So its a beautiful day and I decide that rather than take the bus from work to campus, I'll walk. The most scenic route is cutting through the State Capitol building grounds: lots of shade, green grass, and funny people wandering around.

I'm plodding along when I suddenly realize there are several men in military uniform heading down the sidewalk in my direction. The only uniform I recognize is the United States Air Force. As I pass by the men, who flash their bright white teeth at me (it is a small world afterall and GIs the world over like any and every humanoid with boobs--I think they'll take what they can get), I realize that some have accents and an Airman is explaining some aspect of American culture to one. Hmmm, I wonder what they're doing.

As I continue on my way I come to the end of the line and upon some stragglers.
"Can I get a picture?" a man from Kazakhstan asks.

Because he has a thick accent and I have bad hearing (or something) I ask him to repeat himself. "You want me to take a picture of you?"

"No, "he answers. "I want a picture with you."

Now anyone who knows me much at all knows I hate to have my picture taken. But I'm in a generous mood, feeling adventurous, and having a good hair day (and not feeling particulary sensitive about my Adams apple--it only shows up in each and every picture I ever take!). I consent.

Next thing I know two more men run over wanting to be included in the picture. We pose, take the picture, and the photographer and one of the soldiers leave. I chat with the remaining two soldiers (one from Kazakhstan and Alegeria). I ask them what they're doing here.

Well you learn something new everyday. They are stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. I didn't know we had foreign soldiers stationed in the U.S. but, hey, thats neat.

We chat a little. The Algerian man, who's a cutie but a bit short, tries to impress me by stating that he speaks French and has a French accent. Then he ask me if we can exchange email addresses. I tell him, "No, I'll never see you again."

We chat a bit more and then part ways, as I have to get to class.

The moral of this story is that aside from the positive impact on the environment and one's personal character, a way to add spice to one's life is to use an alternative form of transportation. I don't know where to begin relating all the bus stories I have (and I have lots of experience riding the bus--elementary school to the present). For example, the other day there was an old man telling this wild story about a fall he had the night before from a three story building. If it wasn't for the ring finger on his right hand he would not have lived to tell the story. That finger wasn't even scratched.

Wow.....!


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