I wasn't sure what to slice about at first. However, when looking for inspiration I found a question about the modes of transport I've used. I didn't want to just list them, so instead today you are getting three memories related to modes of transportation and one memorable mode of transportation that I don't remember. Enjoy.
Bicycle
One of my favorite things to do on bright, sunshine filled days in spring was ride my bike through our neighborhood. At a young age, we could only ride up and down the street, but as I grew older the rest of the neighborhood opened up to me. I loved getting to glide down hills and pedal through the parts of the neighborhood under development -- that jolt of going from smooth pavement to rocky terrain was always fun.
Bus
My childhood was spent riding a bus back and forth to school. I didn't particularly care for it, but my favorite seat was over the wheel because it was easier to prop my legs up and read or work on homework. One time a friend brought a copy of the script from the movie "Scream" and we read it aloud -- everyone taking a part. Probably not the most appropriate thing for junior high students to be reading, but I still can't hear the line "I'm going to gut you like a fish" without giggling.
Monorail
This means one thing: Disney World. I have been a number of times and during one of the trips it became a bit of a game to try and say the script along with the speaker, including the Spanish. "Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas." My brother and I became so obsessed that it was part of our Christmas gifts that year. He got a shirt with the monorail Spanish greeting and I got a fantastic pair of Monorail socks.
Hot Air Balloon
When I was three, I got blown away in a hot air balloon. They had set up in the empty field across the street from my grandparents and were offering rides. I was put in the basket with the hot air balloon pilot and what was supposed to be a quick trip up and back down, turned into a mini adventure as the wind picked up and blew us to a different field. I have no memory of this event, but it's a favorite story of my dad's.
What modes of transportation stand out for you or what stories come to mind when you think about something as mundane as a car or bicycle?
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What a wonderful idea, Erica. I'm going to tuck this away for the future. I guess the one that popped into my head immediately was a shock absorber-free van ride from hell on an unpaved, graded highway in Uganda. Hours on end. They don't believe in paving one, section at a time. They had graded the whole dang road.
ReplyDeleteHah! That certainly sounds like an interesting story. We spend a lot of time in cars though, so it only makes sense to have a lot of transportation based stories right? I didn't even get into writing about wild car rides in this one -- or the time I threw up all over my dad's back seat.
DeleteSuch nice, vivid memories you have. I could picture them so clearly with your well chosen details. I imagine you parents were a bit terrified with the hot air ballon ride.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great slice and each memory is perfectly described, including the one you can't remember! It's a great idea for me to put aside. My most memorable rides would also be in taxis or autorickshaws in India or on a small bike in Vietnam...! People, people, people and traffic all sidestepping each other along the bad roads!
ReplyDelete