A few months ago, I started taking Golden Gate Transit’s Number 10 bus route at 4PM-ish occasionally. As you learn riding the system, you typically have the same driver on the same route at the same time 5 days a week.
Some drivers are stoic, and barely say hello. Others are friendly to a point. Once in a great while, you meet someone who can drive a bus, has a life, outside interests, and a personality, and is willing to talk with you as much as time and safety permit.
Virginia drives the 4PM-ish bus. I met her and over time we’ve become more and more friendly. I can’t always sit close to her to chat ALL the time, but she’s made it clear that some conversation is welcomed at times, so when I can, I move up to the front of the bus so we can converse.
Virginia listens, too. We talked about my job search, and the waiting (yes, STILL waiting as I type this). When I get on the bus the day after a conversation, Virigina wants updates and remembers details. She’s always funny and friendly.
One day, I got on the bus in my Nike Brasils – which are BRIGHT yellow with green trim and laces. She had a field day with those. At one point, she turned around, thinking I was sitting behind her, and asked about the shoes. The woman who WAS behind her was … confused, initially. I offered that I thought she meant me – I was 2 rows back – and Virgina says, “The shoes! I want the shoes! Bring them here!”
What a hoot.
Yesterday I got on the bus at the actual beginning of the route with my fresh buzz – FINALLY got rid of the big hair on Saturday. That shocked her. We actually had some good chuckles on the way down.
Virginia is interested in archaeology. Today, I’m sharing a pressing that is copy of an ancient document written in Linear A. I got it on Crete in Chania – one of the Greek Ministries sells them as souveniers and teaching aids.
On a sadder note, I’ll probably saying goodbye to Virgina for a while. Assuming this contract closes today, I’ll be having full days from 6-8 daily, 5 days a week. I’ll miss her.
