This summer I took the bus to New York City. It was my third time riding a Chinatown bus and my second time of those three rides going to New York.

My first time to New York went perfectly fine, which was why I was willing to book my $72 round trip this time. The last time I actually found a long lost friend in the waiting area, and we sat together for the six hour drive between Richmond and New York.

This time I certainly met someone, but I hesitate to label her a long lost anything.

The bus stop is 0.8 miles from my apartment. I walked. My landlord actually stopped me and asked if I wanted a ride, but I am on that streak where I prove to myself that I am strong and independent (if the hetero-patriarchal society we live in doesn't reinforce that white male privilege notion every day).