This is Not a Crowded Bus

This is Not a Crowded Bus
Originally uploaded by triciawang.

Bus #302; Beijing, China

12pm
I am shoulder to shoulder and there is no space to move - but this is still not crowded. Crowded starts at 5pm - where you are nostril to nostril.
Crowded is when you have to prepare 2 stops ahead of your stop to get off the bus. Crowded is when you can't move your elbows to even make room - you just have to keep pushing and squeezing to get through. Crowded is when you can feel 5 people's hot breath against your neck and face. Crowded is when you feel your lungs being squeezed dry. Crowded is when you feel someone's wallet contents being pressed against you.
the fact that I can even lift my elbow right now to take this picture definitely means this is now crowded.