Argh! I've been there and I am familiar with the smell you so eloquently describe. I can't advocate enough asking at check in for the seats chart - I have waited out a bus or even two to secure a seat toward the front, as they are less odorous, subject to slamming noises from people using the lavs or self-service fridges and less subject to motion in comparison to the aftmost seats.
And I agree - the metro (or trolleybus) with luggage is not a fantastic idea.
Originally Posted by
dixonge
We ended up opting for the Futura Plus service. It would have been great, except that we ended up on the last row, right in front of the restrooms. Every time someone flushed and then opened the door to exit, the sickly sweet smell of recycled porta-potty waste washed over us for about sixty seconds. No music or headphones or internet either. Other than that, it was a great ride!
Didn't want to try the Metro with three overhead bags and two shoulder bags, but the Taxi was great.