This week so far has been very slow on the bus journeys. On Monday, I awoke later than usual after a busy day on Sunday and several misadventures. I was just not on the mood to rush for the early bus at 6.30 and hence I ended up getting the 7.30 Bridgetown from Bayfield. Of course at this time of the morning, it was fully into the morning rush hour traffic and hence we met the full back to back gridlock at the Two-mile, Haggath Hall and Government Hill sections of Highway 5. Needless to say I got to Bridgetown about 9.00 am, the first time I have arrived so late since starting the bus chronicles.
On Tuesday the 16th, I didn't take the bus as I drove that day.
Today, Wednesday, I got out the door a little late and hence missed the 6.30 SLC by about 5 minutes. While waiting at the stop I saw the mother of baby Jamilla who arrived late also and we had the similar comment that some days, you're just not in the mood to be rushing, especially as a long weekend approches. No buses were seen passing, so we took the first available vehicle coming along, which happened to be a Bayfield minibus. All the seats were just taken as we entered, so we had to stand for the journey. Surprisingly although the driver was playing music, it was not the crude and boisterous dub music or promotional CDs for some upcoming fete as is the norm. The music was moderately loud and tolerable and although not my type was tasteful. We stood in the bus until the bottom of Government Hill by the Nita Barrow Roundabout where I eventually got a seat. Even though there was moderate traffic, I was still able to get to town by 7.45, which was still much faster than taking the 6.30 SLC.
Thankfully every day this week we all had a safe trip and we're grateful for the travelling mercies of the day, especially after hearing the news that as much as 300 travellers may have lost their lives in a ferry accident in Korea.
¡Gracias a Dios!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
April 10 2014 'a bus shelter appears!'
We were greeted at the stop today with a new bus shelter which magically appeared. Yesterday I wrote about seeing the signs of pending construction of the shelter, but today as I approached the shop, 'Voila!', the shelter was there. I met AC at the stop this morning and we discussed the new and very welcomed development.
During the daytime the stop is exposed to the blistering sun for the entire day, the nearby tamarind tree provides limited shelter, but the shelter will be most welcomed when it rains. I have had several experiences of having to struggle to find cover in the rain. On occasions, I have had to suffer insults from friends to get shelter (Comp) or the kindheartedness of acquaintances (AC) to be protected, or even travel with my broken umbrella. This should all now come to an end. Thank You, Adopt-A-Stop!!
On the trip today, R2 and R2L were together again and I took the seat in front of them. Nothing eventful occurred today, just a quiet, peaceful trip.
I'm only waiting for some money to magically appear and then my day would be made!!
Dios te bendiga!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
April 9 2014' Evening Bayfield bus, 30 years and shorter'
While standing in the line waiting for the bus, a young lady standing behind me asked if I was Nigiel. She remembered me from going to vacation bible school more than 35 years ago at Advent Avenue. I initially thought that she was an adventist and a member of Advent but she later related that she was not an Adventist but just a young child from the community who went to VBS with me at the same church. I'm sure that I had seen her some time in the line before, and the face was vaguely familiar, but with my poor long term memory, I could never be sure.
What surprised me the most was that after all these years she still remembered my name. She guessed it as Nigiel Barrow but I corrected her on the surname. When I asked how she was able to recollect me after all those years, she said that I had not changed in the 30 years, but had only gotten a little shorter! When she explained where she lived, at the top of the 4th Avenue Alleyne's Land, I had a vague recollection of some people from the area, but had guessed the wrong house.
It's just amazing the impact you can make on people's lives and the lasting memories that are made by simple interactions daily.
Today, while paying a bill at Courts, I happened to see a member of the SLC bus posse, who remembered me. It was the mother of little Jamilla, Comp's baby friend. I asked how J was, and she said she was fine now and had fully recovered from her bout of gastro. When asked if she was back out to the nursery she said not yet, as she was home with her father this week. Regarding going back to the nursery where she got sick, she was adamant that the baby was not returning to that place.
