Sometimes we have wishes fulfilled without even having to ask for them. That is the best way!
Recently I have been traveling by bus in Mexico. Several years ago the Nation decided to invest heavily in overland bus routes since that seemed a more efficient way to transport folks to all corners of Mexico than by train. In the transition, passenger trains have all but disappeared in Mexico. There are now many bus lines and each one has its own hierarchy ranging from those old contraptions that stop in every hamlet to let people get on with almost any kind of baggage including animals to the first class bus service which features TV, comfortable reclining seats, snacks, and direct non-stop service between all major cities.
This article is about the first class bus experience. At first the idea of relaxing and watching movies was an appealing idea and was heartily embraced by weary travelers, myself included. As time went on, however, it dawned on me that someone had made a mistake, at least as far as I was concerned (and every other person with whom I have discussed this). What became apparent was that this provided another venue in which loud noise became the norm. During a 5or 6 hour bus ride, it turns out that one has to endure 3 movies played back to back. These are often violent shoot ‘em-ups which I would never watch at home. In the bus there is no way to avoid them. There are several TV monitors placed through out the bus and the volume is set at its highest level and carries through the whole cabin. Often the movies are in English with Spanish subtitles making it impossible for a speaker of English to ignore the action and noise. The bus ride, thus, becomes an endurance test.
Every time I get off the bus at the end of one of my trips I have mentally written a letter to the higher ups in which I express my wonderment at why there is this national need for so much noise. It seems reasonable to show one entertaining movie after which the passenger can sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery that makes up the Mexican countryside. I always beg the bus President in this fantasy letter of mine to be left in peace, to provide a quiet space to allow my mind wander, to let me enjoy the beauty. In addition, I also observe in my letter that this is a perfect opportunity to promote Mexico as a tourist destination. With a captive audience the bus company has a great opportunity to join with travel agencies to show documentaries featuring the various regions of Mexico. Unfortunately, Mexicans are as ignorant of their national geography as the North Americans are about theirs. (In education we call this a great “teaching” moment.) Instead, the time is filled with the violence and noise promoted in Grade B movies.

On the first leg of a trip last week I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that the 3 movies shown were at least “family” movies. The noise level was bearable although the radio that the driver was listening to tended to compete with and eventually drown out the sound of the movies. But I was still exhausted after 6 hours of uninterrupted viewing. Once again I remembered that I had forgotten my vow to bring ear plugs on each and every trip. Once again I wrote my imaginary letter stating my wishes for some serenity, for some thinking time. Once again I arrived with a migraine headache.

On the return trip it turns out that there is another class, a “deluxe” bus. Since it was leaving before the regular first class one I paid an additional $4 to ride on it. I expected it to provide a similar travel experience. However, I was wrong! I discovered that each passenger had individual ear phones which meant that those not wanting to watch the movie could have the peace and quiet that I have so longed for! After watching the movie, which was entertaining, I was able to settle back, look out the window, enjoy the scenery, and let my mind roam. So, unbeknownst to me it turns out that my wish had been fulfilled without ever writing that letter!

(If you plan to travel by bus in Mexico ask for the “super primera clase” bus. In my region that is the bus line ADO and the service is GL)