Recently, the bus has been packed to the gills with riders. Much more people than usual. I figured with the furloughs, traffic would be lighter and the bus would be emptier. It's quite the opposite. Well, traffic has been a tad bit lighter. But stalled cars and accidents on the roadways back it up anyway.
So, I'm working on my projects on my laptop and am so engrossed, I don't even know where we're at on the road. All of a sudden I hear a loud beeping from the bus and it doesn't stop. It continues for a few more minutes and I hear the people next to me mention a weird burning plastic smell. So, we come to stop (I still think we're on Kunia Road). The bus driver shuts the bus down and turns it on multiple times. The whole bus goes dark and then "reboots". Finally, I hear the driver say, "gotta wait fo anaddah bus". I hear the passengers groan. Directly following that, I hear a few people calling their jobs with the "annoyed" tone in their voice. It made me glad that I have a boss who's understanding and I don't have to worry.
So, we all sit and wait. While others were irritated by the delay, I found it refreshing. I see these same people every morning and we never say a word to each other. The most communication on the bus is a nod, or a quick hi, can you move your bag? Or, can I sit there? At 5:30 in the morning, most people are trying to recoup some rest into their sleep banks from getting up at 4 am. So, it's quiet in the bus (both coming and going). Being able to chat for a few minutes with these silent neighbors I see every day was nice.
Eventually, another bus pulls up and it's only at this point I realize we're sitting on the freeway median near Waikele! Everyone files out of the bus to pack ourselves onto other express buses passing our way. Two buses stop for us. I desperately wanted someone to take my pictures standing in the middle of the freeway. But we had to hustle.
So, I'm working on my projects on my laptop and am so engrossed, I don't even know where we're at on the road. All of a sudden I hear a loud beeping from the bus and it doesn't stop. It continues for a few more minutes and I hear the people next to me mention a weird burning plastic smell. So, we come to stop (I still think we're on Kunia Road). The bus driver shuts the bus down and turns it on multiple times. The whole bus goes dark and then "reboots". Finally, I hear the driver say, "gotta wait fo anaddah bus". I hear the passengers groan. Directly following that, I hear a few people calling their jobs with the "annoyed" tone in their voice. It made me glad that I have a boss who's understanding and I don't have to worry.
So, we all sit and wait. While others were irritated by the delay, I found it refreshing. I see these same people every morning and we never say a word to each other. The most communication on the bus is a nod, or a quick hi, can you move your bag? Or, can I sit there? At 5:30 in the morning, most people are trying to recoup some rest into their sleep banks from getting up at 4 am. So, it's quiet in the bus (both coming and going). Being able to chat for a few minutes with these silent neighbors I see every day was nice.
Eventually, another bus pulls up and it's only at this point I realize we're sitting on the freeway median near Waikele! Everyone files out of the bus to pack ourselves onto other express buses passing our way. Two buses stop for us. I desperately wanted someone to take my pictures standing in the middle of the freeway. But we had to hustle.
I had to settle for taking pictures of all the action and staying behind the camera this time. So, here are all my fellow bus riders scurrying to one of our rescue buses. That bus in front was already full of riders, so they only had room for a few people to jump on. Luckily, another express bus was right on his tail and there was room for the rest of us to squeeze in.
As I made my way in between the parked buses and onto my new chariot (via the back exit door), I looked behind the bus and saw the line of cars waiting for us to load up and move along. For a split second I felt bad for holding up traffic. Not me personally, but our bus.
As I made my way in between the parked buses and onto my new chariot (via the back exit door), I looked behind the bus and saw the line of cars waiting for us to load up and move along. For a split second I felt bad for holding up traffic. Not me personally, but our bus.
Then that moment passed as fast as it hit me and I realized, why should I feel bad? WE'RE using mass transit. Something that most people refuse to use or even try because of the fear or inability to be strapped to a bus schedule. So, they can wait for 2 minutes while we shuffle in and out of buses that we now have to stand up in the rest of the way. Heck, we got places to go too.
So, which one do I get one? Holy crap, look at all the people already on the bus!
So, which one do I get one? Holy crap, look at all the people already on the bus!
So my new position on this express bus was on the stairwell next to the exit door. I looked at the filipino woman near me and smiled and said, "Gosh, I feel like I'm in the Philippines. We should just hang out the sides and sit on top too!" She agreed and we both laughed.
Some people have issues with being crammed like sardines. In the PI, there is no such thing personal space rule. They'll stand right up on you if they can. It's all about getting where you need to go.
Some people have issues with being crammed like sardines. In the PI, there is no such thing personal space rule. They'll stand right up on you if they can. It's all about getting where you need to go.
(Shameless Plug) I had my Thirty-One Vary You Versatile bag inside of my Thirty-One Medium Utility Tote (brand new item coming out in November). I normally just carry the purple bag but I had my laptop and didn't have time to shove it in the bag so I dumped everything into the utility. I have my purse, laptop, umbrella, bags of microwave popcorn, a few pouches of pop tarts, and the morning paper.
The bag fit perfectly under the seat and out of everyones way. This bag is MUCH easier to tote around than the large utility tote. Getting on and off the bus with this bag is a breeze and I can easily just drop my stuff in it. No more worrying about leaving something behind on the bus or at work. I also have the cover for this bag. Unlike the large utility tote, this fits comfortably under your arm and you're not jabbing people in front or behind you with the stiff lip of the bag.
I already foresee this bag being a HUGE hit in November. Especially with the special, spend $35 and get THIS bag for $7! Say what?!
The bag fit perfectly under the seat and out of everyones way. This bag is MUCH easier to tote around than the large utility tote. Getting on and off the bus with this bag is a breeze and I can easily just drop my stuff in it. No more worrying about leaving something behind on the bus or at work. I also have the cover for this bag. Unlike the large utility tote, this fits comfortably under your arm and you're not jabbing people in front or behind you with the stiff lip of the bag.
I already foresee this bag being a HUGE hit in November. Especially with the special, spend $35 and get THIS bag for $7! Say what?!
Here's the view of the back of the bus. Hi friends! Say Cheese, you're on Maria-cam! And there's me in the mirror. HI!
So as I stood there on my ride in I couldn't help but think of the Aloha Spirit we have here. Not ONE person grumbled about being delayed a few minutes due to our bus failure.
Commuters often have to connect to different buses once in down town. We value every MINUTE and almost everyone wears watches set to "bus time". One or two minutes too late and you miss your connecting bus. That means you have to wait 20 or 30 minutes for the next one. Thankfully, our bus system is so efficient, once your in the vicinity, you can basically catch almost any bus to get you to your destination. And most bus drivers are friendly and helpful. I stress MOST.
So that was my morning. By the way, I managed to walk into work right on time. Can you believe that? Even with a 20 minute delay. Whew! Till my next adventure...
So as I stood there on my ride in I couldn't help but think of the Aloha Spirit we have here. Not ONE person grumbled about being delayed a few minutes due to our bus failure.
Commuters often have to connect to different buses once in down town. We value every MINUTE and almost everyone wears watches set to "bus time". One or two minutes too late and you miss your connecting bus. That means you have to wait 20 or 30 minutes for the next one. Thankfully, our bus system is so efficient, once your in the vicinity, you can basically catch almost any bus to get you to your destination. And most bus drivers are friendly and helpful. I stress MOST.
So that was my morning. By the way, I managed to walk into work right on time. Can you believe that? Even with a 20 minute delay. Whew! Till my next adventure...
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