There's a saying that we have one chance to make a first impression. Do you ever consider what impression you make on others and conversely what impression do you form of others you meet?
It felt good, to be remembered after all those years by name. It reminded me of the Book of Remembrance God has, I hope that mine in filled with the collection of good and kind deeds done. What about you?
What surprised me the most was that after all these years she still remembered my name. She guessed it as Nigiel Barrow but I corrected her on the surname. When I asked how she was able to recollect me after all those years, she said that I had not changed in the 30 years, but had only gotten a little shorter! When she explained where she lived, at the top of the 4th Avenue Alleyne's Land, I had a vague recollection of some people from the area, but had guessed the wrong house.
It's just amazing the impact you can make on people's lives and the lasting memories that are made by simple interactions daily.
Today, while paying a bill at Courts, I happened to see a member of the SLC bus posse, who remembered me. It was the mother of little Jamilla, Comp's baby friend. I asked how J was, and she said she was fine now and had fully recovered from her bout of gastro. When asked if she was back out to the nursery she said not yet, as she was home with her father this week. Regarding going back to the nursery where she got sick, she was adamant that the baby was not returning to that place.
There's a saying that we have one chance to make a first impression. Do you ever consider what impression you make on others and conversely what impression do you form of others you meet?
It felt good, to be remembered after all those years by name. It reminded me of the Book of Remembrance God has, I hope that mine in filled with the collection of good and kind deeds done. What about you?
April 9 2014 'bus driver gets reported'
Today was a most unusual day on the bus.
Firstly, as I reached the stop I noticed that preparations were being made for what appeared to be a bus shelter to be erected. This was an idea that Comp and I had a few weeks before and was actively exploring with MTW. It seems that someone else had similar plans and had beaten us to the finish line. We will still however continue with our queries.
Secondly, the SLC came down earlier than usual about 6.25 and was the first bus to arrive, normally it is preceded by the Bayfield and the Silver Sands buses. As I boarded the almost empty bus, the only persons I recognized were R2 and the intruder. The intruder was sitting in the second row on the right next to R2's regular seat and R2 had shifted over to the other side. Since R2 was now on the left alone, I sat in the seat beside her in the empty place usually taken by R2L.
Thirdly, I noted to R2 that the others had deserted me and that I was travelling alone today, we exchanged a few comments then I observed that something was different. The driver was driving very recklessly, so that everyone was sliding all over at every curve and corner he took. R2 was constantly sliding down and always adjusting her position. I was complaining about this to her and even made the comment that what the Minister said about putting seat belts on the buses made sense, if this was the way the drivers were going to be driving. It became so overbearing, that I decided to write a formal complaint and started to compose an email to send to the customer service dept.
Fourthly, the almost unthinkable occurred. As I was about to take a photo of my receipt to include in my email, I heard the sound of police sirens. There were three buses in line and I naturally assumed that the officer wanted to pass the buses as he was on some urgent business. The buses did not pull over however and when we reached the stop outside the airport, the driver pulled into the bay and got out of the bus. I can't be sure what was the reason for being stopped, but given the way he was driving previously, I'm sure it was connected to that. I finished my email to the customer service about the poor driving and sent that off the the authorities registering my disgust.
Fifthly, at Oistins, who appeared in the bus but R2L. She came and stood in the aisle beside R2 and I and asked me to hold her bags. She asked if the driver got reported and explained that when she got to the stop, she heard that the bus had already left. She was surprised, since it was still early so she took the Silver Sands instead and came to Oistins. It also seemed that since the bus was pulled over, she was able to pass it on the way and reach to Oistins before we did.
Sixthly, whilst standing, R2L noticed an empty seat and went to sit in the back of the bus. However, instead of taking her bags, she told me to hold the bags for her whilst she went and sat in the back. I was shocked at that! A woman normally does not leave her bags unattended, unless she has no choice, but for her to leave her bags to go to sit, was unexpected. It seemed she had some confidence that her possessions were safe.
She later retrieved her bags as she left and R2 said farewell on departing. I took the remainder of the trip to compose this narrative.
