You tell a good story, and tell it well. I hope you continue to turn your experiences into stories, and that you continue to survive them.

Advice: Buy a spare phone battery. Keep it charged. Fold a crisp $20 into the battery compartment so you'll always have some cash.

When boarding a strange bus, ask: "You stop at Meridian and Chestnut?" so the driver has a chance to tell you that that stop is closed, or the map is out of date, or his destination banner is showing the previous route.

Attend to en-route announcements from the driver. They're mostly nice people, and will usually be helpful if asked effectively. Set your phone alarm before dozing.

Source: I once rode the right bus number in the wrong direction. To the end of the line. In Guadalajara. It's a big city. Luckily, it was not the last bus, and I did have the price of a return fare.