GABBY SEZ

So now, with all the wonderful food, fun and frolic displayed on CONNECTPROVIDENCE, I have to choose between food and fuel!

My last trip to a Red Chicken state gas pump wiped out my budget for lunching out – it’s ham and cheese roll ups rather than exciting city seafood! And get this – I go to Taxachusetts to earn my daily bread – and the fuel is cheaper there! The cost of my carbon footprint is forcing a change in chew choices.

So I could turn to public transportation – or could I? If I want to get to Olneyville from Southside, I have to take the RIPTOFF scenic route – via down city! And the cost per fare has just gone up. (Now RIPTA drivers, don’t take offence – I know you’re not taking new vacations with this added fare hike)

Continuing to rant… I refer to the RIPTA website - negotiating this Uncle Wiggly game of directions is like the usual Red Chicken directions – take a left where the Star Market used to be! The names of the bus lines don’t make sense if you’ve never been there, and the map becomes a surreal or impressionist blur of colors when you expand it large enough to read!

But the Irrational Optimist rises again – RIPTA does have a wonderful summer services to the beaches. To Scarborough Beach – only 1.5 hours of bus bonanza each way – with all your beach toys! Be sure to take along a good book, or at least your Game Boy for the ride. Or (get it while it lasts) enjoy the Providence Newport Ferry! Don’t be depressed by the devastation at the petrol station – get out there and get some of those UV rays (that’s another rant – soon to come!!)