A Surprise in Every Bus

After months of pleading, my sister finally came to visit me at school.  She only stayed overnight and her train got in pretty late.  For the first time, I used my bus pass to get to the Amtrak station.  Her train got in a few minutes after my lab got out and the excitement and small time gap forced me to sprint to 21st and Lawrence.  I hopped on the bus, both weary and excited.  My sister has a generally negative opinion of Tacoma and thinking of this I felt a little pessimistic as the bus headed through the paved streets into the bleak night.  From previous rides from Seattle I knew the Amtrak station was close to the Tacoma Dome transfer station, but I wasn't quite sure where to head. I asked the bus driver and he gave me the most thorough instructions I have ever received for walking half a block.  The enthusiasm in his voice put a little more pep in my step and the conversation carried on to Ol' Jim, the bus driver in the bus next to us.  Ol'Jim, apparently, is one fantastic guy.  The two of them shoot pool every night after work to blow some steam.  I was really surprised at the driver's contagious joy.  I'd be exhausted and cranky after driving people around all day, but this driver was open and friendly.  I never thought, until that ride, that a bus ride would cheer me up.

Mei-Lani, Student