A very interesting morning, one of several firsts. I wait now to see if I will get a response to my complaint.
To all of you have a safe day!!
Bendiciones!
Firstly, as I reached the stop I noticed that preparations were being made for what appeared to be a bus shelter to be erected. This was an idea that Comp and I had a few weeks before and was actively exploring with MTW. It seems that someone else had similar plans and had beaten us to the finish line. We will still however continue with our queries.
Secondly, the SLC came down earlier than usual about 6.25 and was the first bus to arrive, normally it is preceded by the Bayfield and the Silver Sands buses. As I boarded the almost empty bus, the only persons I recognized were R2 and the intruder. The intruder was sitting in the second row on the right next to R2's regular seat and R2 had shifted over to the other side. Since R2 was now on the left alone, I sat in the seat beside her in the empty place usually taken by R2L.
Thirdly, I noted to R2 that the others had deserted me and that I was travelling alone today, we exchanged a few comments then I observed that something was different. The driver was driving very recklessly, so that everyone was sliding all over at every curve and corner he took. R2 was constantly sliding down and always adjusting her position. I was complaining about this to her and even made the comment that what the Minister said about putting seat belts on the buses made sense, if this was the way the drivers were going to be driving. It became so overbearing, that I decided to write a formal complaint and started to compose an email to send to the customer service dept.
Fourthly, the almost unthinkable occurred. As I was about to take a photo of my receipt to include in my email, I heard the sound of police sirens. There were three buses in line and I naturally assumed that the officer wanted to pass the buses as he was on some urgent business. The buses did not pull over however and when we reached the stop outside the airport, the driver pulled into the bay and got out of the bus. I can't be sure what was the reason for being stopped, but given the way he was driving previously, I'm sure it was connected to that. I finished my email to the customer service about the poor driving and sent that off the the authorities registering my disgust.
Fifthly, at Oistins, who appeared in the bus but R2L. She came and stood in the aisle beside R2 and I and asked me to hold her bags. She asked if the driver got reported and explained that when she got to the stop, she heard that the bus had already left. She was surprised, since it was still early so she took the Silver Sands instead and came to Oistins. It also seemed that since the bus was pulled over, she was able to pass it on the way and reach to Oistins before we did.
Sixthly, whilst standing, R2L noticed an empty seat and went to sit in the back of the bus. However, instead of taking her bags, she told me to hold the bags for her whilst she went and sat in the back. I was shocked at that! A woman normally does not leave her bags unattended, unless she has no choice, but for her to leave her bags to go to sit, was unexpected. It seemed she had some confidence that her possessions were safe.
She later retrieved her bags as she left and R2 said farewell on departing. I took the remainder of the trip to compose this narrative.
A very interesting morning, one of several firsts. I wait now to see if I will get a response to my complaint.
To all of you have a safe day!!
Bendiciones!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
April 8 2014 'the only constant is change'
Today, is the first day of the new season of chronicles without the faithful Comp in the first row. It was indeed a day of transitions as it is also the first week of the school vacation, so that the road is much clearer, the trip much faster and many of the regulars being absent.
Yesterday, at the stop we met AC, the other faithful who takes the SLC. When she arrived I asked Comp to give me her fare to make change and she demanded that I ask more politely and also say 'please'. We both reminded her that according to her custom, taking the fare without asking was the norm and she was only getting a taste of her own medicine. AC remarked that since she had given me her fare last Friday, she had paid in advance and so had no problem.
Of interest both yesterday and today was the revised seating arrangements. R2R and R2L are now sitting on the same side of the bus on the left, side by side, but still no interactions between them. Yesterday Comp and I sat in front of them, today it was the same but of course Comp was absent so I sat in front of R2L, Comp's seat being taken by an unknown traveller.
