One memorable bus-trip I will never forget

We started out as strangers from the park. The journey was long and tiresome and

expectations were high. Each person must have been there on that day with their

minds set on their own priorities and their reason for embarking on this destination.

I have had numerous bus trips in the past, but this one was very exceptional and different, 

because of the people.

We were all anxious to leave as soon as the seats were all taken and paid for. We said our goodbyes to friends and dear ones who had come to see us off. The journey was long and tough, and the road was a bit rough. At the beginning of the journey, people seemed like total strangers to each other. Well yeah, we were all seeing each other for the first time in our lives. The journey began and the driver zoomed. Each of us not knowing what awaited us at the other end.

For a little while, everyone was quiet. Some that had mini devices for music, used the

opportunity to get themselves occupied. Someone started talking, to no person in

particular. Then another joined and soon everyone was taking part in this discussion.

Guys and ladies, sometimes took sides and sometimes opposed each other as the topics varied.

It was a long and interesting debate and discussion that took our whole time and

energy and got us all fully immersed. Those who pretended to be busy reading, didn’t

know when they propped their books to one corner, just to take part in the discussion.

We laughed together and forgot about our individual problems and differences, as the

discussion drifted gracefully from topic to topic. Everyone felt the impact. The mood

was good and somehow, there was this cool blend of personalities, such that everyone 

felt wonderful about life in general.

This was one of such priceless moments, as I look back with nostalgia now, and I

could still recall very vividly, how we all felt, saying goodbye to one another with

some affection, as the bus began making the stops along the route and final destination.

The journey that lasted for several hours, only seemed like a minute!

Osamuyi Okpame (Re-published in 2020)