How Can They Be So Different?

I know you've heard of several of our bus adventures in previous posts, but here's another one for comparison sake. We took the bus to school this morning and it was a packed bus...a really packed bus.  We were approaching a red light with about 5 or 6 cars already stopped when much to my horror, but not to my surprise (as I've learned a lot in 5 months), the bus went to the left of all of the cars, into the lane that is supposed to (and could at any time) contain on-coming traffic, and THROUGH the red light.  I suppose the thrill of his driving stunts really excited him because shortly after the driver had to light up a cigarette and call a friend.  

Well, needless to say, the driving skills of the public bus driver left me a bit weary about our 5 hour bus trip to Istanbul later in the day.  But, after 2 minutes on the bus to Istanbul I realized we were in for a treat!!  We opted for the "luxury" bus (which is only approx. $50 per person for 10 hours round trip) as it is the only one that has a WC on it (what we Americans like to call a toilet).  Not ONLY does it have a WC, but it has personal t.v.'s and headphones in each seat, plenty of leg room, a bus attendant (yes, just like a flight attendant only on the ground), 2 snacks, 4 beverages, a MEAL (let me repeat, A MEAL), and wi-fi internet connection!! No, I'm not kidding. It truly was luxury. 

So, I'm dedicating this post to the "luxury" bus driver - who got us to Istanbul safely, in one piece, and without emphysema.  You rock!