Years ago, i saw a double-decker bus in Rizal park, a park and amusement center in Manila. As a young child, i was so amazed to see a two storey bus, i wonder how it feels to ride on top of the deck and see the world from the top.
We were on the park walking when my dad told us that we will go to the circle to try the “bump ride”. My brother jump with joy finally knowing that he can experience driving an electric kiddie car .
The baby car where one can drive and use one’s skill to avoid bumping or should i say intentionally bump others so you can have fun. A very typical kiddie male kind of thing, driving and bumping to satiates one’s thrill glands. You wouldn’t call it a “Bump A Car Ride” if you always end up avoiding a bump, that won’t be fun at all.
My parents were surprised when i told them i don’t like that ride. I’d rather ride the bus, pointing to the double decker bus that ply all over the street.
My mom said, “you want to ride the love bus?” , I nod and say “yes.” (Love Bus? I was wondering how come it was called The Love Bus when its color was blue, it should have been painted red as red is the color of love.)
Yes, red is the color of love. I see red roses being sold outside my school during valentines. Santa Claus wears red and he loves us all kids. Red love letters, rosy red cheeks when you blushed and all those red wines associated with a candlelit dinner during valentines.
Years later, i realized why the love bus is blue, because sometimes love can make your world so blue after making you so red!
After trying the bump ride , my parents finally agreed to try the Love Bus after pestering them (pardon my word) with “I don’t want a candy , i want to ride the love bus, i don’t like to eat that burger, i want to ride that bus!”( I’m not really a brat, i just know what i want.)
Imagine my excitement when we climb the stairs of the bus and finally reaching the top. Although manila is not filled with tall buildings that time, i was bewildered seeing the clouds, looking up, looking down at the jeepneys that ply the street, the cool breeze of the wind that touches your face. For a young mind, it’s everything.
It was in hong kong when i experienced my second (and so far my last) double decker bus ride on our family holiday but wonders of wonder it never occurred to me why i never tried riding those double-decker buses while i’m in vegas or while i’m traveling anywhere where there are several double decker bus trips.
And yet as a grown up (well, not that i did really grow up as my mom always ask me “to grow up” after all these years) i will always take a second look everytime i see a double decker bus passed by.
That’s why i even hurriedly ask a stranger to take my photo when i saw a parked red double-decker bus while i was strolling in downtown toronto . Finally, the Love Bus is red this time.
The thrill of riding a double decker bus was gone but the memories of the first time (as always) will linger.
Although i’ll never know when i’ll be riding a double decker bus again, one thing is for sure, i will ride the Love Bus anytime and it doesn’t matter if it’s red or blue.
Kindly Click This and Read Don’t Wait For Me, Ours Is Not A Love Story. Thanks.
Copyright © 2014 Joys of Joel by Joel F. All Rights Reserved.
Joys of Joel 
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