The Wheels on the Bus Go Around



Some bus-riding feet in the aisle on a bus in Bucerias, Mexico. 2023

In Mexico we rely on our feet to walk us or public transportation to carry us -- mostly big old buses, collectivo vans, and sometimes taxis. Riding the buses here is like Forrest Gump's  box of chocolates ... "you never know what you'll get!"

Sometimes the buses are like noisy old grain trucks with grinding gears and braying brakes. Window curtains flapping in the breeze, hard plastic seats and no remaining shock absorbers ensure a jostling journey. Other times, buses are new with tinted windows, air conditioning, cushy seats and fancy blue interior lighting at night. On rare occasions you'll have the entire bus to yourself, but, more often, there is standing room only. When you think they can't possibly cram another person on behind you, because you are already standing on the stairs, they manage to fit another 3 people .... no soul left behind. Hang on for your life to whatever railing you can grasp and try to find a wide enough stance to maintain your balance. It gets especially strenuous (and scary) when the packed bus speeds around a corner; to be certain it's riding on 2 wheels near tipping point! When squished like the proverbial sardine can, there will be no window draft. In the rolling sauna, sweat drips from faces like Ruben Studdard's in mid-solo.

Even with flaws, we are so grateful for many reasons. Buses are abundant and frequent; it is rare to wait more than 10 minutes. They are inexpensive and entertaining. We love riding with the school children, the sports teams, the nurses, the elderly, the construction workers, the cute babies hair tied up in bows... and the buskers with their guitars who aren't afraid to belt out a song -- for better or worse. But, mostly thankful for what the Mexican people have taught us. We have witnessed their open-hearted generosity on many occasions. When a busker or less fortunate person holds out their hand and we might look away, they willingly dig into their pockets for spare change or bills we wouldn't think of parting with.

In this season of giving ... do just that. The wheels on the bus go around and around, and so does giving.

 "Some people have many blessings and hoard them. Some have few and give much."
~ Fred "Mr." Rogers.


Busker on bus.

Love and best wishes to you for happy and safe holidays! 


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