Friday, July 07, 2006

Bus Rides

Depending on when I am working, I sometimes take the bus to work or back home again. I am a fan of the bus when I am on it, but not a fan of waiting for it.... There are a couple of things I like about buses, one being that I can read my book and zone out with my lovely iPod without having to worry about driving. The other thing that's really enjoyable is watching some of the wacky people who live way to close to me for my liking....

The most interesting guy is obviously a special person. He likes to chat to himself as he rides and always wears orange overalls... Now there is a victim of fashion! One day I got on the bus and found all the seats, bar the one next to him, were taken. So I gathered my courage and sat down next to him. I had my headphones on and so hoped to block out his mindless rantings. Unfortunately for me, he decided he would play virtual tennis (yup...) and began swinging his virtual raquet back and forwards. I moved as far away as possible from him, but that only seemed to help him make bigger sweeps with his raquet. I had to get off the bus much sooner than I had planned....

There is a guy who rides the early bus that I take and he always sits at the front of the bus and tells the driver about everything that is going on in his life. I had never been able to make out what he was saying until this morning, when for some reason the acoustics were just right. He was boring the driver with news of his daughter (he doesn't see her often as he is divorced and she ain't living with him. Big surprise). This guy is one of those people who hypnotises you with his head. It is all bald and shiny and has a big lump right on the top of it. It is horrifying and yet beguiling all at the same time... I was tempted to take a photo, but I am sure it would creep my dear readers out too much!

One fun (it is a relative term!) thing to do on a bus is to sit at the back and watch where people choose to sit. First people go for the empty seat and you end up with a bus of half filled seats. Then it gets really interesting as you try to guess where new passengers will sit. Petit women seem to be the partner of choice when sitting, with large scary looking males way down on the list. It is a good way to pass the time if you are riding with a friend. Money could even change hands!

San Nakji for President!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I usually keep my head low on buses. No attention is brought to me and that means the thugs don't wanna beat me up.

Cergie said...

So, you prefer to observe than read your book.
I wonder what kind of job you have. I think you may be a golden boy, because you're going so early to your office.

Oricon Ailin said...

Riding on buses here in El Paso could be a dangerous thing. I don't like to ride the bus here. If I don't have a car, I just won't go. Or, I'll get a family member to take me somewhere.

I used to ride on buses all the time in Miami, but here, I'm too afraid.

Tim Rice said...

It is often fun to watch people. I do it sometimes in malls and other shopping areas.

Cergie said...

You'ld rather sit near that man every morning in your bus. First because your driver would be quiet and not risk an accident. Then... This man is probably nicer inside than outside. And San Nakji one year ago would have hear his problems and try to resolve them !!!
:-D kkpudk
caca boudin pue du c**