Back in 2004 or 2005 I went to visit a friend who was living in L.A. I didn’t rent a car, because mostly I hung out with said friend who had one. One day she was busy, so I went somewhere, I can’t remember and took…the bus. Yes, that’s right, I took the bus in L.A. As I waited at the bus stop I made friends with a crazy lawyer whose car was in repair and was therefore taking the bus. He was so upset at this prospect that he announced he had had to take a Valium before leaving his house. He couldn’t believe he was taking the bus. He couldn’t understand why I was taking the bus either. “Who would take the bus?” he asked, as did another lady who I befriended. I can’t remember her reason for taking the bus, but I think she was equally distressed.
And yet people take the bus every day in L.A. and seem to take the bus every day in Austin too. I am constantly reminded that public transportation, despite everyone’s protests, serve a certain section of the population. People who can’t afford to own a car. While there certainly isn’t the class system in this country that there is in England, there’s a different sort of class system, one based on economic earnings. And that is so clear in the demographics of people who ride the bus. I am finding out a completely different side of Austin than if I were to just drive around in a rental. I’m enjoying it! It’s driving me crazy (the waiting for the buses and trying to figure out what line goes where), but it’s all an adventure.
Now for some random thoughts about Austin:
They have fiesty squirrels.
Everything really is bigger in Texas (photos to come later)
People love to eat out with their dogs.
Tattoos are everywhere!
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