Here in Bulgaria, no one really takes turns. When the bus doors open at your stop, you'd better be ready to get off because everyone else is already rushing the doors. The same goes for the metro. And/or any other kind of public transportation.

If the bus, train or tram is crowded, it's madness. Especially when you consider that there will be a lot more room on the bus/train/tram once the people who want off, get off.

Still, somehow this mad rush persists.

I don't know why it persists. In my mind it seems only reasonable to let people climb off the train or bus before trying to climb on yourself. But this clearly not the case for many Bulgarian riders. They are singled minded riders: must get on the bus.

Maybe it comes from overly crowded buses.

But really, tonight at 7pm when the bus was basically empty and I was getting off I was rushed by three old women and one middle aged man. They barely parted ways for me to get off <em>and</em> I was standing at the door ready for it to open.

Don't worry, I managed to get off <em>and</em> they scrambled on.  Still, the intensity and sheer determination they demonstrated tonight on the 111 bus seemed a little misplaced. A little too much.

<em>Or</em> alternately, I don't understand what the big deal is.