What Made My Bus Trips Unforgettable?

Two distinct bus journeys, happening twenty years apart, stand out vividly in my memory. One involves a famously embarrassing hiatus from important matters, while the other results in an unexpected and valuable gift. Both trips are etched in my mind not just for the distance covered, but for the unexpected circumstances and people encountered along the way.

A Nightmarish Bus Ride to Hyderabad

While I had always preferred railways for long journeys, an urgent mission forced me to take a bus trip from Hyderabad to my hometown. A few years prior, I booked a ticket and was looking forward to a comfortable night of sleep, oblivious to the importance of the conductor's announcement during the night. When the bus stopped for a rest break, it was far too late; my urgency to pee had reached a peak.

After stumbling half-asleep towards the restroom and pleading for a quick stop, the conductor reacted with frustration. What followed was a long, uncomfortable wait by the roadside. Locals whispered amongst each other, and the driver and conductor looked at me with disapproval. I managed to make it back to the bus, feeling embarrassed, and hid for the rest of the journey.

A Journey of Personal Connections and Gifts

My second memorable trip was in the fall of 1973, when I accompanied a high school friend, the former homecoming queen, back to her hometown for the big homecoming game. It was no ordinary 11-hour Greyhound bus journey but one that would change my life in unexpected ways.

It was hot, and a guy named Corey got on the bus, sitting beside me despite many empty seats. We began a conversation, and it seemed like Corey was eager to take me to his apartment. However, I politely declined as I had obligations to my friend who was stretching out to sleep at the back. A few days before we arrived, Corey surprisingly offered to gift me a car, which seemed like an odd request, but I accepted the offer out of politeness.

Upon returning, I received a letter and a title to a 1973 Gran Torino car. Confused and a bit disturbed, I didn't know what to do with this unexpected gift. Corey's car was a symbol of his intention, knowing he would soon be deployed to Vietnam. He continued to send me the title multiple times, but I could not use it due to my age and lack of a driver's license.

Frustrated by the repeated requests, I informed him to stop, causing tension with my then-boyfriend. This trip wasn't just about the journey or the gift; it was a lesson on how to handle unexpected and non-conventional situations, preserving one's honor and personal boundaries.

Lessons from My Memorable Bus Trips

Both of these bus trips taught me valuable lessons. The first trip reminded me of the importance of paying attention to vital information during travels. The second journey highlighted the complexity of human connections and the occasional unexpected gifts life might throw our way. These experiences have stayed with me, serving as reminders to be attentive, cautious, and kind in life's unexpected moments.