I'm having an interesting time travelling the city by public transport, and learning the tricks of what's a daily grind for millions. (There's a 3-week lead time for a new part for my car.) For our area the effective options are train or mini-bus taxi. So far, taxi wins hands down. The driver will stop EXACTLY where you ask him to, the cost of the return trip to the office is less than half the cost of the consumables of driving my car that distance, and the other passengers are friendly and interesting. Oh, and I get to listen to radio stations and music I'd never choose - an educational experience.
But then there's the dilemma of the safety and reliability. Do I really want to travel in a vehicle where a passenger window has been broken and the wind-flow is cut down with a masking tape shield? Clearly a legacy of the very visible side-ding the vehicle received. It's not the 'look' that worries me - but what does it say about the driver? And will that wheel bearing I can hear humming give out on this trip - leaving me stranded on the freeway?
When it comes to transport I live a privileged life where I have choices. Millions others don't. I doesn't mean, however, that I'm not going to have fun with whatever choice I make.
Originally started the project to improve my photography skills. Over a 2500 photos later it's become a personal diary. I post pictures that mark my...
the buses I used to catch in Lae, had bullet-resistant glass and amplimesh security screens on all the windows. You still had to think about what seat you wanted....
It must be an interesting experience, Eleanor. But what a wonderful chance to meet colourful characters, see the other side of life, the cliches abound ... and I can't help feeling a teensy weensy bit jealous of what you're experiencing. Somehow can't imagine myself doing the same!
