On the corner of Blanchard and Pandora Streets in downtown Victoria British

Columbia sits an historic building with bold character and subtle relevance to the
history of Victoria. Constructed in 1891, the buildings original name was the Kaiser
Hotel. Then during World War One, the hotel changed names to The Allies. Today the
relevance of this name change is quiet subtly that echoes through its century old
walls. Like so many other old hotels from this era, the building became a residential
apartment building that slipped into gradual disrepair. Then one day in 1999 an
international traveler from South Africa who settled in Victoria leased the building
and converted it into a hostel.
Three year later William and Mary, two fictional characters in a novel titled
791 Pandora, almost met for the first time as adults at Ocean Island. While William
and Mary are not real, they do, in many ways represent an accurate account of my
first hosteling experience. I still remember all of the sensations; the smells of
foods I never dreamed existed; the mix of dozens of different languages spoken with
English as a translation point; the smiles from strangers I would soon know as
lifelong friends. It was a culture shock that rattled my American psyche to its very
core. I still remember trying to sleep in the upper bunk bed of a dorm room.
Strangers snoring, their strange smells of body odor mixed with thousands of miles
of travelling. To this day I remember the sound of the crosswalks at the corner of
Blanchard and Pandorade doop, de doop, de doopplaying over and over as if it
were a broken record stuck in a repetitive loop of welcoming trauma. As I
acclimated to the strange sensations, I fell in love with the hosteling experience. I
did not understand it at the time, but I had found my people, my calling as a
writer emerged.
This experience is like no other in the worldit has no borders, no war, no
hunger, no racism, and no hate. At its core it is international storytelling of real
events people (all people) experience as they travel. Based on true events, stylized
in the clichd fantasy world of star-crossed lovers, the following excerpt from 791
Pandora is me, the author who first experienced the intercultural experience that
makes hosteling a remarkable journey of inward facing discovery. This fantasy world
is Ocean Island in the spring of 2002, and the inaugural dialogue for the
hostelerblog.com.
A groovy vibe harkens: welcome international travelers, this place is special.
Check in and chill. The hostel has a flattened corner big enough for large windows
in each of the rooms that look out onto the street-corner. Just above the first floor
corner window there is a big sign, painted dark blue with an Octopus that always
seems to be swimming somewhere fun. Right above that are orange letters that
read Ocean Island Backpackers Inn.
At the front of the building, there is a seating area. Three sets of steel tables
and chairs sit chained together, of course, to keep them from disappearing. At any
given time, day or night, people sit at these tables, usually smoking cigarettes,
backpacks at their feet dusty and stained with the sweat of travel. Just to the right
of the tables is the front door. Still farther to the right is a chalkboard that usually
contains the inscription a famous quote. Sometimes the quotes have social
relevance, other times they are just whimsical. Locals read the quotes as they
walked by; and indeed many did regularly walk by, stopping a few seconds to read
the words of wisdom for the day.
Inside the hostel and just to the left as one enters is the front desk. There
area is a constant buzz of activity. Whether it is a new visitor checking in, or a staff

member visiting with a monthly resident, they are common occurrences. Still to the
left, and beyond the front desk, is a lounge area with three couches. On most days,
and at most times, hostel guests sit eating or drinking, or just visiting while listening
to the variety of world music emanating from two large speakers fastened to the far
corners of the lounges walls.
Ocean Island Backpackers Inn has an atmosphere that caters to the twenty
something generation. However, the Inn has guests of all ages. People from all over
the world come and stay at bargain prices while they explore the city and feel its
vibrant and energetic lifestyle. On any given Sunday morning one may find that a
child had taken over the television in the TV room. On any given Saturday night,
the TV room may be closed, used as a private room because the Inn was booked full
for the night. At suppertime everyone cooks food in the community kitchen. The
ethnic smells that come from the various dishes cooked bring mouthwatering
anticipation to the ones waiting to eat. On a beam above the front desk is the
inscription: You are beautiful.
Mary felt a rush of young energy as soon as she walked through the front
doors. She checked into a dorm room on the third floor. It was still early in the
evening so she decided to unpack then go down to the lobby to see about the band
scheduled in the lounge that evening.
In the lobby Mary sat next to a man hunched over a pile of papers in his lap.
He muttered softly to himself. The man was perhaps in his sixties and had a
pleasant demeanor about him despite his apparent lunacy.
