On The Bus Again

There are so many cultural and strange things that happen when you are on the bus again that it begs to be written. The other day I saw a sign posted in the front that read, “Import Drag Racing Circuit”. Let me tell you, the driver took that sign seriously. I’ve had a lot of crazy rides before, but this was one of the wildest as we passed three busses from our same route on the way home.

Then there was the teenager who looked to be about 19. He was wearing nice jeans, leather jacket, sunglasses and had his hair mussed – very cool. He stepped on the bus caring a small basket. Interesting I thought, maybe he was taking it on a picnic. As he walked by, to my amazement he was carrying a small baby doll. Now it’s not that I haven’t seen people carrying dolls before but never by such a cool teenager. I thought of how merciless he would have been treated back in the U.S., but here no one batted an eyelash. (I learned later that February 2nd represents the day that Jesus was presented at the temple as a child, so baby dolls from the home are brought to the church for mass and to be blessed.)

Did I tell you about the robbery on the bus? I was standing in the back of the bus and noticed a thick wallet on the floor. I asked a young guy standing beside of me if it was his; he shook his head “no.” The next thing I knew he had scooped it up and was making a beeline for the exit. At that very moment a middle aged man realized it was his. Frantically he shouted, “It’s mine! It’s mine! Let me down from the bus!” He hit the ground running continuing to shout, “It’s mine! It’s mine!” Then the funniest thing happened; the young guy realizing he wasn’t going to get away with it stopped and held up the billfold as if to say, “Oh, is this yours? Here you go.” With wallet in hand the would be victim re-boarded the bus, and we were off again as if nothing had happened.

Of course there is always somebody getting on the bus to hack their wares whether it’s ice bars, fruit drinks or candy. I’ve seen people play and sing for a handout, charitable organizations make a pitch and the blind ask for donations. Then there are those who get on with their boom box and crank up the sound for the sale of a $1 CD. You can always expect something out of the ordinary. Nevertheless, it’s good to be on the bus again.

Bonus Feature – Three Great Kids

Daniel on the trip to Veracruz

Maria at the Gran Café de la Parroquia

Christina enjoys a caramel frappuccino

Christina’s work from the girl’s new painting class

Maria’s painting