How did you get a photo of my (rental) basement?

The… internet.

I have and I’ve also been approached by a lot of weirdos in public.

You can’t exactly leave a bus once a stranger approaches you. And how would you like it if someone stopped you on your way to your car to ask about your transportation habits?

I don’t think it was ever implied that OP wanted to meet face to face or ask for identifying info.

Cornering someone on public transportation/waiting for a bus for an interview feels so aggressive to me.

Another vote for D’s in Regent Square!

Hard agree here! It felt so special and smart and sweet to me as an emotional person who loves books and language. I would recommend the novel Babel for some similar vibes.