I woke early last Wednesday morning. Rather than laying there to ponder my day ahead, I decided to get up right away. There were no clouds to be seen as the sun rose, it filled the sky with a beautiful light. I decided then and there I would go visit my sister. She hadn't been feeling well and I wanted to surprise her. I would buy an apple pie and freshly baked bread when I reached the city center.
The house was quiet, as I eat breakfast at the dining room table. Mr. D still sound asleep. On checking the bus timetable online, I saw there was a bus due in 12 minutes. I left a note on the kitchen worktop, then wrapped myself up warm in my padded jacket, hat, scarf and gloves. Soon I was outside in the cold morning air on my way to the bus stop. There was about 15 people waiting so I knew the bus was due any minute.... We all waited and waited, it eventually arrived 35 minutes late. The double Decker bus looked almost full as we lined up to get on.
I had my prepaid card in my gloved hand ready for when my turn came to pay. It was a Christmas present from my daughter and this was my first opportunity to use it. I rarely travel by bus and felt quite excited to be heading off on what felt like a little adventure. As I approached the driver, I said "city center please" I looked around in search of where to scan my card. There was a glass screen between the driver and the public. I couldn't see where to put the card. Within seconds the driver grabbed the card from my hand. He gritted his teeth as he said sarcastically "you need a bigger glove!" He had a look on his face as if he wanted to say something else but was restraining himself.
I was taken aback at his abruptness. I made my way to the back of the bus where I found a seat. I though to myself how stressed this man seems to be. What pressure was he under? Was he in the wrong job? Did he have any training on how to treat his passengers? Was he going to smile at anyone today? I put him out of my mind as I listened to the happy chatter of young polish girls who sat in the seats in front and beside me. 30 minutes later we reached the city center.
I thought about not saying "Thank You" as I left the bus but I decided I wouldn't be rude because then I would be just the same as him.
I had about 45 minutes before my next bus and made my way to the bakers for my purchases. Such an array of cakes and breads. I made a mental note to google bread making. I decided on a cranberry and pumpkin seed bread and a sweet little apple pie. I was greeted by a friendly shop assistant who smiled as she wrapped the freshly baked treats.
Then I made my way to the next bus stop where the bus was already waiting. What a contrast! The driver smiled and said "Thank you" as he took fares from all of us as we boarded. There was no glass barrier and he answered questions politely when asked about different drop off points. He left on time and the journey was a comfortable and relaxing experience. I mentioned to him where I would like to be dropped off. He told me to be careful walking because the road was narrow and very busy with traffic. He said "Thank You and take care" as I alighted the bus. Needless to say this bus was a private company. Service with a smile!
When I reached my sisters house she was still in bed. She was happy to see me and got up straight away. We spent a lovely day together and we have planned another visit for next week.
The house was quiet, as I eat breakfast at the dining room table. Mr. D still sound asleep. On checking the bus timetable online, I saw there was a bus due in 12 minutes. I left a note on the kitchen worktop, then wrapped myself up warm in my padded jacket, hat, scarf and gloves. Soon I was outside in the cold morning air on my way to the bus stop. There was about 15 people waiting so I knew the bus was due any minute.... We all waited and waited, it eventually arrived 35 minutes late. The double Decker bus looked almost full as we lined up to get on.
I had my prepaid card in my gloved hand ready for when my turn came to pay. It was a Christmas present from my daughter and this was my first opportunity to use it. I rarely travel by bus and felt quite excited to be heading off on what felt like a little adventure. As I approached the driver, I said "city center please" I looked around in search of where to scan my card. There was a glass screen between the driver and the public. I couldn't see where to put the card. Within seconds the driver grabbed the card from my hand. He gritted his teeth as he said sarcastically "you need a bigger glove!" He had a look on his face as if he wanted to say something else but was restraining himself.
I was taken aback at his abruptness. I made my way to the back of the bus where I found a seat. I though to myself how stressed this man seems to be. What pressure was he under? Was he in the wrong job? Did he have any training on how to treat his passengers? Was he going to smile at anyone today? I put him out of my mind as I listened to the happy chatter of young polish girls who sat in the seats in front and beside me. 30 minutes later we reached the city center.
I thought about not saying "Thank You" as I left the bus but I decided I wouldn't be rude because then I would be just the same as him.
I had about 45 minutes before my next bus and made my way to the bakers for my purchases. Such an array of cakes and breads. I made a mental note to google bread making. I decided on a cranberry and pumpkin seed bread and a sweet little apple pie. I was greeted by a friendly shop assistant who smiled as she wrapped the freshly baked treats.
Then I made my way to the next bus stop where the bus was already waiting. What a contrast! The driver smiled and said "Thank you" as he took fares from all of us as we boarded. There was no glass barrier and he answered questions politely when asked about different drop off points. He left on time and the journey was a comfortable and relaxing experience. I mentioned to him where I would like to be dropped off. He told me to be careful walking because the road was narrow and very busy with traffic. He said "Thank You and take care" as I alighted the bus. Needless to say this bus was a private company. Service with a smile!
When I reached my sisters house she was still in bed. She was happy to see me and got up straight away. We spent a lovely day together and we have planned another visit for next week.