How do you do, Lovely? You are beautiful. Are you from Argentina?
Hello sir, no Im from Southern California, the Los Angeles area.
I see. Then you must have Spanish blood.
Yes, on my mothers side. Although the man was clearly not with it, Mary
did not sense anything bad about him.
My name is Fernando. He held out his hand in a polite gentlemen-like
manner.
And Im Mary. Fernando kissed the back of Marys hand then bowed his
head slightly.
Just then William walked through the door on his way up to his dorm room. While
Mary was in her room unpacking William had arrived. He, however, didnt bother
unpacking. Hunger pains ruled his thought. He went out quickly for diner. Mary
didnt see him, nor did William see her because Fernando and Mary were sitting on
the couch right behind the front desk area.
Thats a nice Catholic name; I must go have a cigarette. Care to join me
lovely?
The band was setting up in the common area between the main lounge and
kitchen. They started tuning their instruments.
No thanks. I think I want to stay here and listen to the band.
Goodbye beautiful. Fernando abruptly stood up and headed toward the
front door.
***************

After fetching what he needed from his belongings, William descended the
stairs, reaching the lobby just as Mary entered the kitchen lounge and sat down
with Fernando. Although he enjoyed the sound of the band warming up he felt
claustrophobic and wanted to enjoy the nice Victorian evening. A group of
Australian tourists invited him to go out drinking with them. They were just outside
waiting for him.
Fernando stepped aside as William exited the hostel. You can have any girl
you want here; you have the eyes of a Greek god, stated Fernando unexpectedly
and with a serious tone.
Excuse me, questioned a confused William?
My name is Fernando. How do you do sir?
Im William. The gentle demeanor of the old man eased his confusion a bit.
Although William sensed a bit of lunacy, he cautiously offered Fernando his hand.
Nice to meet you Sir. Are you American? Fernando took Williams
outstretched hand and grasped it feebly, giving it two quick shakes before releasing
it.
Yes. William looked around for his two new Australian friends. They stood at
the corner of the building sharing what looked to him like a hand-rolled cigarette,
but smelled like something else he had been craving.
Have you met the beautiful Latin girl from California that is staying here?
She is right inside waiting for you to join her.
No I havent. Williams Australian friends gestured for him to join them.
Excuse me Fernando, I have to go.
I will take her out for you sir, and guard her with a Knights honor until you
return.
William, already taking a hit on the cigarette that was not a cigarette didnt
hear him.
***************
The beer was cold and yummy. Mary enjoyed its intoxicating effects as it
glided effortlessly down her throat. Canadian beer is stronger in most cases than
beer consumed in the states. Though she did not understand why, self-monitoring
her intoxication level seemed like the prudent thing to do. The bands funky
contemporary jazz/blues beat added to the euphoric high Mary and the other hostel
guests felt. A few of them danced while holding drinks. Dancing felt right to Mary,
but something that night stopped her from doing nothing more than chair dancing.
It was probably the long journey, but it confused her because ordinarily she would
be right there with the rest of them dancing the night away. Later, Mary met two
German girls. The three of them spent the rest of the evening together going from
pub to pub, drinking, and sharing stories about their own countries and travels. At
each pub mary felt compelled to dance, but did not.
At just after two am Mary arrived at the front door of the hostel. Her two new
friends, who became increasingly boisterous as the night went on, held the door
open for her as she stumbled through. She did not see William walking slowly
toward the open door.
***************

The hostels front door closed mere seconds away from Williams
outstretched hand. Remembering the hostel closed its doors at midnight, he
scrambled through his pockets for his key. In his drunken state William had a hard
time finding the key amongst his pockets contents. After what seemed like an
eternity he found his key and entered the hostel.
The next morning both Mary and William awoke at the same time. Because
Mary had had a considerable amount more to drink than William, she had a
miserable hang over. William, on the other hand, was up and showered before nine
am. He went down the stairs from his fourth floor dorm room in search of some
coffee and food. As Mary searched for an unoccupied bathroom, she wandered out
of the hallway and onto the third floor landing just as William reached the second
floor landing. They missed each other by only a few seconds.
*******************
Thankful that he did not drink more than he did, William walked tentatively
across the second floor landing. His Australian friends were able to drink beer after
beer, while all the while becoming even more boisterous and colorful. The three of
them had visited several bars the night before, most of which were a blur to William.
