"The wheels on the bus go round and round"

   I never road a school bus, at least not as
a student. My grade school was two blocks
from home. My Junior High School was
three blocks away. High School was about
a mile. But, back then, we walked. At least
till I got my driver's license and was able to
borrow the car for school.
    Lately though I've found myself on a bus
quite a few times! I was not, however,
headed for school!
    I've enjoyed a couple of nice excursions by
bus years including visits to New York City,
Niagara Falls, and Salem, Mass.
    Motor Coach Transportation has come a long
way. And I don't mean just in terms of miles
traveled.
     I remember taking the bus to the 'Big Apple'
with my Mom when I was just a kid. I can still
catch a smell of diesel exhaust in my mind when
I remember those hard, bumpy, and usually
cold trips.
     These days the seats are a lot more comfortable,
although still designed for people a little smaller
than I. There are restrooms on board. We used
to stop once or twice at restaurants along the
way to use the facilities or buy a snack.
     Nearly all of today's excursion coaches have
TV monitors so you can watch a movie as you
head towards your destination.
     Of course it's usually a movie I've seen 5 or
6 times. But, then, you get a chance to sleep.
     Our latest coach even had seat belts!
     Using them is an option, unlike Switzerland
which has had them for years and requires you
to buckle up.
      If you've opted for sleeping rather than
watching the old movie the belts can actually
help you to stay in place while you nod off!
       I'm still a bit surprised school buses don't
come equipped with seat belts.
       Anyway there's something to be said for
letting somebody else worry about
directions and traffic while you just sit
back and enjoy the trip.
         Lately I've seen buses from all sorts
of places driving through our town on their
way to the local Casino.
         Hopefully all the passengers bought
round trip tickets so they're assured of
a ride home after they've lost their money.
          I'm planning to take a few more bus trips
including a major tour my wife and I will
be hosting to National Parks next July.
          I've just got to remember to bring along
a few good movies to share with our
fellow travelers.
          Hope you'll be riding along and that
all your NEWS is good!