"ended up getting off two stops early just in case. . ." Been there, done that :-)

Rio, did you get a map/schedule?

http://www.perthshire.com/NR/rdonlyr...ansportMap.pdf

I find if I have something to look at I'm calmer/better able to follow my progress, especially if there's a local map so I can read street signs out the window, etc. and better gauge where my stop is.