An interesting, enjoyable, and different day. After picking up Leslie about 9:15, I parked at the bus stop on Mathistown Road. We then waited about a half hour for it to come. We were surprised that it traveled down Route 9, rather than the Parkway, but realized people get on and off all along the route.
Which is why it took more than an hour to get there. Driving, it may be half that, something neither of us ever realized. We got to the "park and ride" to find a small, but heated, waiting room, with restrooms, too. Bought 75-cent tickets for the center of town, and waited another 40 minutes or so for it to arrive.
Got off at a busy area with a lot of county offices and strolled around somewhat aimlessly. It was a cloudy day and there weren't many people on the streets. We were a little disappointed to realize there were no shops nearby, but I took Leslie over to the library and we looked at the exhibits, then spent time in the genealogy room--very extensive for Ocean County and other areas of Jersey and very interesting.
Stopped at a restaurant for lunch, where I had a delectable chopped sirloin on a roll and a cold Bud. Explored a bit more, stopped for coffee at the church turned Dunkin' Donuts, a circumstance I find utterly bizarre, then found a bus stop and waited there for a good 45 minutes, at least. The bus finally came, with a very nice driver who advised us that we could as for a transfer ticket right on the bus and save 75 cents. We did and soon got to the park and ride. AGAIN waited at least 45 minutes, so it was close to 4:00 when we boarded. By the time we got home, it was 6:00 and full dark, but we enjoyed a pleasant day.
Had a message from Mary Ann Van O. to the effect she'd like to accompany Barbara D. and me to the "Healthy Holiday Eating" session at the Ocean Club today. Called her back and left a message, registered by phone for the session, had a bowl of "dump soup," then changed. Was so pleased to receive a Skype call from the Singapore Six and saw my darling girls, as well as my darling boy. I was absolutely delighted to be told said d.b. made Ellen's and my reservations for the 27th, NOT the day after Christmas, so departing at 6:55 isn't so bad. He suggested we stay over at a hotel and I think that's a good idea. Will ask Ellen if okay.
Back to the bus trip: Three things impressed me in particular (oh, so what if I'm using two colons in a row?): One, that it's pleasant to be able to look at the scenery going by because you don't have to keep your eyes on the road. Two, the expense of traveling by bus; regular fare is $4.30--that's almost ten dollars a day! For bus riders, many of whom are surely poorly (it rhymes!) paid, that must be a burden. Three, the time spent just waiting for the bus. Now, granted, we didn't know the schedule, and regular bus riders probably would, but even so--. We're so used to jumping in our cars and going immediately and directly to our destinations, that it's a chastening experience for privileged suburbanites like me to realize the other world out there doesn't enjoy that luxury.
But still--it was great fun!