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Jenny Maxwell

writer, editor

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Adventures in Public Transportation

Every time I go downtown for a meeting, I think I should’ve taken the bus.  So today I did, from the skirt! office on Devine Street to the Midlands Goes Red event at the Marriott.

I have nothing but good things to report about my travels on #19, the route that loops from Dreher to downtown and back.  There are lots of bus stops all along Devine, including one within half a block of our office. 

I got off at the corner of Hampton and Assembly and walked one block to the Marriott.  People who drove and parked probably had to walk farther.  The bus was on time, the trip was quick (15 minutes) and each way only cost me $1.50. (I’m sure I would have spent $3 on parking, not counting the parking ticket I nearly always get.)

But maybe the best part is the bus drivers, two of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet.  Carnell (at left) picked me up for the trip downtown, helped me sort out my fare, and showed me the best stops.  I didn’t get the name of my driver for the return trip--but he was equally helpful and personable.

Of course, the one advantage you give up when you take the bus is that you’re on their schedule, not yours.  

I got downtown with about 15 minutes to spare, so I dropped in Frame of Mind and visited with owner Mark Plessinger. (That’s a photo of Mark in his store, at right.)

Frame of Mind is just across Main Street from the Columbia Museum of Art and if you haven’t checked out their glasses, do. 

They have gorgeous frames, yes, and they also have some great-looking readers that are very affordable.  (For those of us who now have to hold the menu at arms length, this is very good news.) 

When I’m in cities, I love taking public transportation.  But this is the first time I’ve taken it in Columbia.  I don’t know what I’ve been waiting for. It couldn’t be easier.  The city has route information online or you can just have your $1.50 ready and hop on the #19 when it drives down Devine.

As for the Midlands Goes Red luncheon, I’m happy I heard writer Ronda Rich speak.  She’s smart, Southern and funny.  What a great story teller. 

I left planning to read her book My Life in the Pits, about her years as a sportswriter and PR rep with NASCAR.  Photos from the event are in our skirt! photogallery.