The Nanjing metro system is new, bright, spacious and clean. The trains run smoothly and on time and it’s only 2 yuan (20p) to ride it. 
“Welcome to take Nanjing Metro” the female announcer’s voice comes through the tanoy. “Take care of children and old people”, “Balloons and flying animals are not permitted”, “No running or fighting”.
My favourite is the announcement to let passengers off the train before trying to get on yourself. Often at a crowded station like XinJieKou I dread having to get off. I know what it will be like, the doors open and in front of me is a wall of people coming towards me completely inconsiderate to the fact that I and many others are trying to get off. They push you backwards into the train making it impossible to get off in time before the doors close automatically.
If I find myself at the door and therefore one of the first to alight I launch myself into the mass of bodies facing me, knocking a few over and forcing them to part to allow me through. I get dirty looks but hey, come on fellas, be considerate. It’s like being on the buses, it’s sometimes a scrum to get off but ALWAYS a fight to get on.
Last night I waited for the number 37. It was dark and starting to rain. 
There hadn’t been a number 37 for ages so I dreaded it coming and being packed with sweaty Chinese. It came. We pushed and a ayoung girl next to me dropped her shoulder and tried to heave me out of the way.
I took exception to this and put my arm up against the bus to block her path. Having been successful at keeping the tide of people behind me at bay I then proceeded to invite others to go in front of me “After you” I said and waved them on. I let about 6 on the bus before turning to my left and smiling at the girl and letting myself on.