Of special interest was the fact that the bus driver yesterday, was the assumed father of BDD, the father of the bus driver's daughter. This was the first time for the year that he had been seen on the route, Comp had spotted him immediately as he passed up in the bus to turn and make the trip to town. It took me much longer to bring the face back to memory but the recollection eventually returned. To confirm that he was indeed whom we assumed, as he passed the area where BDD normally boards the bus, he tooted the horn of the bus as if to salute someone in a house nearby. Comp believes she was able to identify the house he was signaling, such superpowers I however, have not been able to master.
Since I was delegated with the responsibility of custodian of the'black bag', it was my responsibility to distribute the booty. Yesterday, I handed a mint and mini chocolate to R2L with a comment that I was trying to empty the bag, which elicited the inquiry 'why' and gave the opportunity to explain that Comp would be missing for a little while. Me and Comp both had our provision and the bag returned to safekeeping for another day. Today, the mint bag remained safely in its storeroom, I did not have the heart to bring it out.
At the stop this morning, I was discussing with AC, the apparent changes coming to the transportation system. From this morning I noticed for the first time, the new Well House to Warrens cross country bus. This came down at 6.15 and has apparently replaced the Bridgetown bus. This was bitterly critised by a commuter at the stop, who said it was an ill timed and bad decision, the action was also critised by AC. Then we discussed the changes in the terminal with the erection of monitors at each of the departure gates. It was mooted, that these electronic monitors would probably give departure information on the various routes and might replace the announcements made on the public address system.
The trip today, without Comp was quiet and dreary with me taking the time to write this chronicles whilst on the way. This change will signal an evolution in the future of the chronicles. To me it is either evolution or extinction, for it will not be the same. The process of time will tell which, but as the popular cliche goes, 'the only thing constant in life is change'.
¡Dios te bendiga!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
April 3 2014 'Jamilla sick and Jamirah well'
After a slow day yesterday and with no significant activity, today began with baby Jamilla arriving at the stop with a morose look on her face and a bandage on her little arm. Immediately, everyone was concern about her welfare and the absence of the smile and playful eyes. It was discovered that over the last few days, her mother had taken her to the nursery and apparently she picked up a bug and and developed gastro. As her mother related, she came down with severe vomiting and diarrhea and had to be rushed to the hospital to be treated. This episode really traumatised the mother who was still visibly concerned about her well-being and she confided to us that, she had decided to remove her away from that nursery. Both Comp and I tried to inform her that getting sick was nothing new for new children entering a new environment and that part of the adjustment is manifested in contracting the illnesses of the other children. She however was resolute in her decision and was firm that she would be making the change. Despite the sullen mood of Jamilla, Comp was still able to tease a smile from her face for a brief moment.
As we entered the bus, Comp and AC paid their fare and Jamilla and mother, I entered last. By the time I got to the box the machine was jammed and the driver had to open it and adjust the paper roll. Row2 was in row 1 and the left row was free. The bus was one with the softer cushioned seats and the configuration was slightly different from the regular ones. In this case, there was only one row on the passenger's side before the side door. This row we claimed for the trip. A few of the regulars got on along the way, but the bus was filling rapidly. A young man with a nursery school aged daughter got on board and I stood to give them my seat. Out of concern I warned the father that Comp was known for eating little girls, remembering the story of 'Jack and the beanstalk and the big ogre'. The father taken aback repeated 'eating little girls?' and the child turned her head away from Comp. Comp made a hurried attempt to explain and reassure the young man that his child was safe.
At the Hedding's corner SJ got on board and without asking, immediately placed her bag in Comp's lap, and gave me a welcomed pinch on the elbow. I noticed that there was a new bag and commented that the bag probably came from the closet of bags and shoes that all women seem to have.
Today the crowd was unusually heavy and the bus was crammed to capacity, SJ remarked that the driver was acting like a ZR driver as he stopped at every stop, and refused to turn back any passengers from boarding. By the time we got to the airport, there were three persons standing in the doorway by the door and the aisle was filled three abreast almost along its entire length, SJ hoped that by the time the bus got to Oistins it would lighten.
