Starting Over Part Three

So here I was trying to figure out how to make a living, not sell my soul, and not drive myself nuts.  I attained the necessary licensing to drive a city bus, but I could tell instantly it was not going to be for me.  For one, I would have passengers who not by choice in many cases were on a transit bus because it was their only choice. Two, it was impressed upon me the schedules of city buses were pretty exact.  I am tend to be more of a flexible personality than to the minute kinds person. And three, one must look at the fruit on the tree to decide of that is what is one wants to become. Transit drivers (I love you guys if I know ya) tend to have issues with health.  I did not want to be that kind of driver.  While driving transit, I always got goose bumps when I saw one of those highway coaches making their way down the road. A little nerdy, but when you feel like that, you gotta go where you think you need to be. For some reason I was pining to drive something like this:

Instead of driving one of these:

Although, I have to respect the bike rack.

I discovered a travel company which embraces the same values as I do: travel, people, incredible places, healthy foods, and vagabonding. This company has years and years of successful experience servicing international as well as domestic travelers.  I put in my application at the Green Tortoise Adventure Travel http://www.greentortoise.com/adventure.travel.html  Much to my delight I received a call from the owner within days of my submission. After a few important questions on his part I was invited down to their bus yard to familiarize myself with the operations as well as have my driving skills evaluated.  The job, as Driver, is not just that, it is driver, cook, leader, mechanic, guide, etc. As their website states regarding drivers, "(if you do) not have an open heart and mind will have a difficult time relating to a majority of the passengers. On the other hand if you have lots of energy, and a clear spirit you might surprise yourself with how well you do at the job!"  This encompasses many of my attributes moreover at this juncture in life I am keenly aware I will have to attain some skills.  I was honored to be able to drive one of their beautiful MCI buses named Isis, here she is:

And a photo of some of the inside:

During this training we took this 40' bus on roads one would hardly take your SUV on a crowed, narrow, Memorial Day, no shouldered road. This was a wonderful test not only to see how one handles this behemoth vehicle, but also determines how well the driver handles stressful situations. The company never takes their passengers on such roads...just tests.. and I do mean test potential drivers.

After several meetings and hours of driving I finally got the thumbs up from the boss...but not just yet. I still need to go on a trip as a passenger to see how the show unfolds. There is no pay involved nor do I have to pay for the trip.  The title I will have for this trip is "cushion" meaning I will be a nonpaying seat warmer.  In reality, it gives the potential driver the opportunity to work, pitch in without any of the responsibilities of being an employee.

The cushion will be on July 4th. A quick three day trip to Yosemite. Then, if all goes well I will be working till the cows come home.