Tuesday, October 2, 2007

taking a snooze

In the mornings, on the way to work, I take a short train trip then a loooooooooong bus trip to get to my job. I catch the 6:55 bus to get out to the northeast perimeter of Atlanta by 8 pm. Now, one of the advantages of such a long bus trip, is the ability to take a snooze.

I used to not be able to sleep in cars no matter what. Tired or no--something about moving just kept me awake. This came in handy when our family would drive from South Carolina to South Dakota over the holidays (what--you don't vacation in South Dakota?) I would sit up front with Dad and talk away as we drove through the night on small, straight US highways. Did you know that after Interstate 90** was put in through North Dakota, they had to go back and put in a few curves and turns? Drivers would get hypnotized by driving in a straight line for hours and accidents were numerous. So, I used to stay awake in cars--but I can sleep in buses.

Greyhound taught me to sleep in a moving vehicle. You've never quite experienced hell until you take greyhound cross country. Days later, you are a zombie who has only had one chance to wash your armpits in the crowded station sink and has had to listen to the person in the seat next to you talking about poaching alligators with her boyfriend for the last 8 hours (true story) I slept!



So, this morning, I got on the bus and read for the first 5 or so minutes, then nodded off. About 30 minutes later, my dream startled me. I woke up and looked around. It was surreal--every single person in the back of the bus was sleeping. There were only about 10 of us, but apparently, we were all on for the long haul. Comforted, I stretched my arms, then settled back down for another good nap.

**Interstate 94--my mistake!

5 comments:

pinknest said...

i hate the greyhound. i hate bus trips period. but i love falling asleep in moving vehicles. except i'm too freaked of doing it on the subway.

tavolini said...

haha--probably not a good idea!! I don't close my eyes on the train either. Somehow the bus seems much safer.

Sarah Regan Snavely said...

Small detail -- I-94 goes through North Dakota. I-90 goes through South Dakota.

Unknown said...

Maybe I should do that...just take the bus all over the place and take naps...away from my kids.

I like that idea.

tavolini said...

Sarah--whoops! Thanks for noticing error :)

TKW--yes, it's great for catching up on naps!