Jamirah and her sisters were back out today, but because of the crowd they could not get near to Comp, and I could see her sense of disappointment at this. Instead she tried her best to amuse the little girl sitting on her father's lap beside her, but the girl was avoiding her and was trying her best to escape, for fear of being eaten.
Since we were standing, there was little conversation initially. After the bus lightened along the Maxwell stretch, a discussion started with SJ about the Candy Crush game and the billions that the makers were making. We talked about how addictive it was and how the internet based companies are targeting users for advertising and making millions out of the many users who use their services. I noted that I had played the game for the first time after seeing a schoolgirl playing it on her tablet and was appalled to learn that there was a offer after losing, to pay a fee to complete the game by offering additional chances. To me this would lure unsuspecting gamers and the young to spend money if not vigilant.
Little by little the bus cleared until Comp got out and SJ took her seat. AC next reached her stop and left and then SJ got out at the Towers in Bay Street.
I stood for almost the entire length of the journey today, but it was a good trip and all arrived safely at their destinations.
Bendiciones!!
As we entered the bus, Comp and AC paid their fare and Jamilla and mother, I entered last. By the time I got to the box the machine was jammed and the driver had to open it and adjust the paper roll. Row2 was in row 1 and the left row was free. The bus was one with the softer cushioned seats and the configuration was slightly different from the regular ones. In this case, there was only one row on the passenger's side before the side door. This row we claimed for the trip. A few of the regulars got on along the way, but the bus was filling rapidly. A young man with a nursery school aged daughter got on board and I stood to give them my seat. Out of concern I warned the father that Comp was known for eating little girls, remembering the story of 'Jack and the beanstalk and the big ogre'. The father taken aback repeated 'eating little girls?' and the child turned her head away from Comp. Comp made a hurried attempt to explain and reassure the young man that his child was safe.
At the Hedding's corner SJ got on board and without asking, immediately placed her bag in Comp's lap, and gave me a welcomed pinch on the elbow. I noticed that there was a new bag and commented that the bag probably came from the closet of bags and shoes that all women seem to have.
Today the crowd was unusually heavy and the bus was crammed to capacity, SJ remarked that the driver was acting like a ZR driver as he stopped at every stop, and refused to turn back any passengers from boarding. By the time we got to the airport, there were three persons standing in the doorway by the door and the aisle was filled three abreast almost along its entire length, SJ hoped that by the time the bus got to Oistins it would lighten.
Jamirah and her sisters were back out today, but because of the crowd they could not get near to Comp, and I could see her sense of disappointment at this. Instead she tried her best to amuse the little girl sitting on her father's lap beside her, but the girl was avoiding her and was trying her best to escape, for fear of being eaten.
Since we were standing, there was little conversation initially. After the bus lightened along the Maxwell stretch, a discussion started with SJ about the Candy Crush game and the billions that the makers were making. We talked about how addictive it was and how the internet based companies are targeting users for advertising and making millions out of the many users who use their services. I noted that I had played the game for the first time after seeing a schoolgirl playing it on her tablet and was appalled to learn that there was a offer after losing, to pay a fee to complete the game by offering additional chances. To me this would lure unsuspecting gamers and the young to spend money if not vigilant.
Little by little the bus cleared until Comp got out and SJ took her seat. AC next reached her stop and left and then SJ got out at the Towers in Bay Street.
I stood for almost the entire length of the journey today, but it was a good trip and all arrived safely at their destinations.
Bendiciones!!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
April 1 2014 ’the mint crew helps out'
Comp redeemed herself today and played the part of the good samaritan by coming to my rescue and paying my bus fare. At the stop, we met AC and Ms Shrewsbury who were already there. As the bus came around the corner and I checked for the fare, I realized that I must have forgotten it on the dresser. The good Samaritan came to my rescue and offered to pay the fare. Not having exact change for two, she however defaulted to instinctive behavior and stuck out her hands to take the fares from AC and Ms Shrewsbury, with the comment, " even though he called me a busfare bully, I still had to come to his rescue today". AC and MS handed over the fares and entered the bus. At the box, MS whispered something to the driver and passed on, so did AC and then Comp paid the fare for all. I overheard some talk of mummy, so as I got to the box I said "She paid for me too!", and then to Comp, "Thank you mummy!".
