Monday 4 November 2013

A bus journey in London



Was on Bus 29 heading for Chinatown to a lunch appointment when, at Camden Town, the bus was held up a while by a middle-aged woman tottering along with a walking stick, getting to the bus after what seemed ages.  The driver had very kindly and patiently waited for her — quite a common occurrence in London.  

The woman got on, and below is the conversation between her and the driver:

W:  Does this bus go to Cantelowes Park? 
D:   No.

Woman paused and looked at the driver for about 10 seconds, as if not quite comprehending.

W:  It doesn’t go to Cantelowes Park?
D:   No.

Another pause as the woman looked at the driver for another 10 seconds, trying to process this information.

W:  Maybe it’s Bus 27 that goes to Cantelowes Park, then.
D:   Maybe.

(I don’t think the driver was being unhelpful here.  London being so big, a lot of people, even bus drivers, don’t know where lots of places are.)

Woman paused for another 10 seconds, wondering what to do.

W:  Shall I get off and wait for Bus 27?

Long pause as she eye-balled the driver, obviously waiting for him to decide.

Versus what?  Staying on Bus 29 to wait for Bus 27 to come??

(London, Oct 2013)

PS:  My brain is so slow.  Nine years after the above, it's suddenly occurred to me that the lady must've been suffering from dementia: not being able to process verbal communications and logical connections.  If I'd known it at the time, being me (always wanting to help people, especially old people), I'd have escorted her to Cantelowes Park, since I know where it is. (Nov 2022)

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