All he thought of was coffee and food. As he began his first step off the
second-floor landing, a faint whiff of his comforting blanket overtook him. A sense
of deja vu overcame him. The scent was familiar, and brought a smile to his face.
He considered going to search for the source of the scent but his cravings for coffee
and food overruled his curiosity.
At the front desk, a coffee machine churned a fresh Americano for a waiting
guest. A neatly arranged plate of muffins rested to one side. William chose black
coffee and a chocolate muffin. He settled into one of the comfortable couches in the
lounge area. He, in fact, sat right where Mary had sat the previous evening. He still
had the pleasant scent on his mind. As he sat there poised for his first sip of coffee,
the scent embraced him with an unfamiliar rush of comfort, bringing on a small
smile, and easing the discomfort of his hangover. He was about to unwrap his
muffin when a young traveler sat down next to him.
Hi there, she announced herself in a cheerful voice. Is this seat taken?
The traveler looked well traveled. She wore a faded pair of jeans with some sort of
skirt or other garment around her waist. Her tank top looked like it was too big for
her, so it fit very loosely on her small frame. She had long blonde hair that was
matted up and is stuck out everywhere. It also looked to William like it had not been
washed in quite some time.
Good morning. Nope that seat happens to be free. William took a
cautionary sip of his coffee. Where are you from? He asked as the awesome
goodness of the strong coffee took away the mint flavor in his mouth from his
toothbrush.
The Netherlands and you?
Im from the US.
Where in the US?
Well He paused, contemplating whether or he would explain himself
before having enough caffeine in his body. Even though she was young, she was
interesting, and cute, so he continued. before this trip Texas, but Im originally
from Southern California and here in BC. The coffees robust aroma echoed through

his head. It was a strong jolt of alertness as it warmed his throat and stomach. And
you? What part of the Netherlands are you from?
A little town about ninety kilometers east of Amsterdam. Where did you get
that coffee?
They sell it at the front desk. He took a bite of his muffin and added, these
muffins.
Save my seat.
Minutes later she scampered back to her seat on the couch next to William.
Whats your name?
William, whats yours?
Elizabeth. But all my friends call me Lizzy. Her smile widened as she offered
him an outstretched hand. Im pleased to meet you Willy. Her teasing one caught
him off guard.
Willy?... Summer 1977 flooded back in a rush of nostalgia. Even after twentyfive years, William, Willy, still thought of Mary on a regular basis. He had the biggest
summer love crush on her. No one had called him Willy since then, and it felt
awkward but strangely comforting, like the smell of his pillow and the same smell in
the hall mere minutes earlier. Please, call me Bill, or William, but not Willy.
Sure thing, she chuckled then put on a plaid shirt over her halter. Billy.
It was only nine am, but already the daytime activity buzzed with wet hair a
fresh energy. Couples formed a line in front of the desk waiting for key deposit
refunds. Most bought coffee with the five dollar Backpacks leaned against any
visible wall, waiting for ritual strap on that signals the start of a new days journey
I cant eat anything in the morning. Thanks saving my seat.
Youre welcome. He put the last piece of his muffin in his mouth. I have to
eat breakfast, otherwise I run out of energy by mid-morning. Lizzy grimaced as she
contemplated eating anything, let alone a muffin, so early in the morning. At least
the coffee is nice and strong.
Hmmm, yes it is. Lizzy took another tentative sip of her coffee. The
stronger the better.
I agree, William added.
Even as hostellers checked out, the mornings calmness met William with a
quiet peace he rarely felt. It soothed his tension that had developed upon learning
he would be living in New York City in just a few short weeks. William enjoyed the
last hours of west coast style relaxation. It sure is laid back here in Victoria, quite
different from Dallas Texas.
My home town is very different as well. Are you in Victoria long?
In Just a few days Ill be on my way to New York.
Why New York? Lizzy leaned closer into William.
Again William wondered if he should go into so much detail before having
enough caffeine in his system. In the last several minutes, Lizzy had begun to
interest him in ways he really wanted to avoid. But her erotic scent of cloves and
musk intrigued him. After another longer drink of coffee Billy continued. Billy, where
did that come from? The company I work for promoted me. The only trouble is I
need to relocate. He paused, reflected, he took another long drink of his coffee. I
needed a change anyway. William drifted into a far away expression that caught
Lizzy a bit off guard.
