Back to almost real time. Marisa and I took a bus trip to Colima the day after Christmas, 12/26/2013. This was not on your regular, run of the mill local bus, but on one of the first class bus transportation companies that are available in Mexico. We departed from the small bus terminal here in Barra. In small towns each bus line appears to have its own terminal and from what I’ve seen they are usually situated close together and usually near the local buses, bus stop, which acts as a feeder for the longer distance bus service. We took the “ETN” Bus Company’s direct service and only had two short stops, one in Cihuatlan and the other at Manzanillo before arriving in Colima, about three hours in duration. The bus we were on was equipped with three seats across, a single seat, the isle and then two seats together. All the seats were large and comfortable with full arm and leg rests. When boarding you are checked in to your pre-assigned seat, given a choice of cold beverage and a sandwich. Large luggage is tagged and stored in the bus’ luggage compartment for you. Each bus was air-conditioned and had flat screen monitors playing a feature movie that you could listen to with provided head phones. All in all it was a very pleasant way to travel and about $240 (pesos) one way or $20 US. There is a curtained bulk head and closing door separating the driver’s area from the passenger seating. Pretty cushy.

The bus was clean, the drivers were attired in uniforms and very professional. Our buses, both coming and going were full. This photo was taken at the Central de Autobuses in Colima. This terminal, like the one in Manzanillo, are very large and not unlike a airport. Each company has its own service counter and their buses come in and park at assigned gates. There are vender suites where you can purchase food, beverages and travel accessories. All quite organized. No chicken coups on these babies!