We later understood, that MS had told the driver that 'Mummy was paying the fares for all' and when Comp put in the money, he confessed to her what was said,and that was when I heard the word mummy whispered. The driver and all smiled at the incident and I collected the four tickets.
Row2 was now Row2.1 as the Intruder was indeed in the second row. AC and MS when down to the back as customary so we took the first row on the left, in front of R2L. After the regular greetings, we started our usual conversations. Comp met a domino playing friend and was engaged in a discussion about the tournament. At the Heddings corner, slim Jeans (SJ) got on board. The storekeeper remembered the mint bag early this time and went into the bag for the bounty. Since we were out of mints however, the mini chocolates had to be distributed today. Comp passed one to R2L with a comment about being fattening and then one to SJ. Before she could get back into the bag to get another SJ had hers opened and almost consumed. I got one after, Comp taking her cool time to hand over mine. I believe that the bag may probably be empty by now, but seeing how it is under such tight security, one can never be sure.
At St. Martins Church, the dust on the road under repair was unusually high and the windows had to be closed. At Gemwick, another crowd boarded the bus including a young man with a large haversack on his back who stood beside me. The bag was really large and as he was standing backing me the bag was inches away from my head. R2L remarked that he should take the bag off his back, as so I beckoned to him and offered to hold it. He was extremely grateful to be relieved of the burden.
On the Pilgrim Road stretch the St. Lawrence sisters were out to school again. The three sisters including little Jamirah got on board and Comp was most excited to see her. She was hoping feverishly that the little girl would come and sit with her, but she got one of the side seats and so escaped another lesson in colours and shapes. Comp was however miserable for the remainder of the trip and was twisting and turning to peek through the crowd to capture the attention of the little girl on the other side of the aisle and get a wave. It was a pity to witness her torment.
A little further at the Providence stop and elderly man got on board and SJ stood to give him her seat. Comp took SJ's bags, so we were now holding other people's bags. At Oistins a blind man and an elderly man with a cane got on. The blind man got a seat after the bus driver insisted that a school boy got up and I stood to offer the elderly man mine. All the bags at this time were passed to Comp who was left sitting, but there were too many bags to hold, so she shifted her bags back to R2L, while she kept the large haversack, SJ's and my bags. I must admit, I felt for her, she had 4 massive bags and looked extremely comical as she could barely see over the top of the pile. SJ and me started to make fun saying that all she needed now was a red cap, with SJ adding "and a trolley". Given her gallant deeds, we both decided that she she should be given a tip for her deeds, But since I had forgotten my money at home and she was holding everybody's bags, an IOU would have had to suffice.
An interesting occurrence in Oistins reminded me of how, bonding and friendships are being formed on the bus. At the terminal, Comp saw BDD out the window and called to her. R2L then seeing her, said "she was out early today" and tried to call out to her. Comp gave her BDD's name and R2L stuck her head out the window and called until she got BDD's attention. I was really impressed that she went out of her way to greet an acquaintance met on the bus and in our mint ritual.
This was a day however of connections. Whilst talking to SJ as we were standing and laughing at the 'red cap', I discovered that SJ was a student of my wife at the institute she goes to and was in my wife's class. Later, after Comp left, she saw two of the St. Lawrence students we met on the bus, walking out of her workplace and discovered that their mother works in her building. These obscure connections show us that we never know, who we will meet and how lives cross and are interconnected. It is therefore incumbent on us to be honest and upright in our actions and words to all.
The young man soon took his bag and Comp was able to see ahead again, then she reached her stop and SJ took her seat and I found a seat also, leaving everyone with their own load. I gave Comp the laurel however for being exceptionally helpful today. She went beyond the call of duty and we were all proud of her.
Indeed the entire mint crew did their part, R2L, SJ, Comp and I. The influence of the black plastic bag remains strong and the effect of the super mints.
