06/16/2026
A family outing to visit the famous Dutch Orange Bus turned into something much more than expected.
After traveling halfway around the world from the Netherlands, this legendary bus has become a symbol of Dutch football culture, following its supporters through World Cups and major tournaments for over 20 years.
My dad, Buddy, and I made the trip to see it for ourselves. Families gathered around with cheeseburgers and cold beers, sharing stories and enjoying the atmosphere. We stood there admiring the history of the bus and everything it represented.
Then a gentleman walked up and said, “I have the same breed dog as Buddy.”
A simple conversation turned into something memorable.
A few minutes later, he introduced himself as the driver of the bus. Then he quickly corrected himself and said, “I’m just the backup driver.”
I laughed and told him, “No, you’re one of the most important person here.”
Without him, there is no bus.
He wanted a photo with Buddy, so I grabbed his phone and took a few pictures. After seeing the images, he smiled and invited us inside the bus. Buddy even got his own tour.
Before long, Buddy had become the unofficial mascot of the Orange Bus. Families, kids, and supporters all wanted photos with him. Even with other dogs around, Buddy somehow became the star of the show.
Later, while my dad and I were grabbing a cheeseburger and a beer, a member of the Dutch group walked over and handed me a drink.
“The driver said you needed a beer.”
That small gesture meant a lot.
At the end of the day, it wasn’t really about the bus.
It was about spending time with my dad before I’m gone for work, watching Buddy make friends with people from around the world, sharing laughs with strangers, and creating memories that none of us expected when we woke up this morning.
Sometimes the best stories are the ones you never planned.
And for one afternoon, Buddy wasn’t just my dog.
He was the unofficial mascot of the Dutch Orange Bus. #ᴡᴏʀʟᴅᴄᴜᴘ2026
