the subway ride is being among the people of Beijing as they go about their lives. It's also fun to see the Olympic fans board excitedly for their events, dressed in their national colors, and with their various country flags draped around them or painted on their faces.
The subway is safe, speedy, and social. Are you listening Los Angeles???????
