We all know that the  wheels on the bus go round n round, round ‘n round….early in the morning. So being a good travel citizen, I was up early and arrived at Union Station about 20 minutes before the designated time. We were told to be there by 9.25 am  for departure at 9.45 am to the main Greyhound station in Chicago. So I stood, with the very cosmopolitan people who normally hang out around a station, wating for the bus. Which never came! My next bus was due to leave for Kalamazoo at 10.45am, so by 10am….I knew something was wrong. Double checked that I was in the right place, then I phoned Greyhound. My first call was on hold for 4 minutes, no answer. My next call was answered, I explained situation and I held on for 14 minutes, while the telephone operator ” looked into the matter”. As far as I know….she is still looking. I hung up at 9.25am called an Uber and made a mad dash downtown.

I arrived at the Greyhound Bus Station, ran inside and saw that my next bus was starting to board in 5 minutes, I went to the counter and asked what was going on. She replied “we apologise for the inconvenience, but that shuttle bus did not arrive today.” Whaaaaaaaaat? So what would have happened if I did not uber here?  Oh not to worry we would have scheduled you on the next bus….2.30pm or so. Needless to say my happy face had vanished, but I just knew it was pointless to say anything. So I got tags for my bags and went to board. I had bought a Premier ticket which allowed for luggage and priority boarding….ie….you get to pick a seat first!  So the happy lady says, just get in that queue….being gatvolish, I spoke up and said I have priority boarding. Her reply eas to finally look at my ticket and say Oh you do, but it is too late mow. Such joy, such joy.

I completely understand why all my friends looked at me askew when I said I was catching a bus. Bev even tried to talk me out of it. No no I said…I want the experience (and I am searching for Jack Reacher still). Well, been there done that and the tshirt does not fit or look good on me. The trip itself was uneventful, the driver was very good and very friendly. But no scenery to see and the passengers were not from my pond! I did chuckle when Bev said no one she knows has ever been on a greyhound. Live and learn! Even Ant had a good chuckle when he phoned to see how it went. My stock standard answer…it was okay, but never again.

I was met at the bus stop by Walker taxi cabs….aka Parks! Nice to see a friendly face! He drove me to Kalamazoo airport so that I could collect my hire car for my trip to Pittsburgh. Way better than an uber or a taxi…thanks Parks. I had booked a Rav4 but have been upgrade to a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Massive SUV and very modern and luxurious. I then followed Parks to Stryker – where Bev works. I was given the grand tour of the factory and offices by Bev. This was so special, so great to be able to put her work life into context. The company manufactures medical equipment! What an operation- I have never before seen such a clean and orderly factory, I was blown away. Took stacks of photos to come and show people at home how things can be done. The work that Bev is project manager to in process improvement is unbelievable! It is patently obvious that the employees are happy and fully engaged. I met some of her team and the passion is so apparent. Thanks Bev for a phenomenal experience.

We then headed home for a great chinwag session. Unpacking and delivery of the Saffer pressies and goodies. Problem is I now have even more space in my case. After a quick and much needed freshen up and we headed off to dinner at Mission Pointe. I had a steak, sweet potato fries and coleslaw. Parks and Bev have a beautiful home in Richland and the drive into the suburb is just too beautiful. Tree lined and the changing colours just starting.  We headed home for desert… a decadent ice cream. I am very proud to know that I am considered a Mackinaw Fudge worthy friend….not Peanut butter ( you had to be there for the private joke). We sat around the table and had a good chat and catch up. This staying with friends thing is so novel to me….but what a win! I have been spoilt rotten this entire trip and am so grateful.

Tomorrow its off to the Amish Inn in Ohio en route to Pittsburgh. I am going to post some pics now. But I can’t  believe that we took no pics together tonight…to much chatting. Will fix that tomorrow.

As always thanks for the great interaction and comments on the blog!

Gryhpund destination

The bus

No ajack Reachee

Stryker faactory

Unbelievable

Bev’s work

Some of the team

My access card designed by Parks

Have to share

Dinner spot

My famcy ride