I haven't posted here in a long while. I traveled for three weeks and was busy busy or tired tired. Much to my dismay, the sleeper cars on my trains didn't have wifi so I typed on my phone and posted on Facebook.


*****

Since leaving Portland yesterday afternoon I've been on 2 trains and 2 buses. I wouldn't recommend it especially if you're lugging 2 suitcases, 2 backpacks (one weighs as much as a suitcase), and a portable oxygen concentrator on wheels. Challenging doesn't begin to describe this leg of the trip.

Angels... Seriously, angels have helped me at each transfer because the Inland Empire doesn't have red caps. Um, angels work just fine.

Included in this post is a photo of my new best friend, Vicki. We rode the train together for 4 hours. She works for United Airlines. Without a peep from me, she took charge when the train arrived in Bakersfield. Like a lemming I got to the back of the very very long line for the bus - she vanished to talk to the bus driver and I got seated immediately. I would've cried with gratitude but I was too dehydrated - no food and only a tiny bottle of water. Yet feeling so happy & blessed beyond measure... probably delirium and oxygen deprivation.

It's a 2 hour bus trip to LA then I board the Southwest Chief with a bedroom in the sleeper car. Heaven awaits as we tear down the 99 south.

I'm calling our driver Boris because he has a strong accent like Boris and Natasha cartoon fame. He's a no nonsense sort of guy. Shaved head, scar running down cheek. He has a formidable presence and talks gruffly, but I discovered a heart of butter beneath his no-nonsense exterior.

We were running a bit late leaving Bakersfield when a man with learning disabilities became worried and started asking Boris panicky questions. Boris turned to the man and spat, "You wasting my time. Ask question when we get to LA." (Yikes!) A few miles down the road, he spoke to the disabled passenger again, using a much softer tone with reassuring words.

I couldn't help myself. I liked Boris.

*****

My new best friend, Vicki, must've put in a good word for me because when we arrived in LA Boris delivered me safely off the bus and corralled me to the side saying he would get my luggage after he unloaded the underbelly. In the meantime, a redcap pulled up and assisted me. As we drove off, I turned to look for Boris... and smiled and waved and blew him kisses. I'm smiling as I type. It was such a glorious silly moment. He burst into a gigantic smile and waved from a far.

I love love love moments like that. The inexplicable connection - ever so brief and glorious.




My Angel, Vicki