Multicultural Bus

Been riding the bus more than usual lately and have noticed the late evening #27/28 can be quite the rambunctious affair. The other night four very young, well groomed Mexican exchange students (two boys/girls), probably high on friendship and adventure, were belting out a litany of Spanish pop harmonies while humoring a happy old drunk who traveled two stops after the intriguingly relaxed and friendly French (Quebecois?) bus driver let him on. The small and quiet Asian students on board were just that. I was gently Canadian, smiling vaguely and saying thanks to the rearview mirror when I got off.
I’ve noticed the same bulbously red nosed alcoholic on the 24/25 now for like five out of the last six trips. He always sits first seat behind the rear doors, looking unstably grumpy. Or maybe just unstable.
Friend of mine related a recent encounter at a bus stop with a less-than-sober man who told a tale of being abducted by Upland Cultists, who took him to their palatial home, got him drunk and into their hot tub. Says he escaped wearing a towel and a bathrobe on a bicycle, along with their cordless phone, which he then used to call a friend for help as he pedaled for freedom. He still had the phone on him downtown.
I need to get rid of my pre-pay transit ticket packs and get a full-time bus pass.