Let me guess, was it a woman?

That was part of it. I just never felt like I fit in there with all the country
music, cowboy hats, and snake skin boots. William let forbidden thoughts creep
into his brain as he studied Lizzys face. How long are you here for?
I leave tomorrow evening for South America.
Darn William mused to himself, not enough time. Thats sounds like fun. Ive
always wanted to go to Machu Pichu. What in South America?
I have family in Chile, my adopted mom and my youngest sister. Im going to
visit them for a month. Then Im going to visit a friend of mine in Argentina.
Oh, have you met Fernando yet? Hes from Argentina.
Yeah hes a sweet old man. Lizzy shifted her weight slightly, making herself
more comfortable and moving closer to William in the process.
Lizzy shifted a bit closer to him and he leaned a little into her. With her
current posture, he couldnt help but notice that she wasnt wearing a bra. Can I
ask you something? William said almost apologetically.
Sure. Lizzy shifted her weight again, scooting closer to William.
Why is your hair like that?
Oh this? She grasped a tangled clump of hair and inspected it, then looked
at William with a smile. Its called, how do you say in English, umm dreads?
I didnt see that style until I started traveling.
Lizzy twirled stray strands of the clump in her fingers as their eyes met. Her
eyes were aquatic green with tiny blue and brown speckles that reminded him of a
small Greek village on the Mediterranean Ocean. He had never been anywhere near
that part of the world, and yet looking into her eyes he felt the warm Mediterranean
sun caress his face with her gaze. William wondered if she noticed his eyes in the
same type of sensual dream.
How old are you?
How old do you think I am?
Hmmm lets see. She leaned in very close and looked deeper into his eyes.
Then said in a whisper of confident, Eyes never lie; you are thirty-three.
Pretty close. Im thirty-five.
You look good for your age old man. Lizzy tittered in a giggle of
embarrassment, then leaned back in bashful schoolgirl innocence. How old do you
think I am?
She tilted her head slightly forward and battered her eyelashes as she looked
at William. Distracted, he studied the outline of her breasts in an almost guilty
fashion, almost because she seemed accepting of his attention. Leaning closer to
Lizzy. He looked into her eyes. A glint of twenty-something passion peered back at
him. You look about twenty-three, maybe twenty-four.
You got it, Im twenty-four.
William took the last gulp of his coffee. In the next few seconds William
pondered pursuing a sexual encounter with Lizzy. She was obviously coming on to
him. Remembering Carol and why he declined Patsy, the 7-11 clerk from a few
weeks back, he decided against it. He didnt need any more Carol type
complications. William slapped his knees gently with the palms of his hands and
stood up.
Im headed out to enjoy the sun. It was nice meeting you Lizzy.
Okay Billy, exclaimed Lizzy in a playfully teasing voice.
William grimaced; he did not like the name Billy either. Nevertheless, spurred
on by her young energy he quickly forgot his annoyance.

She stood, then burst forward with an unexpected hug. With a sly smile, Lizzy
turned and walked away. A few seconds later she looked over her shoulder and
winked as if to say, follow me. William used every bit of self-control he could
muster to not follow her.
Fernando was nearby. Noticing her departure he quickly shuffled over to the
couch where William stood. Did you offend her sir? Blondes have all the power. But
a girl with glasses? Oh His voice trailed off into a dream-like stare. Then added,
be careful of these BC girls.
Why is that, asked William in a disinterested manner.
Because they will marry you, take all your money, then go to bed with your
best friend.
Trying not to get tangled up in another abstract conversation, he showed little
interest. Fernando I have to go.
You remember what I told you sir. He finished rolling a cigarette then put it
in his mouth to light. And always eat three meals a day. You lose your body and you
have nothing.
***************
Hearken William opened the front door just as Marry reached the last set of
stairs leading down into the lounge area. He almost turned to say goodbye to
Fernando, but didnt. In this brief passage of mere seconds, he would have been a
mere ten feet away from meeting Mary face-to-face. Instead, he turned his head
toward the warm morning sun and headed off toward the first stop on his tour of the
city.
The mixture of people milling about on the streets of Victoria fascinated him.
Similar to San Diego and San Francisco, but with an international feel. There tourists
walking about with shopping bags and maps in their hands. But the concentration of
those in the downtown sector was a mixture of several different types of people.
