MATT'S FURTHER TALES OF THE CITY -- OR THE AREAS AROUND IT!

My big interview turned out to be a total bust, but --- once again, pathetic adventure is never too far from my person. So, the interview was in Alameda which is a nice little city outside of San Francisco, but not really very easy to get to without a care. Not impossible, but not easy.

As I've no sense of direction and get lost in shopping malls I decided it best to leave REALLY early to ensure I would not be late or in a state of sweatiness for rushing. My interview lunch was scheduled for Noon. So, I left the house at 7:30am. How is that for early?

Anway, I had to take the BART (like a commuter rail) to West Oakland Station. Not a particularly nice area. Now, I really do not normally worry about this stuff but I had to catch the North bound #19 Bus ---- on the less desirable side of the station. By less desirable side I mean to say --- the Ghetto from Hell side of life. I am already the whitest person on the planet, but Friday morning at 8am I was "Whitey In A Suit" on display for all to stare and make fun of. On top of that I waited for a solid hour and no #19 bus showed up --- just #64 which continued to drop off even more questionable looking people off with every drive by.

The first bit of "hazing" came from one of those big cars that has the ability to raise up and down. ...thought that had gone out of style a couple of years ago. ? Anyway, as I had my iPod on I could not really hear what the angry young men were shouting at me. And, I think, I am relieved about that. Two surly teens kept watching and mocking me. I ignored them until the shorter of the two walked up:

"Hey, are you gay?"

"Why, are you interested?"

"No!" ...and then he sort of did one of those side ways walks back to his taller friend who then approached me.

"Why are you riding OUR bus?"

"I believe this is called public transit. It is not your bus. Now, go play with your friend and leave me alone"

...He walked away.

Shit --- I just knew I was about to get gay bashed. But the one thing is --- you NEVER show fear! EVER!

Then this nice lady who had been near the two teens said something to both of them and she walked over to me.

"Honey, what bus are you waiting for?"

"The #19"

"Oh, it hardly ever stops here anymore."

"Really?"

"You really should drive. That would be better."

"I don't have a car"

"Well, they won't bother you anymore" ...but she looked worried and walked back leaving me standing all alone. Me. The white man begging to be attacked.

I walked back into the station and asked after the #19 and the lady in the bullet proof booth just seemed annoyed and said it would show up sooner or later.

So, I walked back out and began to realize that this probably was not an acceptable route pour moi. Then another #64 rolled up letting out a stream of people that should have been placed in a line up for questioning! This one really big dude stepped on to the curb, and, I swear, I could smell stench all the way to where I was standing. I saw him lumbering toward me.

"GIVE ME YOUR WALLET!"

"No."

"I said, GIVE ME YOUR WALLET"

Holding up my cell phone and punching "911" with my thumb, "NO!"

Shit --- I about to get shot, hit or knifed. ...but, instead, he sort of walked away from me very quickly.

I walked back into the station and told the charmer in the bullet proof box what had just happened.

...long and overly done sigh, "Do you want to file a report? I will call for the police, but you're ok and it is a waste of time"

Thanks! So, I called my potential employer. Got his voice mail and politely declined the offer for lunch/interview due to the fact that even the #19 bus seemed afraid of this stop. I was bummed because I think I could have aced this job, but I think you need to be able to get to the office to do the work --- and, preferably without being accousted!

So, kids, the job hunt goes on! ...and, I continue to be more and more desperate!!!!

love and kisses,
matt