One of a kind experience

14 April 2010 Chennai

That day was a special experience - I can say that because i was traveling in a bus in Chennai in middle of noon.

But there were things which made it special-a unique experience for me at least.

I had to go to the annual medical check-up. as it was a holiday, my wife accompanied me and after the tests we thought of going to 'Sky mall' on P.H. road from Adyar.
We both have become accustomed to Chennai bus nowadays and it seemed the most economical, eco-friendly and no-stress option.

We took the 47 series from Adyar depot bus stop. Immediately after boarding the bus, which was practically empty, I put my hands in the wallet to find that I only had one 500 rupee note. Nothing else.
Nandini already gave me a look of ridicule - which said, (yes I should have expected only this from you, if I expected anything better, I were a fool) sort of a look.

I very politely asked the conductor to stop the bus and explained him my situation. And the miracle happened. The conductor very meticulously started counting all his lose currency. After 3-4 minutes he came with a whole lot of change, a big bundle of tens, twenties, coins, fifties. He grinned as he said, saar-anda 500 kudanga(give me that 500).
I was stunned as he actually had nothing left with him. The usual conductor purse which keeps jingling was vaccum empty. I offered him that I will get down but he said he will get change from the next ticket checker(appointed at a few important stops) which he did a little later from Anna University stop.

He would not accept a tip, he wouldnt even tell me his name. He was just happy that he did his job in such a way that one of his customer was happy.
Frankly my experience in Chennai bus has been quite satisfactory, but of course all the route conductors are sensitive about currency change. This was a first for me.