Guangzhou Metro Stations: Inconvenient is an Understatement. For Real.
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Sure, here's a natural-sounding translation while retaining all the emotion and detail:
Alright, picture this, my fellow travelers, especially if you're heading to Guangzhou!
So, I'm on my way to the airport, dragging this huge 20kg suitcase from the hotel to the metro station. And what do I find?
- The only escalator is going up. Great. I look around for an elevator (you know, the accessible kind for folks with luggage or mobility issues), but it’s either hiding really well or doesn't exist at all. The entrance doesn't have any available.
- Heads up, folks! If you've got heavy bags, especially older metro stations or certain exits might lack convenient down escalators or easily findable elevators. Be prepared to do some serious lifting.
I haul my suitcase, which feels half my height, down the stairs, step by agonizing step. But oh no, this isn’t over yet! Next up: the security check.
- I swear, every last ounce of my strength went into lifting that 20kg bag onto the security scanner belt (which is usually about waist-high).
- And here comes the twist! The door of the security scanner was too tiny for my suitcase. The queue behind me got longer and the security officer watched this whole scene unfold without any words or helpful hands. Frustrated, I lifted the case at roughly a 45-degree angle, then finally it went through.
Just as I'm about to do victory dance, the officer asks: "Open your bag, there's a spray bottle in there."
- You’ve got to be kidding me; they didn’t show interest when I arrived at this airport metro station, and I’m pretty sure their fancy machine can see the spray is tinier than my hand.
- But nope, I now have to lay flat this massive suitcase, punch in the code and try to catch everything exploding outwards (of course it’s packed tightly!). I also rummage around in search of toiletries where the officer's vague pointer led.
- First up is the sunscreen. Not what they want. I put it back.
- Then I find the culprit: a 100ml hydrating facial mist. I hand it over. The officer stares at it, then hands it back. I place it carefully back in its little pouch, then back in the suitcase. At this point, I’ve been awkwardly bent over, rear end exposed, searching for things in a busy airport metro station for more than I’d care to admit.
- Pro-Tip / Heed Warning: Metro security might show some variation. Even if a small liquid (like a travel-sized spray under 100ml) has passed before or is clearly visible, they may still ask you to take it out. Keep your toiletries easily accessible if you don’t feel like unpacking everything in front of onlookers!
I finally manage to close this troublesome suitcase, but it fights back. I squeeze it with all my strength right there in plain sight! Phew!
But we’re not done yet! I scan my ticket and head for the turnstile.
- The gap is just barely wider than my suitcase! And I'm wearing a backpack and carrying a shoulder bag. Cue a symphony of 'clangs' and 'bangs' as I squeeze through. A quick check to make sure nothing was lost due to the battle.
- Here’s the kicker; right before all the turnstiles you find a wide, see-through accessible gate, perfect for luggage! Its screen reads: “Out of Service” in bold characters. Of course it does.
- Be wary: Regular turnstiles might be a tight squeeze with large luggage. Always look out for wider accessible gates but cross your fingers they are working!
Finally, I make it onto the train. At this point, the only thing I’m really hoping for is that the airport station has escalators… going down.
#CrowdedMetroPeakHour #MetroAdventures #MetroPOV #Guangzhou #GuangzhouMetro
- The only escalator is going up. Great. I look around for an elevator (you know, the accessible kind for folks with luggage or mobility issues), but it’s either hiding really well or doesn't exist at all. The entrance doesn't have any available.