Bus misadventures

Part of my daily routine is taking the bus (mostly to and from the university). And there is nothing like public transportation to get a window into Chinese culture. Friday seemed to be a day full of adventures and misadventures on the bus. To start the morning off, I was almost to the stop when I saw my bus pull up at the stop and pull away. (sigh) Maybe that should have told me how the rest of day was going to follow. Shortly after, another bus pulls up, I endure the jam-packed bus and transfer like normal. But on my second bus, I was able to snag a seat (always a rarity in the mornings). When we were almost to my stop, an elderly woman got on. I motioned to her and told her that I would give her my seat. We argued about it -- this always happens, it is really a courtesy thing. I have heard it said that in Chinese culture you need to offer something 3 times and if it is still declined then it was truly not wanted. I have never had to insist more than twice to get someone to take my seat. As we were arguing, I was getting up and moving down the stairs, but as I stepped down the first step the bus lurched forward and I fell. Now I was not hurt, just seriously embarassed. Ah, well. Then after class, I stopped on my way to the bus stop to get fruit. When I was still some distance away, I saw my bus pull up to the stop. I sprinted down the bike lane waving my arms wildly. (Mind you, I am carrying a bunch of fruit and my bag filled with my textbooks) But it worked and the driver waited for me! I climbed onto the bus and driver laughingly asked me if I ran all the way from the uni. Smiling I answered that I did. I got a seat in the back and tried to catch my breath. Midway through my ride home, I once again gave up my seat (this time without falling). I moved closer to the back door. This older woman, usually called a nainai (grandmother) began a conversation with me. She started out by noticing my fruit and asking how much I paid for each thing. Then she proceeded to tell me that the oranges I bought weren’t any good. Though she did approve of the strawberries and the price that I paid for them. Next we transitioned into the normal: where are you from? why are you here in China? Then she asked me to guess how old she was. I paused. I mean, what if I guessed wrong (especially too high) and offended her? So I guessed 60, and it turns out she was in her 70s. She laughed and said that I was close. She proceeded to guess that I was 25. I corrected her though I am not sure that she believed me until I told her that I have 3 children. But the craziest thing is that throughout our conversation she kept telling me: "您是我们的客人- Ni shi womende keren." (You are our guest -- meaning here in China) And that I should not give up my seat since I was their guest. Finally, as she got off the bus she insisted that I take her seat and told the ENTIRE BUS that I was their guest and should have a seat. So, I did the only thing I could and sat down. What an experience!