Tenga un buen dia, Dios te bendiga!
We later understood, that MS had told the driver that 'Mummy was paying the fares for all' and when Comp put in the money, he confessed to her what was said,and that was when I heard the word mummy whispered. The driver and all smiled at the incident and I collected the four tickets.
Row2 was now Row2.1 as the Intruder was indeed in the second row. AC and MS when down to the back as customary so we took the first row on the left, in front of R2L. After the regular greetings, we started our usual conversations. Comp met a domino playing friend and was engaged in a discussion about the tournament. At the Heddings corner, slim Jeans (SJ) got on board. The storekeeper remembered the mint bag early this time and went into the bag for the bounty. Since we were out of mints however, the mini chocolates had to be distributed today. Comp passed one to R2L with a comment about being fattening and then one to SJ. Before she could get back into the bag to get another SJ had hers opened and almost consumed. I got one after, Comp taking her cool time to hand over mine. I believe that the bag may probably be empty by now, but seeing how it is under such tight security, one can never be sure.
At St. Martins Church, the dust on the road under repair was unusually high and the windows had to be closed. At Gemwick, another crowd boarded the bus including a young man with a large haversack on his back who stood beside me. The bag was really large and as he was standing backing me the bag was inches away from my head. R2L remarked that he should take the bag off his back, as so I beckoned to him and offered to hold it. He was extremely grateful to be relieved of the burden.
On the Pilgrim Road stretch the St. Lawrence sisters were out to school again. The three sisters including little Jamirah got on board and Comp was most excited to see her. She was hoping feverishly that the little girl would come and sit with her, but she got one of the side seats and so escaped another lesson in colours and shapes. Comp was however miserable for the remainder of the trip and was twisting and turning to peek through the crowd to capture the attention of the little girl on the other side of the aisle and get a wave. It was a pity to witness her torment.
A little further at the Providence stop and elderly man got on board and SJ stood to give him her seat. Comp took SJ's bags, so we were now holding other people's bags. At Oistins a blind man and an elderly man with a cane got on. The blind man got a seat after the bus driver insisted that a school boy got up and I stood to offer the elderly man mine. All the bags at this time were passed to Comp who was left sitting, but there were too many bags to hold, so she shifted her bags back to R2L, while she kept the large haversack, SJ's and my bags. I must admit, I felt for her, she had 4 massive bags and looked extremely comical as she could barely see over the top of the pile. SJ and me started to make fun saying that all she needed now was a red cap, with SJ adding "and a trolley". Given her gallant deeds, we both decided that she she should be given a tip for her deeds, But since I had forgotten my money at home and she was holding everybody's bags, an IOU would have had to suffice.
An interesting occurrence in Oistins reminded me of how, bonding and friendships are being formed on the bus. At the terminal, Comp saw BDD out the window and called to her. R2L then seeing her, said "she was out early today" and tried to call out to her. Comp gave her BDD's name and R2L stuck her head out the window and called until she got BDD's attention. I was really impressed that she went out of her way to greet an acquaintance met on the bus and in our mint ritual.
This was a day however of connections. Whilst talking to SJ as we were standing and laughing at the 'red cap', I discovered that SJ was a student of my wife at the institute she goes to and was in my wife's class. Later, after Comp left, she saw two of the St. Lawrence students we met on the bus, walking out of her workplace and discovered that their mother works in her building. These obscure connections show us that we never know, who we will meet and how lives cross and are interconnected. It is therefore incumbent on us to be honest and upright in our actions and words to all.
The young man soon took his bag and Comp was able to see ahead again, then she reached her stop and SJ took her seat and I found a seat also, leaving everyone with their own load. I gave Comp the laurel however for being exceptionally helpful today. She went beyond the call of duty and we were all proud of her.
Indeed the entire mint crew did their part, R2L, SJ, Comp and I. The influence of the black plastic bag remains strong and the effect of the super mints.
Tenga un buen dia, Dios te bendiga!
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