When in doubt, ask a local
When using public transportation, I always aim for really early rather than really late. Getting the booster appointment had been easy enough, but I didn't want to have to reschedule either. Following the suggestion from the woman at NHS, I looked up the 6a bus route and found that it ran every 12 minutes. If I miss one, I could catch another with plenty of time. So I set out an hour before my appointment time and found the bus stop easily. It was even a fancy city route with a board for arrivals, which said I had 3 minutes to spare. I bought a round trip ticket on my bus app and watched for it down the road. I watched it approach, I stepped out, and then watched as it passed me. I waved at the driver, and he waved back. Crap.
I checked the directions for walking, and it was 44 minutes for 2.5 miles to the vaccine center. I debated for a few seconds, but started walking. I figured I'd keep on eye on the live bus route map, and if another came by, I'd stop and get on. That is, if they didn't pass me too. That bus driver must have thought I was being nice, not trying to alert him of my existence.
I saw other buses pass me, but I wasn't familiar with all the routes yet, so I kept on walking. My walking directions eventually took me away from my bus route, so I knew I was definitely walking the whole way. Well, I got to see a lot more of the city than I expected today. I made it with 5 minutes to spare for my appointment time.
The vaccine center was a basketball court adapted with stations and waiting areas. I zipped right through to a seat at a table where I answered the routine questions. I showed them my vaccine card from the States and they looked up the conversion for the booster. I got the jab and a pamphlet, and they sent me to the waiting area. Thanks to the pamphlet, I now have a UK vaccine passport on my phone (yes, there's an app for that).
I messaged Pedro that I made it in time, got my booster, and waited the allotted time to make sure I didn't have a reaction. Now the bus, part 2!
This bus stop had people already there, so I was hopeful. As I waited, I saw multiple busses (from different companies, not just routes) and realized people were hailing the bus. After I watched a few more times, I decided the ask the woman next to me.
S: Excuse me, when the bus arrives, do you have to hail the bus to get them to stop?
Local: Oh yes, dear, otherwise they go right by.
S: Ah, thank you! Back home, if anyone is waiting, they'd just stop. I missed my bus this morning!
Local: What bus are you taking?
S: 6A
Local: Aye, me too, I'll help ya!
She was very kind and asked where in America I was from and how I was liking Glasgow. She went on to say that it's very nice here and even people at bus stops will talk your ear off, if I let her. (Are Glaswegians just always self advertising?) I assured her I was enjoying the city and the people, and thanked her again for her kindness.
When the bus was approaching, she said she'd allow me to give it a go. So, I stuck my arm out like I'd seen the others do and walked to the curb. The bus saw me and turned into the stop, all the while the woman was giving encouragements:
Local: That's it....there ya go, dear!
Felt like I was getting a pep talk (from Molly Weasley, no less) and I had to fight from laughing. All this just reaffirms Pedro and I's motto: When in doubt, ask a local!
I got to ride home on the second floor of a double decker, which was a first. At least Pedro had a better day. He's been invited to a veterinary conference in London this summer! His professor enjoyed his insight on client communications and thought he'd benefit the university's chosen group. Yay Babe!
