38 Geary
Wow, a pretty crazy bus ride home today.
I got on at Montgomery. Sat in back, a wiry Chinese guy was taking up two seats because he had a big backpack still on. So I sat in the seat ahead of him. He didn't really notice how much room he was taking up.
Bus was packed by Union Square. The bus pulled over twice over 3 light cycles to let screaming fire trucks by. A rescue truck pulled to a stop just opposite Macys.
From my seat I could see 5 other people with headphones, carefully shutting out the crowds.
At Powell several people pushed their way aboard. A lean black guy dove for the seat taken by the lanky Chinese guy's backpack. And complained and pushed and wedged into the seat.
Lurching up to Jones, Lanky and Lean moved towards the door. Lanky Chinese guy looked to be new to Muni (and English and manners) and didn't know to step down. Mr. Lean turned mean, and shoved the backpack guy aside. Too late, though. Doors closed.
So Mr. Lean pounds and screams and yells. "BACK DOOR! BACK DOOOR!!" Driver opens the door. Lean tumbles out.
Lanky backpacker gets out, too. He's steamed. I can't quite see. But then I see Lean dancing away, fists raised. And Lanky has thrown off his backpack, and started swinging wildly.
Kid: "If I had a camera I would post pics on the Internet." Driver pulls away.
In the commotion I didn't notice the bum who boarded. Man. Stinky. Then old Chinese guy started mumbling at the bum. I was wondering if there would be another fight. I think old Chinese guy was muttering about the smell, but his mannerisms suggested crazy old guy, so we all stayed clear.
The iPod contingent all traded glances. How crazy could this ride get?
At Van Ness, a short asian man sat down across from me. His face had several large lumpy growths, and his upper lip extended out from his jaw by about 3 inches. It was somewhat grotesque. I tried not to stare,but I couldn't help glancing over my book a few times. He scratched his nose a few times, which was wnormous and rubbery. No idea what condition he had, but it must be horrible to endure.
My fellow headphone wearers got off the bus. I wonder if they went home and told their friends about this crazy bus ride, too.