Cacophony …
The trip out of town (Oakland) was cold, wet and crowded, as usual. I grab the 53F at practically the last stop outbound and it is usually filled to the brim. I usually get to stand at least until the first or second stop on 8th Avenue in Homestead and it starts clearing out a bit.
Had the misfortune to be standing next to a classic yinzer. She had attitude and a cell phone, making her intolerable to begin with, but the conversation, which I generally try to ignore, was sprinkled with slurs and profanity. The noise level during those rides cannot drown out the stupidity of someone like this. Ignorance and intolerance always seems to find a way to be heard.
After I retreated to the rear of the bus when a seat became available, a young woman got on with her young son, I am guessing he was about 3. He was not at all happy about being on the bus, and he was going to make sure everyone knew it. Several blocks later, they were on their way.The yinzer had exited in lower Munhall or Homestead.
Everyone, including the operator, seemed relieved that there was finally a (relatively) quiet home stretch ahead. All in all, I think I preferred the whining of the young boy to the vitriolic rantings of the yinzer. All he wanted was to get off the bus. All she was doing was spreading the hate.