Guangzhou - Guilin (Train)

The carriage is so packed that it's most probably illegal. The aisles are filled with standing people who squeeze themselves against and into the seats on the side when the trolley lady passes up and down with her well-received goods. The spaces between carriages are cramped with people squatting or sitting on the floor who get up every now and then when fucking people keep fucking walking up and down the train in search of space when it's blindingly obvious that there isn't any.

In such a crowded carriage, the rank of the carriage attendant is clear as he sits in his own compartment, feet propped high up, enjoying the view of his window. He throws the passengers who stand enviously just outside a scornful glance and slams the door shut in their faces.

A lady allows him some space to lay his rucksack down on the floor. He uses it as a makeshift stool, rests his head against the wall and tries to get some sleep. It's impossible. Fucking trolley ladies and fucking people keep passing by, making him get up every fucking now and then.

Two people light their cigarettes and begin to smoke in the already congested carriage. Right in front of him, a teenage boy shares his thoughts and they both smile at each other, at their similar fates. A bond is formed and they try to communicate with his abysmal Mandarin before resorting to just smiles at each other's predicament. An old man who speaks Cantonese strikes up a conversation and translates for the teenager.

One of the smokers clears his throat of phlegm, the other starts to cough. He wishes they'd fall down dead right there and then from lung cancer. Through the carriage attendant's window, he catches a glimpse of the beautiful scenery outside. As beautiful as when he had caught the train from Shanghai to Hangzhou. A spit of phlegm onto the floor by the throat-clearing smoker brings him back to his harsh reality and thus, does his 14-hour train ride with a standing ticket from Guangzhou to Guilin begin.