Making a Long Bus Ride More Comfortable

Mandy's husband was in the army and once a month she would take a bus to visit with him. The first trip was an absolute nightmare. She arrived at the bus station about twenty minutes early, which she learned was not early enough.

By the time she got her ticket checked her baggage and boarded the bus there were only two seats available. One was by a humongous man who left enough room for a stick person. The other was next to an old lady and she seated herself next to her.

The trip started out okay until the old lady decided she wanted to talk. She talked and talked and talked some more. As if in her own little world, she would ask a question then answer it while Mandy hardly said two words. Needless to say, it was a long, uncomfortable bus ride.

The next trip was even worse. Mandy got to the bus station more than two hours early. It didn't take very long to get the ticket and check her bags so she had about a ninety minute wait time. When she boarded the bus she had just taken a seat when a man sat beside her. There were several available seats, yet he sat next to her. She was thinking of moving but the bus filled up too fast.

When they left the terminal, the man turned to her with a lecherous smile and told her his name. She could tell right away that she was sitting next to some kind of flirt. She put up with him through the whole trip and was glad to get off the bus and get away from him.

Mandy was a little more prepared the next time and arrived at the station an hour early, having to wait only a few minutes to board the bus. She didn't board immediately, but waited so she could choose who to sit by. The bus was about half full and she glanced around at the passengers then seated herself next to a nicely dressed, middle-aged woman.

They introduced themselves and when the bus left the terminal, the lady took out a book. Mandy had seen the terrain so many times that the trip became boring and she was wishing she had brought a book or something to pass the time. About an hour later the lady brought out a bag of mixed nuts and offered Mandy some of them.

However, it wasn't long before she became thirsty. She always ate before going on the trip so never packed any kind of snacks or drinks. This woman was obviously well prepared for a long bus ride. The air conditioning was turned up too high and Mandy felt a little chilly. Obviously, the lady did too. She pulled out a sweater and put it on.

Therefore, Mandy's experiences taught her how to make a long bus ride more comfortable. She now gets there an hour early with a small carry-on bag, and waits until a few passengers board to select who she will be sitting next to. She takes a few snacks, a drink, a sweater and her Bible in her carry-on bag. Now, her long bus rides don't seem as long, She's much more comfortable and actually looks forward to them.