The Bus (Part I) - by Frankie
Riding on the bus in Tel Aviv is an experience worth a few short stories or maybe even a war novel or two. Someone once told me an Israeli would break your leg racing you to a seat on the bus. He would then put you on his back and transfer you to a hospital for help! This was meant to be a joke (so I thought). As it turns out, it is not fiction but a fact. Every day happenings while on the bus create unforgettable memories.
The buses in America serve a population of carless or less prosperous classes of people. There are ofcourse exceptions. In Tel Aviv the workforce of every class are arriving at their destinations from early morning to late at night as they return home. The drame begins as the hundreds of busses leave their central bust stations (Tachana Merkazit) and wind their number 1 to 1000 numbered vehicles throughtout the city and it's surrounding areas.
Bus stops or stations are located en-masse around all neighborhoods of the city streets. Every passanger seems well aware of their bus number and where to be, and when to be there. The stations usually have four seats very close together. Some stops are a block or two long as 20 buses stop within this same statsion. People wait as long as it takes. They "jockey" into position to gain a good seat or even a bad seat or even a decent place to stand. The morning rush hours can test your nerves hoping your number arrives on time. Is there really going to be a place to sit? you ask yourself.
It seems every number arrive 5 times and your bus just vanished. People jump on and off and get in your way so you can not see your bus coming down the street. "ah!!" "There it is!" "Excuse me!" "Please, may I pass?" "oops!" "sorry" "Hey, wait!" "Driver, PLEASE WAIT!!" "Oh, well - only 30 minuts until the next one!" My boss will be thrilled as I phoneher with the bad news. "Why didn't you leave earlier?" She screams. Oh well, 6:00 AM seemed plenty of time for an 8:00 AM arrival, who knew?
The bus community is a combination of men, women and children from all walks of Israeli culture. The rich and poor alike utilize the public transporation. Front seats are for "old people". The step up to the seat would challenge a soccer star of great talent. The walkers and canes fly as the younger passangers scurry off the seats of choice. These is a sign to inform all about the status of the front seat "rules". The knock on the head from the "sweet old lady" will give a good idea of its meaning!
Once you are successfuly aboard the journey begins. My ride involves a trip through a religious and poor neighborhood. They ride the city buses unhappily but with no other choices. These characters are skillfully careful to avoid looking, touching or "G-D forbid", sitting next to a woman. [more travels with Frankie on the next posting... fun on the bus?! -- oh yeah!!!]
The buses in America serve a population of carless or less prosperous classes of people. There are ofcourse exceptions. In Tel Aviv the workforce of every class are arriving at their destinations from early morning to late at night as they return home. The drame begins as the hundreds of busses leave their central bust stations (Tachana Merkazit) and wind their number 1 to 1000 numbered vehicles throughtout the city and it's surrounding areas.
Bus stops or stations are located en-masse around all neighborhoods of the city streets. Every passanger seems well aware of their bus number and where to be, and when to be there. The stations usually have four seats very close together. Some stops are a block or two long as 20 buses stop within this same statsion. People wait as long as it takes. They "jockey" into position to gain a good seat or even a bad seat or even a decent place to stand. The morning rush hours can test your nerves hoping your number arrives on time. Is there really going to be a place to sit? you ask yourself.
It seems every number arrive 5 times and your bus just vanished. People jump on and off and get in your way so you can not see your bus coming down the street. "ah!!" "There it is!" "Excuse me!" "Please, may I pass?" "oops!" "sorry" "Hey, wait!" "Driver, PLEASE WAIT!!" "Oh, well - only 30 minuts until the next one!" My boss will be thrilled as I phoneher with the bad news. "Why didn't you leave earlier?" She screams. Oh well, 6:00 AM seemed plenty of time for an 8:00 AM arrival, who knew?
The bus community is a combination of men, women and children from all walks of Israeli culture. The rich and poor alike utilize the public transporation. Front seats are for "old people". The step up to the seat would challenge a soccer star of great talent. The walkers and canes fly as the younger passangers scurry off the seats of choice. These is a sign to inform all about the status of the front seat "rules". The knock on the head from the "sweet old lady" will give a good idea of its meaning!
Once you are successfuly aboard the journey begins. My ride involves a trip through a religious and poor neighborhood. They ride the city buses unhappily but with no other choices. These characters are skillfully careful to avoid looking, touching or "G-D forbid", sitting next to a woman. [more travels with Frankie on the next posting... fun on the bus?! -- oh yeah!!!]
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