Andrea Vlahakis - Tour de Bug: A Treasury of Travel Adventures from Ladybug

He dug and dug until pop! up poked his bald head, right into the zoo bathroom. Could this be home? No. Too smelly. But someone had left a hat and raincoat, so Hadley put them on. He waddled outside. Come again, said the lady at the gate.

Hadley saw a bus on the street. Step on up, said the driver. Sit here, said a little girl. So Hadley did. In the city, when everyone got off the bus, Hadley did, too. Stairs led down below the sidewalk to a saxophone player whose hat was full of money.

Then came a bright screeching light and a whoosh of air. Could this be home? No. Too dark and loud. The man with the saxophone spoke up. Are you looking for the airport train? Just follow the crowd. So Hadley followed.

Doors closed behind him, and the train began to move. When everyone jumped out, so did Hadley. Could this be home? No. Too bright and busy. But a man in a uniform was helpful. Sir, you dropped your ticket! I see youre going to Alaska.

Youd better hurry. Your flight is over there. Hadley wobbled into a strange tunnel full of seats. A lady with high gray hair smiled. Its nice to find someone my own age, she said. So Hadley sat beside her and looked out the window.

He watched as trees rushed by, then clouds. Could this be home? No. Too high and dry. At least everyone was nice. Have a good visit, said the stewardess after they stopped moving. Need a ride? asked his lady friend.

My son is picking me up and bringing the kids. So Hadley rode along with his lap full of children. When everyone got out, so did he. Something smelled familiarall salty and wet. He could hear waves slapping.