Running of the Cabs

When we arrived at Beijing Capital Airport, my parents and I decided that taking a cab would be the best way to get into the city, so we get in line at the taxi stand. Surprisingly, the line actually resembled a line. However, this orderliness would not last long.

Let me (try to) explain how their taxi queue system worked. First of all, there are two lines of people at the taxi queue. The cabs came in from a special entrance just for cabs and stop in pre-designated spots in the middle of the road. Then, after there a sufficient number of cabs (as determined by the officer manning the taxi queue) parked, the officer waves his hand at one of the two lines and lets a certain number of people walk up to grab a cab. Sounds simple enough, right?

Wrong.

As soon as that officer waves his hand, it's like mass pandemonium breaks out. If you're just a bit slower, because maybe your bags are heavier, they'll just run past you, even if they were 10 people behind you. It's basically like musical chairs, but with cabs and luggage. Not to mention there is NO actual shortage of cabs, unlike in musical chairs.
 
 Next time, if I need to take a cab from Beijing, I'm stretching before hand. And consider this a warning if you ever want to come to Beijing and plan on taking a cab from the airport.

See how the cab on the right is parked in the middle of the road?

Picture courtesy of www.tour-beijing.com