Tuesday, September 11, 2007

The Chicken Bus











The other day my son, Alexander and I boarded the Chicken Bus for some travel down beach road and a bit of sight seeing.




Alex, just turned three, while happy to gambol about the tram while stopped is not entirely sure about spending his morning riding around on it on it. "Are you sure this thing is safe, Dad?" "Just where are the seat belts?"







We cruised down Beach road and for a change, Dad had a chance to take in the scenery instead of focusing on driving and what passes for traffic on Saipan. Meanwhile strains of a lilting Mideastern Jazz Fusion tune wafts from the overhead speakers as we watch the lagoon drift by adazzle in the morning sun.






At the end of the line we explore the Saipan Grand Hotel, noting that it is receiving a face lift since the new owners have taken over. Alexander spends his time harassing innocent aquarium fish while we wait for a short but powerful morning rain storm to pass. "Why is the water on the inside of the boat, Dad?" Dad begins by explaining the physical dynamic and subsequent advantages of keeping the water on the outside of the boat under normal circumstances and is about to launch into a description of aquaria science when it becomes apparent he would rather splash the water and work on his pescatorial herding technique.




"Don't bother me, Dad, don't you see that good looking Japanese tourist girl waving at me?"

The trip back to Garapan is relaxing and the clean rain smell and refreshing cool breeze make it a pleasure not to have windows or doors or an A/C vent blowing on us. Life is good on Saipan.

11 comments:

Bon said...

I want to ride the chicken bus too! Nice crocs Alex.

Bruce A. Bateman said...

Alex says, "Thanks, Mrs. Gomez."

bigsoxfan said...

Another opportunity missed. I always hated that chicken bus behind me, while on the scooter. Not as much as the thing with the horn though. Still, the chicken bus looks like a good time. I'm trying to get through to the mutton carrier, but as her boyfriend here says; trying to get a word in edgewise requires a crowbar. If I can pry Erdene away from the pmpkn long enough to email, I should have an answer tomorrow. Then again, I could call Leah at the bar, this afternoon. Freakin brilliant.

Bree Reynolds said...

does the chicken's head on the back bob up and down or am i imagining things.

alex is so cute. i love his shoes, did you wear yours too:)

Bruce A. Bateman said...

I never thought of how that Saipanda bus with the horn must make motorscooterists feel when it's directly behind them. Yikes!

Yes, I wore my matching green beach shoes.

No bobbing that I could discern.

Bev said...

ahh, your son is so cute! I need to ride that chicken bus someday too!

Bree Reynolds said...

we need to pay slip fees right? we'll be dining at porky's tonight

Bruce A. Bateman said...

Marianas Life: Yep, If I'm not there just give to Olive or Jimmy. I've already paid the treasurer. Check your records but I think your last was for May June July. So Aug Sept plus more if you want.
BB

glend558 said...

Hey Bruce: Thanks for the comment on the 558 post. If you want to ever see a blank stare tell the person next to you that you had a "'69 camaro with dual hi-rise 850 hollys," See if it connects at all.

Bruce A. Bateman said...

'Fraid you're right Glen. Especially on this island. I get a chuckle every time I see what passes for fast cars here. 4 cyl with a wing screwed to the trunk for the most part. There are a few quick ones, but not many.

I have often thought about building a V-8 ground pounder to take up to Marpi on a Sunday afternoon and show 'em what laying rubber is all about. I have a couple of 350's set aside for that purpose but have not gotten around to the project yet. Maybe if a real strip gets built, I'll go that direction. Wanna team up?

glend558 said...

My first and immediate reaction is LET'S GO! Reality is another thing, we'll see what materializes in the near future.