Hop on!

Using Public transport is a way of life in this city, and I absolutely love the time I spend in buses or trains. I also love my companions on the bus and would like to introduce them to you:

1. The Candy Crush Saga Survivor-Need I say more? I have unfailingly encountered them on any mode of transport, however short/long be the journey. Many of these were former Angry Bird players, but I guess they prefer some colourful jellybeans over grouchy flock.

2. The Cell Phone Addict-A slight variation from 1, he/she is usually hooked on to a chat app, a movie or some music. I love the chat app ones the best, especially if they are seated next to me. I shamelessly stare at their screens and enter into their worlds for a short time – fights with a mother over moving in with a girlfriend, discussions about Charles and Keith sales, romantic exchanges with two boyfriends simultaneously-I have seen it all.

2. The Kiasu king/queen- Kiasu is a South east Asian term that means “someone with a grasping/selfish attitude”.  These are the people who will start pushing around miles before their stop actually approaches, almost prompting you to say,” slow down grasshopper!”  In case it’s a Kiasu queen she will also destroy your toes with her heels in a bid to reach the exit way before the bus stops. And God forbid, if they don’t get a seat to sit, they will push and shove around like an angry bull that has been shown the brightest shade of red.

3. The Grumpy Granny/Grandpa- They are the moral police and are more effective than all the Stand up Sallies, Move over Mikes and Give up Glens (a marketing initiative to make people offer their seats to the elderly/the disabled). If you dare continue to sit in a seat while they are standing, their fiery gaze will turn you into ashes before too long.

4. The lost in lust couple-They are the ones that I typically avoid looking at out of sheer embarrassment. I have actually noticed parents cover their childrens’ eye sometimes when such couples are around.  But to be fair to them, they are so busy with one another that they never disturb anyone else.

5. The corporate honcho-I encounter them on some segments-guess they are too busy to accompany me daily. He/She can be identified due to ear blasting conversations which have the words “deal cracked”, “millions”, “commission” and “bonus” generously used.

6. The chatterbox-Again, I don’t encounter them on every single journey, but when I do, they make me glad that my ride is over. They want to know everything about you-job, marital status, address, nationality, parents, friends…and have words of wisdom to offer on each of these.

So the next time you take a bus/train ride, keep your cell phone in your pocket, your Ipad in your bag and look around- I am sure you will meet my companions too.  Until then, hasta la vista!