First Bus Ride

Well today we did quite the adventurous thing. We took the bus downtown to go to the library. There is a bus stop right outside our apartment complex that takes you right downtown. We got on with a nice elderly gentleman also from our complex and also heading toward the library. He told me that he just walks from the downtown stop but he thought the walk would be a bit much for Caleb and me. I took his word for it and made a connection to a different bus without much problem. I realized I really didn't know where the library was. I had the address and I'd seen it on google maps, but that's not enough. Being myself I asked a gentleman sitting behind me and soon all around were helping. A man in front of me was also heading to the library and accompanied me there. Yes I am a very trusting person and rarely think the worst of people, but for those of you reading this and fearing for our safety, have no fear, it was still kindof downtown and people were coming and going all around. I was very grateful to my guide because he showed me how the Boise River Trail is a safer route (no street crossing etc) and prettier. He also told me all about everything around me and the library, etc., etc., and showed me around the Helen Keller Memorial.

The library was difficult. Caleb went crazy. He was pulling books off shelves, running around, running up to people. But he likes the library--that is good. I suppose we'll go back if they'll let us in the doors.

Quite exhausted from the library trip I asked the information lady where the bus stop was and was directed across the street. Not having thought much beyond getting out of the library with my child and our books with as little chaos as possible, I hadn't thought about when the bus would be coming. It was the middle of the afternoon and hot. The bus stop was on the corner of a fairly busy one-way street, and a not so busy entrance to the art museums in Boise. Still, not the place to sit for a while with a 15 month old. I was all nerves the whole time watching for
the bus (which I knew would be coming within a 30 minute window) that I really didn't want to miss abd trying to keep Caleb somewhat entertained and not running into the street. It was a long 10 or so minutes and I was very tired.

Remember I still had to make a connection to the bus that would take us home. I had thought my online studying of the routes at home had been sufficient preparation but I felt confused in the thick of it and sat behind the driver asking him how to connect to the route that would take me to my road. As I asked about the schedule and nice kid on the bus came up and gave me his. So nice!! People are so nice! Plus I think my helpless looking, naive, trusting, and open nature set me up well to be pitied and helped. :) Anyway you look at it, I'm glad to be the recipient of other's kind help.

At our stop we got out and played in the fountain downtown--one of those fountains where there are jsut little geysers coming out of the ground. Kids are always swarming it--some in swimsuits, some not. While we were there some other older kids were having a snack of those orange crackers filled with what is supposed to be somehting like cheese. Being the new mom and fairly unprepared person that I am, I had thought to bring water, but alas no snacks. Caleb went over and one of the kids offered him one. As he was about to take it the dad pulled out a new package and let him have one. Again very grateful for strangers' kindness.

We did make it home and I think Caleb had a really good time. I did too, but I learned a few things: bring snacks, know the routes better, and never, never be afraid to ask questions. :)