People on the Bus
Fridays are my escape from schedules—a time to walk, photograph, write, and soak in the city’s rhythm. On the bus, I reflected on the independence of older passengers, inspiring me to stay active for the future. Seattle’s mix of nature and urban life makes every stroll a fresh experience.
Walking to the bus station used to feel uncomfortable—always worrying about missing the bus and having to wait anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes for the next one. There’s a simple solution to this, of course: checking the bus schedule ahead of time and planning my departure accordingly. But no, why would I do that? It’s too straightforward. I like to live on the edge—yeah, right.
I don't check the schedule when I head to the bus station. I just walk, unsure if the bus will arrive as I get there or if I’ll end up waiting. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. Fridays are my “free days,” when I forget about time and schedules. My only goals are to walk a little, photograph a little, write a little, read a little, and enjoy a cup of coffee before noon. Today is no different. If you’re curious, I only had to wait about 15 minutes for the bus—not bad.
My bus companions today were mostly older adults, with just a few younger people scattered among them. Almost all the older passengers carried large grocery bags—the sturdy kind you use for big shopping trips. I couldn’t help but reflect on how active they are at their age. I don’t know them or their reasons for taking the bus, but the fact that they can and do it's comforting. It gives me hope that I, too, could keep making city trips when I’m much older—still walking, still independent.
I noticed one person in a wheelchair, managing just fine on his own. Seeing his independence and determination was inspiring. It reminded me of the importance of staying active now, so I can maintain the mobility and health needed to keep walking when I’m in my seventies or eighties. I hope I can make that happen.
The older passengers also weren’t glued to their phones. Instead, they gazed out the windows, read books or newspapers, or chatted with each other. There were two exceptions—older gentlemen engrossed in their phones—but everyone else seemed perfectly content without digital distractions. That’s how I want to be when I’m older: engaged with the world around me, not dependent on a screen for entertainment.
I try to practice this now. Fridays are probably the day I use my phone the least. There’s just too much happening around me to be distracted by a tiny screen.
Last week, I wrote about our plans for later this year and the possibility of moving to another city. My one non-negotiable requirement is that wherever we go, the city must be walkable and interesting. I can’t imagine living in a car-dependent place again, where the only walks are loops around a suburban neighborhood. I wouldn’t mind living outside the city, but it has to be close enough to a vibrant center where I can continue my urban walks. I love seeing people, buildings, open spaces, and large bodies of water. That’s why I like Seattle—it has all of those things.
Right now, I’m at one of my favorite coffee shops. Soon, I’ll head out to walk by the water and enjoy the newly remodeled waterfront. Even though it’s cloudy today, the views are still fresh and beautiful. I might stroll through Sculpture Park, then circle back downtown to catch a bus home. Walking through Pike Place, downtown, and Belltown will likely take most of the afternoon. I plan to be back at the bus stop after sunset—it’ll be dark by then. I can’t wait for the longer days when the sun sets after 9 PM. Those days are coming, and I’m ready for them.
Have a wonderful weekend!