One could always tell who were the tourists. They either had a looks of eager
anticipation on their faces, or grimaces from tired and sore walking feet.
And so many backpackers roamed about the city. Some carried packs that
looked like they were too heavy to carry around for very long. Walking around
streets of Victoria William heard murmurs of several different languages.
Down at the inner harbor there was a walkway along the water where
artisans sold their crafts. There were also performers of all kinds, from guitar
players to poetry readers. One woman in particular caught Williams attention. She
was a fortuneteller that went by the name of Madam Dupree. She had a sign on
display that read, Know your future for only $20. Madam Dupree was in some sort
of trance as William stood there trying to decide if he wanted to spend the twenty
dollars to find out his future.
She is here.
If he had not been looking at her when she spoke he would not have known
that the words had come from the old woman. What? He was curious about the
woman. There was comforting energy coming from her presence, much like the
comfort he felt after smelling the blanket he bought from the hostel in San Diego.
Willy, be patient. Your soul mate is close and soon you will be together.
Huh? How do you know my name? Only one person has ever called me that
and I havent seen her in twenty-five years. The comfort William felt shattered. He
was uneasy about her knowing the childhood name that Mary used to call him. After
what seemed to him like several minutes, the woman said nothing more. She

lowered her head and started to breathe heavily as if she had fallen asleep. William
shrugged it off and turned to walk away. Still curious, he decided to give it one more
shot.
Madam Dup When he turned around to speak to her she was gone. It had only
been about thirty seconds since he last saw her sitting there slouching in her chair.
She must have quickly ducked into the restaurant that was nearby.
*************
Hello beautiful. It seemed as if Fernando had been waiting for Mary. He was
cheery and greeted her just as she stepped off the stairs and into the lounge.
Hi Fernando what a nice morning welcome. Marys hangover was better,
though her head still throbbed slightly.
Have you been out in the beautiful sun yet lovely?
No I havent, but Im heading out there as soon as I get some coffee. Mary
fished in her pocket and dug out the correct change. She hesitated then counted
her change, deciding to buy a chocolate muffin as well. I guess I should try to eat
something.
Can I join you? We can sit outside in the warm spring sun. He headed
toward the last set of table and chairs that was in the sunlight.
Thanks, I would like that.
There is another American staying here, his name escapes me though. Hes
from Texas I think. Fernandos brow furrowed from trying to remember the name.
Too much drugs when I was younger. They have made me go cuckoo.
Its okay. No, I havent met anyone but a couple of German girls. It was
Marys turn to grimace; trying to think of her new friends names only made her
head throb more.
Are you okay lovely?
Yeah, muttered Mary, I just had a little too much to drink last night. She
gingerly rubbed her temples in an attempt to relieve the throbbing.
Alcohol is very bad on the body. You need to take care of yourself. Are you
eating enough?
Yes, but traveling is expensive when it comes to buying food.
I live on doughnuts and coffee most of the month.
Judging by Fernandos shallow face, Mary suspected that was probably true. A
sense of compassion came to her. Even though she was not hungry she offered to
buy him breakfast. I eat more than doughnuts and coffee. Would you like to come
with me to get some breakfast Fernando?
With a wide toothless smile on his face Fernando eagerly accepted Marys
offer. You are an angel.
They went to a local fast food restaurant that had goodby fast food standards
breakfast food. Fernando had pancakes and Mary had a breakfast sandwich. Mary
listened as Fernando talked about various aspects of life in Victoria. He also told her
why he was so paranoid. Fernando became very serious and featherlike when he
told Mary she should not ever do any hallucinogenic drugs.
I have never done acid or even mushrooms, so there is no need to worry
about me. I like to be in control of my brain. Mary washed down the last bite of her
sandwich with some orange juice.
That is very wise of you sweetie.

Fernando had long since finished his breakfast and now seemed to Mary to be
restless. Getting up from the table he bowed slightly toward Mary. I must be going.
Thank you for the pancakes.
Bye Fernando.
Without another word Fernando left. He was determined to get somewhere.
Mary spent the rest of the morning relaxing at the hostel. She visited again
with her two German girlfriends. They didnt seem to have a hangover, even though
they drank almost twice as much as she did. Mary still did not remember their
names, and she was embarrassed. They were sympathetic, however, and laughed
when they reintroduced themselves.
