Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word

I'm no expert on Mandarin (Chinese), but I'm fairly sure that "Excuse me", "I'm sorry" and "after you, old chap" are among the least used phrases in it! I went on about this on my last trip (see here), and it has to be said that manners here are still appalling by our standards!

I know it's a different culture and everything, but really, why should common courtesy become a cropper? It really is every man, woman or beast for him/herself out here. Whether it's on public transport, at doorways or in crowded areas, you just put the head down and mow down all in your path until you reach your destination. Step on someone's (size 11!) foot? Don't bother apologising! Indeed, why not try again and get the toes you missed the first time?! The library has young kids running amok, constant mobile phone interaction and unmuted laptops. Sometimes, you think it would be quieter in a nightclub!

In mitigation, I did see a guy give his seat to an old timer on the bus the other day. Then someone had to give me one as I fainted from the shock!!!