November 5, 2013

Dear Shanghai Commuters,

Apparently at first glance I still don't look like I'm pregnant.  Could it be that I'm not wearing an apron dress, or that I don't come waddling along like a farmyard duck?  Well, the fact remains that I am indeed six months pregnant, and therefore would like to enjoy that nicely designated seat for "pregnant, elderly, or handicapped" passengers on the metro.

As I boarded the Line 10 metro at the zoo station heading east into the city I was not the least bit surprised to see that it was very crowded with several hundred of you on your way to work.  The first two stops only brought on more people, but finally at the third stop there was a mass exodus and a subsequent rush to fill the empty seats.  Naturally I was a bit slow and did not get to claim a seat right away.  I hope you don't mind, young woman with your iPhone in one hand and fake LV bag in the other, that I thrust my belly into your face to let you know that I'd really appreciate sitting down.  Thanks for not making a stink and just letting me take your seat.

Of course the rush hour crowd only worsened on Line 2 downtown at the final station on the Puxi side, heading over to Lujiazui in Pudong.  So Mr. Tall-Chinese-Man-Listening-to-His-Music I hope you weren't too bothered when I squeezed in at the last minute, and squished myself right up next to you.  Maybe you didn't even notice that my little monkey had a bout of hiccups, that it wasn't my phone ringer on vibrate or indigestion that you felt rumbling against your own torso.

And by the way commuters, have you noticed that even a 6-month pregnant woman is still capable of walking up the stairs to exit the station?  Do you think you might consider walking off that extra chicken leg or pork dumpling by heading up the stairs instead of cramming onto the escalator like a bunch of sardines?  Just a suggestion.

Apparently in the past people were much more polite, respecting their elders, giving way to others, helping out little old ladies or bulbous pregnant ones.  I'm not saying that everyone is just a jerk, but where's the common courtesy?  At least I can count on the immigration officers to invite me to the VIP line.  Too bad the modern culture seems to be one of "me first" everywhere I turn.  Be on the lookout for pregnant passengers and offer them a seat, would ya?

Thanks,
One exhausted mama on the metro