Marshrutki
I have no choice so I plop down into the only free spot and despite all of my expectations, the driver doesn't jerk away from the stop right as the door is closed: "Thanks".
"Can I get change from a 10?"
"Is it OK if I stand?"
"How much is it to Vesnyanka?"
You get used to everything as time passes, even to the fact that you have to spend 15-20 minutes a day just to get somewhere. Riding to work from home, to classes from work, to Koltsova, to the train station, to friends - it doesn't matter where. This time cannot be devoted to yourself - you automatically become a part of other people's trips.
"Please pass my fare to the driver"
"Vanya, did u take your passport?"
From the window: sidewalk on the right, another minibus is passing us on the left, the outskirts, subway stations, the green line bus, and from out of nowhere you get a shake from the tram lines…. It's time to get off:
"Next stop, please."
Minsk, 2009