My experiences with the subway have mostly been in NYC. To be honest, I’m not much of a fan. Especially on a hot and muggy (and smelly) day! Although, I do ride a commuter bus and highly value the hour per day of reading, reflection, and relaxation it gives me.

A benefit that you didn’t mention is that you save mental energy by not having to fight with traffic. This seriously made a significant difference in my energy levels when I stopped driving to work.

I prefer taking the subway rather than bus in my country, Singapore. We call it the M.R.T.

It’s faster and more comfortable.

You should try it if you visit Singapore. It should be less crowded than the subway in Shanghai.

@Miguel: I too have found that a lot of people are in a hurry. I simply smile at them and radiate peace, because that is what they need.

@Glen: It’s a shame I won’t be in Shanghai much longer or I would gladly have you stay at my place! Chinese is harder than it seems

“I want to learn chinese!” haha

If you perfect the language, that is a skill which will benefit you so much throughout your life.

wow. you wrote this post on your iphone?!? bonkers. zen like monkish patience you have

really like your observation of connectedness on the subway. definitely feel that too. one of my favourite things to do (specially with girls as a date plan) is to mission to the top of a mountain (usually you can drive up) or sneak up the fire escape of a high building and look over the city at the lights and feel how you are a part of that. how you are that… also helps you realise the triviality of “my story” because each light is a big epic movie sized “story”… and none of it is a big deal.

inspiring stuff.
gave it a stumble

keep well bro
alex – unleash reality