Later in morning, she met a handsome man from Holland who spoke very
good English. Mary felt a twinge of attraction to him. But it quickly diminished when
his girlfriend came and sat down next to him.
They were an interesting couple; his name was Frederick and hers Berta. They were
on the last leg of a one-year backpacking trip around the world. Mary sat listening
with eager anticipation as they spent almost an hour telling her about their travels.
By eleven thirty, restlessness began to creep into Marys legs. With no plan or any
particular place to go Mary headed south toward Beacon Hill Park. The August sun
became more intense and heat began to engulf Victoria. Her hangover still nagged
at her like a post-it note stuck to her head. Though did not know why, she was
melancholy.
After forty-five minutes of walking, her throbbing headache went away. Mary
reached a place at the southern tip of the park where a sign read Mile 0. The
plaque located on the sign said it was the starting point of Canadian Highway 1. The
highway traversed the width of Canada all the way to the east coast. Mary
wondered how a highway could travel across the water to Vancouver.
Down a long rickety staircase was a beach area and rocks that people could scale.
Mary walked slowly down the rickety rungs. When she reached the bottom, she
removed her shoes so she could walk in the sand barefoot. On the other side of the
beach Mary found a nice comfortable rock to rest on. Looking out toward the south,
Mary saw the snow covered Olympic Mountains. Barely visible through the haze
Mary made out the faint outlines of buildings at the shoreline across the straight,
Port Angeles, Mary assumed. She spent several minutes sitting on her rock, soaking
up the warm sun and the refreshing ocean breeze.
************
William arrived at the Mile 0 sign just as The Victoria Clipper ferry sped by. He
stood at the top of the rickety staircase trying to decide if he would go down to the
beach. He noticed a woman sitting on the rocks perhaps one hundred and fifty feet
ahead of him. She had her back turned to him so he couldnt see her face. Against
the backdrop of the ocean out alone on the rocks she seemed lonely. Perhaps she
could use some company. William was about to step onto the first step when he
heard a loud crash come from behind him. William turned and looked.
The backfire came from an old yellow Impala that had just pulled into the parking
lot. It looked just like his dads car so he went to investigate. As he approached the
car, he realized that it had a cream-colored interior. His dads Impala had a white
interior; it wasnt his dads car. Then he heard bagpipes coming from somewhere in
Beacon Hill Park. His curiosity peaked he walked toward the music, forgetting about
the woman sitting on the rocks.

***************
Mary heard a loud crash coming from some distance behind her. Instinctively
she turned. She looked toward where the noise had come from. All she saw was a
man starting go in the direction of the loud bang. He was tall with blonde hair. It was
too bad he wasnt walking toward her. She watched him disappear over the horizon
of the bluff. She then returned to watching the tide go out. Probably a back-fire,
she mumbled to her self.
In the distance the Coho Ferry sped by on its way to the United States. Still farther
out in the straight there was a larger cruise ship steaming slowly toward the ferry
terminal. She had never been on a cruise. Perhaps that would be a future vacation.
Maybe one of those cruises where everyone was single with ample dating
opportunities. Knowing her luck she would pick a man that would just leave her
when the cruise was over. Men are all pigs, she muttered under her breath.
Mary flashed back to when she was twelve and the brief time she spent with Willy.
He wasnt a pig, he was a gentleman. Too bad adult relationships arent like puppy
love ones. Mary sighed. Why cant she find another boy like Willy?
The sun set ever so slowly to the right of the mountains to the south. It was
still warm but not hot. Mary had a nice leisurely walk back to the hostel in the
comfortable night air. She still felt melancholy; loneliness had overcome her again.
She walked most of the time with her head hung low.
By the time she reached the front door of the hostel it was dark. Though the night
life of Victoria started to pick up, Mary was alone, and she was not in the mood to
party. The next day she would have to leave Victoria. She should not have felt
sadness, but she did. Rather than give in to it she struggled to overcome her mood.
She tapped into the part of her that was excited, New York City waited; a new life a
better job, and maybe, just maybe, better men, awaited her.
The next morning Mary checked out of Ocean Island a mere twenty minutes after
William did. She was running late. Her intention was to catch the ten am ferry, but
her late start may cause her to wait for the next one.
Arriving at the ferry just in time, her car was the next to last car waiting in
line. When she had parked and ventured up from the car deck, Mary found a quiet
table in a corner of the cafeteria. She wanted to go over the final leg of her trip to
New York.